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ATV & UTV Injury Attorney in Des Moines
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A UTV crests a hill on a rural Polk County trail, and for a split second, all four wheels leave the ground. It’s the kind of moment riders live for, right up until the landing goes wrong.
From the wooded trails at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park to the farmland and rural roads stretching across Polk County, ATV and UTV riders here have plenty of room to ride, and very little standing between them and the ground when something fails.
If you were injured in an ATV or UTV crash in or around Des Moines, Lowe Law Group is a Des Moines ATV accident lawyer team ready to help. We take every case on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.
How Dangerous Are ATV and UTV Accidents in Iowa?
The numbers in Iowa are moving in the wrong direction. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, ATV and UTV crashes killed 12 people in Iowa in both 2022 and 2023, then rose to a record high of 20 deaths in 2024. Registrations have climbed just as fast: the Iowa DNR recorded 57,394 registered UTVs in fiscal year 2024, a 47% increase since a 2022 law change expanded where these vehicles can legally be driven.
More riders on more roads means more exposure, and ATVs and UTVs offer almost nothing in the way of protection. There are no doors, no airbags, and there is no structural frame between a rider and the ground when a rollover happens or another vehicle fails to yield.
That vulnerability is why gear matters so much. Research published in the CDC’S injury prevention program shows that helmet use reduces the risk of death in an ATV crash by about 40%. For anyone hurt in a crash near Des Moines, that gap in protection is exactly why the right off-road vehicle injury lawyer in Iowa matters.
Common Causes of ATV and UTV Accidents in Des Moines
ATV and UTV crashes rarely happen without a reason. Identifying what caused yours is the first step toward figuring out who is responsible.
Some of the most common causes we see in Des Moines and Polk County include:
Operator error and inexperience. These vehicles handle differently than cars, and riders who lack experience, especially at higher speeds or on unfamiliar terrain, face a much greater risk of losing control.
Alcohol or drug impairment. Impaired judgment and slowed reaction times are dangerous in any vehicle. On an ATV or UTV, where balance and quick corrections matter most, impairment is especially dangerous.
Dangerous or unfamiliar terrain. The wooded trails at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park and the rural roads and farmland across Polk County each bring their own hazards, from hidden ruts and washouts to loose gravel and steep grades.
Overloading passengers. Carrying more riders than a vehicle is designed for affects stability and handling in ways that can lead to serious crashes.
Mechanical failure or vehicle defects. Faulty brakes, steering problems, and tire failures can make a vehicle impossible to control, regardless of rider skill.
Inadequate protective gear. While not a cause of crashes, the absence of helmets and proper gear significantly worsens injury outcomes.
Other drivers failing to yield. Where OHVs share rural roads with passenger vehicles, drivers who fail to recognize or respect riders create serious collision risks.
As a personal injury accident lawyer in Des Moines, our team has seen how quickly insurers try to pin a crash entirely on rider error. Establishing the real cause is what protects your claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Des Moines ATV or UTV Crash?
One of the most important things an attorney does in an ATV or UTV case is identify every party whose negligence contributed to the crash. That list is often longer than most riders expect.
The Operator
If another rider caused the crash through reckless or impaired driving, they can be held directly liable for your injuries.
The Vehicle Owner
If someone allowed an inexperienced or impaired person to operate their ATV or UTV, that owner may share liability for what followed.
The Manufacturer or Dstributor
If a defective component, such as faulty brakes, a steering failure, or a tire defect, contributed to the crash, the manufacturer or distributor may be responsible.
A Property Owner
If dangerous trail or land conditions that a property owner knew about or should have known about contributed to the crash, they may also be liable.
Another Driver
When a passenger vehicle collides with or forces an OHV off the road, that driver can be held accountable.
Each of these parties typically carries separate insurance coverage. A claim that names only one defendant can leave significant compensation on the table. As an ATV and UTV injury law firm in Des Moines, our attorneys investigate every angle so nothing gets missed.
Injuries Common in ATV and UTV Accidents
Because riders have no structural protection around them, ATV and UTV crashes tend to produce some of the most severe injuries we see in personal injury cases.
Traumatic brain injuries and concussions. Head injuries are among the most common and most serious outcomes in OHV crashes, particularly in rollovers and ejections.
Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, permanently altering every aspect of a person’s life.
Broken bones and crush injuries. High-impact crashes and rollovers frequently result in fractures, some of which require surgery and extended rehabilitation.
Road rash and burns. Ejections that send riders across pavement or rough terrain cause deep abrasions that can become infected and require ongoing treatment.
Internal injuries. Blunt force impact can damage organs in ways that aren’t immediately visible but can be life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Amputations. Severe crush injuries or trauma to limbs can result in the loss of a digit or limb, either from the crash itself or subsequent medical intervention.
Wrongful death. When a crash proves fatal, surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim.
Many of these injuries require months or years of medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. They can affect a person’s ability to work, their earning capacity, and their quality of life long after the crash itself.
Iowa Laws That Affect Your ATV or UTV Claim
Understanding the legal framework that governs your case helps you make informed decisions and avoid mistakes that could reduce or eliminate your recovery.
Comparative fault. Iowa follows a modified comparative fault rule under Iowa Code § 668.3. You can recover compensation as long as your fault doesn’t exceed the combined fault of the other parties involved, meaning you’re barred only at 51% or more. Insurers often argue that riders were operating recklessly, especially in rollover cases, to inflate your share of fault. An experienced ATV rollover accident attorney in Des Moines knows how to push back on those arguments.
Statute of limitations. Personal injury claims in Iowa must generally be filed within two years under Iowa Code § 614.1.
OHV registration and operation laws. The Iowa DNR governs ATV and UTV registration and where these vehicles can be ridden, while the Iowa DOT and Iowa State Patrol oversee rules for operating them on public roads, including a minimum age of 18, a valid driver’s license, and a 35 mph speed limit. Those rules can affect how liability is evaluated in your case.
Why Des Moines Clients Choose Lowe Law Group
ATV and UTV cases can be complex. When a vehicle defect is involved, you need attorneys who know how to preserve evidence and pursue manufacturer liability. When another driver is at fault, you need someone who understands how insurers work to minimize claims against their policyholders. When the injuries are severe, you need medical documentation that holds up under scrutiny.
Our in-house medical director, Dr. Andrew Georgi, evaluates injuries with both your recovery and your case in mind. Our forensic reconstruction team establishes what happened and counters attempts to shift blame onto you. Several of our attorneys spent years representing carriers and insurers before joining Lowe Law Group.
We have a local Des Moines office, and we’re available 24/7.
ATV and UTV accidents often happen on rural roads, trails, and job sites that stretch across state and county lines. While this page focuses on helping riders in Des Moines, our legal team also represents people injured in serious ATV and UTV accidents in other cities, including:
• Fargo
• Bismarck
• Minot
• Cedar Rapids
If you were hurt in an ATV or UTV accident, our team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After an ATV or UTV Crash in Des Moines
What you do in the hours and days after a crash can directly affect the outcome of your claim.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Some of the most serious injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, aren’t obvious right away.
- Document the scene if you’re able, including the terrain, the vehicle, and any visible damage or defects.
- Get contact information from any witnesses before they leave.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before speaking with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that shift fault onto you.
- Preserve the vehicle if you suspect a mechanical defect played a role. Don’t repair or dispose of it until it’s been evaluated.
- Contact an accident lawyer in Des Moines as soon as possible so evidence can be gathered while it’s still fresh.
ATV and UTV Accident in Des Moines FAQs
Why choose Lowe Law Group as your ATV and UTV injury law firm in Des Moines?
Our team combines an in-house medical director, a forensic reconstruction team, and attorneys with former insurance defense experience. That combination means we build cases the way insurers build defenses, and it’s a major reason we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
What if I was partly at fault for the ATV or UTV crash?
Under Iowa’s modified comparative fault rule, you can still recover compensation as long as your fault doesn’t exceed the combined fault of the other parties, meaning you’re barred only at 51% or more. Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault, not eliminated by it.
Can I still file a claim if the crash happened on private land?
Yes. Property owners can be held liable if dangerous conditions they knew about, or should have known about, contributed to the crash
What if a vehicle defect caused my ATV or UTV accident?
If a defective part such as faulty brakes, a steering failure, or a tire defect contributed to your crash, a UTV accident attorney in Des Moines, IA can help you pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor, in addition to any claim against another rider or driver.
How long do I have to file an ATV or UTV accident claim in Iowa?
Iowa’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years under Iowa Code § 614.1. Even so, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible, since evidence and witness memories degrade over time.
Talk to a Des Moines ATV & UTV Accident Attorney Today
An ATV or UTV crash can change your life in an instant. Lowe Law Group is ready to help you hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue every dollar you’re owed throughout Des Moines and Polk County.
Call (515) 762-5229 or contact us here.
Focus on Recovery While We Win Your Case
Your priority now is to heal. Ours is to win your case. Here’s our 3-Step Approach:
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Let us listen to your story. We’ll provide a free, no pressure case evaluation.
2
Our team handles everything: the legal process, gathering paperwork, reviewing your medical treatment, and more.
3
We win your case and maximize your compensation or we don’t get paid, guaranteed.
See How We’ve Changed Lives
“WOW! What a FANTASTIC experience I had with this group.
I was hit on my MOTORCYCLE by a PODS TRUCK in June, yep, you read that right, PODS TRUCK. I was fortunate to walk away, but knew I needed a lawyer for an accident of this magnitude. Now, let me start by saying I don’t trust lawyers, never have. But had to put my differences aside and trust this GROUP of LAWYERS from a different state…
I was hit on my MOTORCYCLE by a PODS TRUCK in June, yep, you read that right, PODS TRUCK. I was fortunate to walk away, but knew I needed a lawyer for an accident of this magnitude. Now, let me start by saying I don’t trust lawyers, never have. But had to put my differences aside and trust this GROUP of LAWYERS from a different state to handle my affairs. RIGHT AWAY, from the beginning, MARISSA REED, WAS A ROCKSTAR!!! Made me feel at ease and answered all of my ridiculous questions like a VETERAN. Now, this has taken almost 9 months to complete, and it was well worth the wait. Marissa Reed took my settlement to a PLACE WHERE ONLY EAGLES SOAR BABY!! I GOT WAAAAY MORE than expected all thanks to the LOWE LAW GROUP AND FIERY MARISSA REED. Thank you Marissa, for ALL YOU DID FOR ME, AND ALL MY STUPID QUESTIONS. I’m alive, have a HEFTY settlement to spend and am more than thankful for these LAWYERS!! MY ATTITUDE HAS CHANGED FOR THE BETTER ON THEM! HELL YA!!
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I was hit by a trailer that crossed the median while I was driving on the highway which not only destroyed my car, but I have had to deal with a concussion, neck and back pain along with other PTSD issues. Life happens, some events alter your life, and it can be difficult to adjust. Lowe Law Group is the absolute best. If you want someone who’s gonna be in your c…
I was hit by a trailer that crossed the median while I was driving on the highway which not only destroyed my car, but I have had to deal with a concussion, neck and back pain along with other PTSD issues. Life happens, some events alter your life, and it can be difficult to adjust. Lowe Law Group is the absolute best. If you want someone who’s gonna be in your corner and help you out big time. I HIGHLY recommend them. They made it so much easier, and they don’t care just about money. They want you to be able to get the help you need to recover. Specifically, James Brandenburg has been so helpful and relatable. Where other companies have made me feel just like a number, he has made me feel like a friend.
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Success Stories From People Just Like You
“Its so nice to be able to feel taken care of and having a team backing you.
I have been working with Lowe Law Group since May 2023. I was in a terrible head on collision and have been undergoing coming up on 2 years of medical treatment. I have had 3 case managers throughout the 2 years and have been working closely with Cassi these last few months and she has been amazing. She keeps me updated on whats going on with my…
I have been working with Lowe Law Group since May 2023. I was in a terrible head on collision and have been undergoing coming up on 2 years of medical treatment. I have had 3 case managers throughout the 2 years and have been working closely with Cassi these last few months and she has been amazing. She keeps me updated on whats going on with my case and is doing everything in her power to ensure the best outcome. She has come up with ideas my other two case managers had not that will benefit me in the long run! Its so nice to be able to feel taken care of and having a team backing you.
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“Cyra at Lowe Law Group was great jumping right into my case.
I was in my car waiting at a stoplight when I was rear ended hitting my head, giving me whiplash, and a concussion. It also reaggravated other injuries I was making progress on. Cyra at Lowe Law Group was great jumping right into my case. She was professional and did well in keeping me informed of the process and updating me as needed. There were some challe…
I was in my car waiting at a stoplight when I was rear ended hitting my head, giving me whiplash, and a concussion. It also reaggravated other injuries I was making progress on. Cyra at Lowe Law Group was great jumping right into my case. She was professional and did well in keeping me informed of the process and updating me as needed. There were some challenges in dealing with the culpable party but Lowe Law I believe was able to get me the best settlement possible given all the circumstances and would recommend to anyone who has been involved in an accident.
– Nick W. Colorado
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I had a wonderful experience with Lowe law group after my accident. They were great and my case manager Cyra was an absolute ANGEL to work with!! Highly recommend.
- Cory Smart
I cannot say enough, good things about Heather at Lowe Law Group! From the very beginning, she was a beacon of kind…
I cannot say enough, good things about Heather at Lowe Law Group! From the very beginning, she was a beacon of kindness, compassion, and professionalism. She truly cares about her clients, and her empathy shines through in every interaction. Heather made a potentially overwhelming process feel effortless, guiding me with such care and attention to detail that I always felt completely supported and understood. It’s rare to meet somebody who combines such warmth with incredible expertise, but Heather doesn’t flawlessly. She’s truly a gem, and I am beyond grateful for everything she has done!
- AF
Giselle was always kind. I love how she always communicated with me through this whole process. If I didn’t understand…
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After one of the worst things that has happened to my daughter or me, Harmony was able help me work throug…
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Being in a car accident and dealing with everything from the car damage to the injuries and everything in between is very…
Being in a car accident and dealing with everything from the car damage to the injuries and everything in between is very stressful. I am so grateful for everyone at Lowe Law for helping me every step of the way. Kaitlyn kept me updated on the progress of the case and answered all the questions I had. Jason and Pete are very knowledgeable and explained each step and helped guide me throughout the process. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has been in a car accident.
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Thanks to Ethan for his gentle persuasion and persistent efforts.
…
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Thank You Olga Baranova ( I mention you first and foremost due to the fact you were my case manager, and whom I had prima…
Thank You Olga Baranova ( I mention you first and foremost due to the fact you were my case manager, and whom I had primary contact with.) And to all who worked for me, with me, & on my behalf. For the knowledge, expertise & professionalism applied .. I not only applaud you all .. I thank you all. Wishing Blessings Bountiful To All As well as Good Health, Good Fortune Kind Regards Marc Goulet & Family.
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I answered an advertisement for this law group. I had fired the first attorney. So I retained Lowe Law Group, and Maris…
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