You and a friend are cruising along a dirt road on your four-wheelers enjoying the great outdoors. You approach a sharp turn too fast, sending your ATV rolling off the trail. You’ve wrecked! What do you do next? While no one expects to be involved in this type of scenario, but accidents do happen. What you do before and after an ATV accident makes a difference. Continue reading to read more about ATV accidents and what you can do to prepare and protect yourself against the unexpected.
Immediately After an Accident
The most important thing to do after an ATV wreck is to seek help for anyone who has been injured. Since today’s all-terrain vehicles can travel at highway speeds of up to 70 MPH, a person can be very seriously injured in an accident – especially if he or she is not wearing the appropriate safety gear. If you or another driver or passenger is injured, dial 911 to request emergency assistance. Keep in mind that even if no one is injured, you may still need to report the accident with local law enforcement. A police report is legally required in some states as well as by many insurers. This is also the time to document the details of the accident. If you have your smartphone, take plenty of pictures of the incident and exchange contact and insurance with others involved in the accident.
Contact Your ATV Insurance Agent
If you have done everything correctly and had an ATV insurance policy in force at the time of the accident, then relax – you’re likely covered. Insurance for all-terrain vehicles comes in many different forms, with varying degrees of coverage. At a minimum, all ATV insurance policies should include liability coverage that helps pay for losses sustained by other people as a result of your ATV. That means that any medical bills or property damage you may have caused in the wreck should be covered by your insurer.
If you have physical damage coverage, your ATV insurance will help pay to replace or repair your own ATV as well. We suggest purchasing collision insurance, coverage for your trailer and accessories, and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection for yourself in case you are involved in an accident with a person who is not adequately insured. It is also beneficial to purchase comprehensive protection that covers your ATV for non-collision related claims, such as theft, fire, and vandalism.
I’m a Safe Driver. Do I Really Need ATV Insurance?
No one involved in an ATV accident expected to find themselves in a wreck. There is no way of knowing how many accidents occur each year involving all-terrain vehicles, primarily because many wrecks are single vehicle accidents that occur on private property. However, there are many ATV-related injuries that lead to approximately 100,000 emergency room visits every year according to a Consumer Products Safety Commission report.
If you have not yet purchased ATV insurance or need to review your existing coverage, contact an agent to discuss your options. There is no better time than the present to prepare for the future. Our team can help you evaluate your risk exposure and find a policy that will fit your needs. Call us today to request your free, no-obligation insurance quote. We look forward to serving you soon.
