Wisconsin ATV & Off-Road Vehicle Accident Lawyers

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs) are popular recreational vehicles in Wisconsin, used on private land, trail systems, and thousands of miles of designated ATV routes. When an accident is caused by someone else’s negligence, a defective vehicle, or an unsafe trail or property condition, you may have the right to compensation.

Strang Bradley represents people seriously injured in ATV and off-road vehicle accidents throughout Wisconsin. We investigate the cause of the accident and pursue every available avenue of recovery.

Common Causes of ATV Accidents

• Inexperienced or reckless operators — including allowing children to operate adult ATVs
• Intoxicated operation
• Excessive speed, especially on unfamiliar terrain
• Defective ATV equipment — throttle defects, brake failures, stability issues
• Hazardous trail conditions — holes, unmarked drop-offs, inadequate signage
• Landowner negligence — failure to warn of known hazards on private property
• Collisions between multiple ATVs

Who Can Be Held Liable in an ATV Accident?

Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:

• The ATV operator
• The owner of the ATV
• A landowner or trail operator
• The ATV manufacturer
• An event organizer

ATV Accidents Involving Minors

Wisconsin law imposes specific rules on ATV operation by minors. Operators under 12 may not operate an ATV on public trails, and operators aged 12 to 15 must have safety certification unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. When an adult allows a child to operate an ATV beyond their capability — or in violation of these age requirements — they may be liable for resulting injuries.

What to Do After an ATV Accident

• Get medical attention immediately. Head, spinal, and internal injuries are common in ATV rollovers and should be evaluated even if you feel functional.
• Report the accident if it occurred on a designated ATV trail — trail operators and the Wisconsin DNR may need to be notified.
• Photograph the ATV, the terrain, any hazards, and your injuries before the scene is disturbed.
• Preserve the ATV and any protective gear as evidence — do not repair or discard anything.
• Note the name and contact information of the ATV owner and any witnesses.
• Contact an attorney before providing any statements to insurers.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

• Past and future medical expenses — emergency care, surgery, trauma rehabilitation, long-term care
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity for serious or permanent injuries
• Past and future pain and suffering
• Permanent disability and disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one
• Punitive damages where the operator was intoxicated or grossly reckless

Why Choose Strang Bradley for Your ATV Accident Case

ATV accident cases can involve multiple parties — the operator, owner, landowner, and manufacturer — and require a thorough investigation to identify all of them. Our attorneys know how to pursue every viable claim, retain the right experts, and build the case to earn our clients meaningful compensation for their injuries.