How to Get Help for Side by Side Accidents

Utility task vehicles are also known as UTVs, and they can be fun to ride especially with family and friends. These UTVs are new to the market, but they are on the rise among people that want to purchase vehicles that are fun, easy to handle, and can lead to hours of fun. Unfortunately, UTVs should not be taken lightly, as they are capable of having high horsepower and work much like a regular vehicle. If you’re taking your child or another family member on a UTV, you need to make to get help in case you suffer from a side by side accident.

Why Are they Called Side by Side Accidents?

Side by side accidents are on the rise, and if you suffer from one, it’s important to know what to do after the fact. A side by side accident is an accident suffered on a UTV, as opposed to an ATV. They are called this because UTVs are designed to fit two people who sit side by side, or next to each other.

During an accident, both parties can become injured, especially if they are not wearing helmets and if a side by side accident is severe.

What to Do After a Side by Side Accident

If you’ve been involved in a side by side accident, know that these are serious accidents that warrant help right away. In fact, in 2020 there were 47 deaths reported due to side by side accidents. Below are some tips to consider that can help you after an accident. 

Get Medical Help

Did you know that UTV and ATV accidents can lead to serious injuries? Although they look like mini golf carts, these are powerful vehicles that can lead to injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, concussions, broken bones, dislocated bones, lacerations, muscle tears, muscle strains and sprains, and chronic and acute pain following an accident.

These injuries should be examined by a doctor. If you’re out on the field alone with someone, make sure to radio in for help, especially if in a remote area. In addition, always go to a hospital after an accident, since simply “walking it off” is never a good option. Injuries like traumatic brain injuries can go unnoticed, but can lead to serious consequences, including death. 

Gather Evidence

If your accident was due to another person, it’s important to gather evidence following your accident. Did this person hit you intentionally? Were they perhaps intoxicated on alcohol or using another substance? After an accident, you’ll want to gather as much evidence as possible if you are physically able to do so.

This can include eyewitness testimony, camera footage, such as through a go-pro or dash cam, names and license plate numbers or even pictures of people involved in the accident.

Call a Lawyer

Based on the severity of your injuries and the evidence you gathered, a lawyer will be able to bring your case to court and fight on your behalf to get you the settlement you deserve. You should call a lawyer who is experienced in handling ATV and UTV accidents, since different states might have different laws when it comes to settling for compensation with these vehicles.

A good lawyer will also gather more evidence on your behalf, file all paperwork related to the accident, and even find evidence that suggests the accident might have been due to a defect in your UTV. These are just some examples of how a lawyer can help ease your stress following an ATV or UTV side by side accident.

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