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All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a staple of Minnesota’s outdoor culture, offering riders a thrilling way to explore the state’s forests, trails, and wide-open spaces. However, they also come with serious risks. ATV accidents can happen in an instant, leaving victims with severe injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and a long road to recovery.
When these accidents are caused by the careless negligence of others, Minnesota law gives you the right to seek fair restitution.
At SiebenCarey, we’ve spent over 70 years fighting for injury victims across Minnesota. Our ATV accident lawyers know the financial and emotional toll these incidents can take. Whether your crash involved a reckless rider, a faulty ATV part, or an unsafe trail, we’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let Minnesota’s original personal injury law firm take the burden off your shoulders.
ATVs are built for excitement, not safety. Without seat belts, airbags, or a protective chassis, ATVs leave riders vulnerable to serious injury in a crash. In Minnesota, where ATV riding is a year-round passion, accidents are a persistent problem on summer trails or snowy backcountry.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, ATVs are associated with over 100,000 injuries every year. Minnesota alone contributes hundreds of injuries to that total. These numbers reflect real lives upended by tragic accidents. Unfortunately, those numbers seem to be increasing over the past few years, with no signs of slowing.
What leads to these accidents? Our decades of experience at SiebenCarey reveal a handful of recurring culprits – with many tied to simple negligence.
Speeding through narrow trails, taking sharp turns at high velocity, or attempting stunts like jumps can push an ATV beyond its safe limits. Minnesota’s winding trails, like those in the Nemadji State Forest, amplify the danger when riders ignore caution, often leading to rollovers or collisions with trees and other obstacles.
Alcohol or drugs cloud judgment and slow reaction times, turning a fun ride into a life-changing mistake. The DNR consistently identifies intoxication as a top factor in Minnesota ATV accidents, with many crashes occurring during late-night rides or gatherings where impaired riders underestimate the risks.
Defective brakes that fail to stop, throttles that stick, or tires that blow out can transform a reliable ATV into a serious hazard. Recalls of defective products like Polaris’s 2022 RZR battery cable issue that sparked fires, show how design flaws can endanger riders.
Novice riders, especially kids on adult-sized machines, often overestimate their abilities. Without proper training, they struggle to handle steep hills, tight corners, or sudden stops. These are common challenges on trails like the Iron Range OHV Area. Minnesota’s safety certificate requirement aims to reduce incidents, but inexperienced riders remain a risk.
Unmarked rocks, muddy ditches, or trails eroded by heavy rain can catch even careful riders unaware. Poorly maintained paths on private land or public systems can lead to major accidents. Property owners and managers are expected to prevent this through basic upkeep, but neglected trails remain a common concern.
The lack of protection that ATVs offer can make injuries far worse than most accidents. Victims often face serious hurdles that can impact their lives for years to come.
Head TraumaEven with a helmet, a hard fall or collision with a tree can cause concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries may lead to memory loss, dizziness, or permanent cognitive damage, drastically altering a person’s quality of life.
ATV rollovers are notorious for twisting or crushing the spine, resulting in herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or paralysis. A sudden ejection onto rocky ground, like that found in northern Minnesota’s trails, can leave riders wheelchair-bound or needing years of rehabilitation.
High-impact crashes frequently break arms, legs, collarbones, or ribs. These fractures often require surgery, metal pins, or months in casts. This can leave victims unable to work for months or even years.
Blunt force trauma from hitting handlebars or the ground can damage internal organs like the spleen, liver, or lungs. These silent injuries demand immediate surgery and can lead to lifelong complications if not caught quickly. And because many of these injuries have delayed symptoms, individuals could be seriously hurt without realizing it right away.
Skidding across gravel, branches, or frozen ground can hurt the skin, leaving deep cuts or bruises. Beyond the pain, these wounds can scar permanently or invite infection, further complicating the rider’s life.
These injuries don’t just cause pain. They can also disrupt your life with medical bills, lost income, and emotional strain. At SiebenCarey, we’re committed to helping you recover what’s been taken from you.
When a serious ATV crash upends your life, you need more than an attorney, you need a partner with the resources to take on insurance companies and the opposing parties. At SiebenCarey, we bring decades of expertise handling ATV accident cases, a client-first mindset, and a relentless drive to help you recover and get your life back.
Our in-house legal investigators leave no stone unturned. We analyze police reports, trail conditions, and witness accounts. If a negligent rider caused your injury, we’ll go the extra mile to prove it. If a defective product is suspected, we’ll collaborate with engineers to expose manufacturing flaws. If the trail was poorly maintained, we’ll do the digging to find out who was responsible for that negligence.
Since 1952, we’ve tailored our approach to every client. Can’t come to us? We’ll visit you at home, in the hospital, or wherever you’re recovering. We explain your rights in clear terms, easing the stress of the legal process.
Insurance companies often offer stingy settlements. We push back. Armed with evidence and experience, we negotiate fiercely to secure compensation that reflects your full losses, not their bottom line.
While the vast majority of injury cases are settled out of court, we’re always prepared for trial. Our Certified Civil Trial Specialists have a proven record of courtroom wins, ensuring negligent parties can’t dodge accountability.
Pinpointing liability is the cornerstone of any claim. In Minnesota, fault can lie with multiple parties, and our job is to identify them all.
A serious ATV injury can drain your savings and derail your future. Minnesota law lets you seek compensation for a variety of damages to help keep your life on track.
From the ambulance ride after your crash to emergency surgeries, physical therapy, and even long-term care like in-home nursing, medical bills pile up fast. We fight to recover every dollar spent and every dollar you’ll need so your recovery isn’t hindered by the costs.
If your injuries keep you off work, you shouldn’t lose your livelihood, too. We’ll seek compensation for wages missed during recovery plus future income if your injury reduces your ability to earn permanently.
A wrecked ATV can be a serious financial loss. Whether it’s fixing a bent frame or replacing a totaled machine, we’ll demand that the at-fault party cover the full cost, getting you back on the trails as soon as possible.
The pain of an injury is rarely momentary. It can lead to days, weeks, or even a lifetime of discomfort. We pursue compensation that reflects your pain and suffering, acknowledging the toll it takes beyond the doctor’s bill.
An ATV crash can leave scars you can’t see. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are all major threats after an accident. These emotional wounds deserve recognition, and we’ll ensure they’re included in your claim.
When injuries steal your ability to hunt, fish, or ride the trails you love, it’s a real loss. Minnesota’s outdoor lifestyle is priceless. We’ll fight for damages that honor how your accident dimmed that spark, helping you find justice for what you’ve lost.
In rare cases like a drunk rider, Minnesota courts may award extra damages to punish reckless behavior and deter others. We’ll assess if this applies to you, adding weight to your case when the negligence is egregious.
Don’t let an ATV accident steal your future. The clock is ticking as evidence fades, deadlines loom, and insurance companies won’t wait to push unfair offers.
Call the law offices of SiebenCarey at 1-800-4-RIGHTS (1-800-474-4487) or click below for a free, no-pressure case review available 24/7. Whether you’re in Minneapolis, Duluth, or anywhere in between, we’ll meet you where you are and fight for the justice you deserve.
Knowing the rules can protect your claim and your safety. Minnesota’s ATV regulations set clear standards for every rider.
Anyone born after July 1, 1987, must have an ATV safety certificate to ride on public trails. This ensures riders are adequately trained before tackling systems like the North Shore State Trail. Young riders aged 10-15 need both online and hands-on training offered through DNR-approved courses that blend theory with real-world practice to cut crash risks.
All ATVs used on public trails or lands must be registered with the DNR. A $60 fee applies every three years, designed to support the maintenance of Minnesota’s 22,000+ miles of trails. The registration sticker must be displayed prominently. Skipping this step risks fines of up to $300 and could weaken your legal case after a crash.
Riders under 16 aren’t allowed to operate adult-sized ATVs (over 90cc) without adult supervision. Kids aged 12-15 need a safety certificate for public trails, and those under 12 are limited to smaller models (under 90cc), even on private land. These rules are aimed at curbing accidents among Minnesota’s youngest and most vulnerable riders.
In Minnesota, kids under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet on public land or trails. Adults aren’t required to, but everyone is strongly urged to do so anyway. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of serious injury by 64%, and the risk of fatality by 42%.
ATVs are banned from paved roads except for direct crossings or designated shoulders (Class 1 only). Stick to public trails or private land with permission!
DWI laws apply to ATVs as much as any other vehicle. Riding an ATV with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal. Minnesotans who drink and ride can expect stiff penalties, potentially fines, jail time, and loss of license.
The chaos after a crash can overwhelm anyone. By remembering to follow these steps, you protect yourself and others while safeguarding a possible legal claim.
Check for injuries right away. If you or anyone else has suffered an injury, call 911 to report it and request emergency help. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, visit a doctor ASAP because some injuries won’t be apparent right away.
For crashes on public trails or with injuries, contact law enforcement or the DNR. Their report will be crucial evidence if you ever need to file a claim.
If it is safe, Snap photos of the accident site, your injuries, and the ATV’s condition. Gather contact info from any witnesses who saw what happened. These witnesses could provide priceless testimony later.
Never accept fault for an accident at the scene. Even saying “I’m sorry” could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Insurance adjusters can twist your words against you to minimize your compensation or even blame you for the crash. Let your attorney determine who was at fault.
As soon as possible, reach out to SiebenCarey so one of our Minnesota ATV accident attorneys can advise you of your rights and help you take the next steps.
Since 1952, we’ve handled over 70,000 cases – more than most any other Minnesota personal injury firm. Our deep experience gives us an edge in ATV claims.
Our team includes Certified Civil Trial Specialists and Board Certified Trial Advocates. SiebenCarey attorneys have also been recognized by their peers as Super Lawyers® and Best Lawyers in America®, exceptional honors that reflect our record of success and dedication to serving all Minnesotans.
SiebenCarey works on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you only pay once we’ve won your case. Our fees come straight from your settlement or verdict, so you’ll never have to pay out of pocket.
With offices in Minneapolis, Lakeville, and Duluth, we know Minnesota’s trails, culture, laws, and courts. We’re not strangers, we’re your neighbors.
At SiebenCarey, your comfort and recovery come first. Can’t make it to our office? We’ll meet you where you are, whether that’s your home, the hospital, or a local spot that works for you. We take the time to listen, explain your options in plain language, and guide you through every step. That way, you can rest and focus on healing.
Don’t let an ATV accident steal your future. The clock is ticking as evidence fades, deadlines loom, and insurance companies won’t wait to push unfair offers.
Call the law offices of SiebenCarey at 1-800-4-RIGHTS (1-800-474-4487) or click below for a free, no-pressure case review available 24/7. Whether you’re in Minneapolis, Duluth, or anywhere in between, we’ll meet you where you are and fight for the justice you deserve.
901 S Marquette Avenue, Suite 500Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Phone: 612-333-4500Fax: 612-333-5970
Also awarded in:
2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.
5 of our attorneys have been recognized as Attorneys of the Year
Also awarded in:
2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
Also awarded in:
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008
7 Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists, Minnesota Bar Association
3 Board Certified Trial Advocates, National Board of Trial Advocacy.
