Ashton Erickson Survives Fiery Burnett County UTV Crash

UTV Accident Investigation

Data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that off-highway vehicles, including UTVs, are linked to an average of more than 800 deaths and roughly 100,000 emergency room–treated injuries each year. Children under the age of 16 continue to make up a notable portion of these fatalities, highlighting the persistent dangers tied to UTV use for both adults and younger riders.

Candice Bond, a Managing Partner at Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline, said that in crashes like this one, launching an independent investigation as soon as possible is critical to preserving evidence before it’s lost.

“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” said Bond.

“Your lawyer has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct background checks, locate witnesses to the crash and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide an injury victim through what can be a complicated process.”

Personal Injury Claim

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, an injured victim may have grounds to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, said the stress and anxiety that follow a serious injury can be overwhelming, affecting nearly every part of a person’s life — from family and work to finances and overall well-being.

“It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company on the behalf of a client,” Formica said.

“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their clients to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”

(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)