In Mercer County, ATVs are tools, transportation, and recreation all rolled into one. From Aledo farm fields to riverfront trails near New Boston, riders use ATVs for everything from crop scouting to creekside recreation. But with this convenience comes risk, especially when equipment fails, trails are unsafe, or drivers act carelessly.
At Chicago Injury Lawyer, we understand the realities of rural ATV use. If you’ve been injured in a crash near Viola, Joy, Reynolds, or Keithsburg, we’re here to help you recover physically and financially.
Call us now at 312-261-5656 for a free, no-obligation consultation, available 24/7. With our no-fee-unless-we-win policy, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.
ATV Accident Risks in Mercer County
Crashes often occur in:
- Farmland zones near Matherville, Eliza Township, and Seaton, where ATVs are used for fence checks, field scouting, livestock movement, or chemical spraying.
- Wooded paths and levee roads in New Boston Township, especially near the Mississippi River backwaters, where terrain changes quickly.
- Gravel township roads around Viola, Millersburg, and Perryton which are frequently used by both farm equipment and off-road riders.
- County-maintained ditches and culverts near Green Township which often lack warning markers or fencing.
Common causes of crashes include:
- ATV rollovers while riding side slopes, culverts, or drainage berms
- Worn-out brakes or steering, especially on older vehicles passed down in families or purchased from local farm auctions
- Unseen trail hazards like barbed wire, irrigation piping, or hidden ditches in cornfields or along hedgerows
- Recreational group rides that result in collisions, tip-overs, or terrain misjudgment on properties near Sherrard or Viola
Many victims initially seek treatment at Genesis Medical Center Aledo, UnityPoint Health – Trinity in Rock Island, or trauma centers in Iowa City and Peoria.
Determining Liability in an ATV Crash
Our job is to identify fault and build a strong legal case. Liability could involve:
- A reckless rider who collided with you during a recreational ride or work task
- A property owner who didn’t post warnings about fencing, irrigation, or washouts
- A manufacturer or seller whose defective parts (brakes, throttles, tires) contributed to the crash
- A neighboring land operator whose equipment or livestock encroached on your riding path
We gather:
- Photos and video of the accident scene
- Witness accounts from nearby landowners or ATV partners
- Emergency response logs from Mercer County EMS or Viola Fire Department
- ATV maintenance and purchase records from sellers or auction documentation
- Maps and terrain layouts from Mercer County GIS or field boundary surveys
Compensation Available After an ATV Crash
Injury disrupts every aspect of life for rural residents. We help Mercer County clients recover damages related to:
- Hospitalization, ER visits, surgery, and trauma care
- Ongoing rehab for mobility loss, spine, shoulder, or neck issues
- Long-distance travel costs to care centers in Galesburg, Rock Island, or Iowa City
- Time off work from farm labor, co-op duties, and truck-driving routes that are essential to seasonal income
- Loss of functional ability, especially when riders are unable to continue mechanical, logging, or animal care tasks
- Damaged property, including custom ATVs, trail accessories, sprayer carts, and livestock trailers
We calculate full financial damages with a seasoned ATV Injury Claim Attorney who tailors claims to your real losses, not just insurance averages.
For a free legal consultation, call 312-261-5656Why Local Experience Matters
You won’t find city lawyers who understand what it means to:
- Lose weeks of work during corn harvest
- Miss 4-H events or FFA deadlines because of recovery
- Navigate township line disputes over unmarked trails between New Boston and Keithsburg
- Ride ATVs for both utility and recreation across properties owned by relatives or neighbors
We serve:
- Aledo grain handlers, co-op drivers, and farm owners
- Keithsburg hunters and riverfront riders using ATVs along bluff edges and levee roads
- Viola and Reynolds, field mechanics who rely on ATVs for access to equipment
We file regularly with the Mercer County Courthouse in Aledo and work efficiently with local clerks, insurance carriers, and medical offices.
Safety Resources for ATV Users
- Illinois ATV Helmet Requirements
- Consumer Product Safety Commission: ATV Safety
Deadlines for Filing
In Illinois, you have 2 years from the date of your ATV accident to file a personal injury claim.
Example: If your crash happened near Buffalo Prairie Road on November 1, 2024, your deadline is November 1, 2026.
Acting quickly helps us:
- Secure farm maps and hazard markers
- Collect surveillance video from grain elevators or private driveways
- Interview witnesses before seasonal work takes them away
EXCELLENT Based on 315 reviews Kat Chow2024-11-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't stress enough how grateful I am that we hired Paul Marriett to help us with our case. His communication was not only timely and thorough but also understandable. He did a phenomenal job guiding us through the process and preparing us for the courtroom, which put our minds at ease. Once our hearing came, he did his job flawlessly and won our case. Additionally, he was quite pleasant to speak with when our judge was behind schedule and while the court was in recess. I highly recommend him to anyone needing an attorney and will reach out again in the future should we ever need representation. angel martinez2024-11-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional and helpful! I would recommend to all my friends and family to hire him. He was eager to know the circumstances of my case even before I hired him. I did contact other lawyers and offices, but none came close to the comfort I felt while talking to Mr. Marriertt, I really felt like he cared about the situation I found myself in. He deserves 6 stars for going above and beyond John Harker2024-11-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul helped me out with a traffic citation. The communication was great as he walked me through my options and what to expect with my court date and plea deal. 10/10 service. Highly recommended. Thanks again, Paul. Ryan H.2024-11-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul was very professional, sharp dressed and clearly a notch above most in the courtroom. He understood my plight and refused to be bullied. Knows the law to a T....I'm keeping him on speed dial. I think u will trust him too. Scorpion Solar2024-10-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. BEYOND satisfied with the services & representation! The communication & efforts have been above & BEYOND! Amazing price as well for a minor traffic hiccup. 11/10 recommend & prefer this firm for any future occurrences!!! Very transparent, & puts in the effort to help you!!! Zak Green2024-10-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are needing a lawyer in Rockford or the surrounding areas this is the guy you need to get ahold of! Do not waste your time or money going to someone else.... From the very start Mr. Marriett was on top of his job. I called several lawyers before him and he was the first to thoroughly explain everything I needed to hear without even asking him to. The definition of a great lawyer. Each time we went to court he always let me know ahead of time either in person or via phone what the expectations or options would be going in. I highly recommend Paul Marriett if you are in need of a lawyer! Kelli2024-10-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Explained everything well. Kept us informed. I'm glad we found him. bruce paulson2024-10-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am very late on sharing my feedback only because I’m google illiterate. Attorney Merriett did a very smart excellent job for me and not real expensive considering how stupid I was to get in trouble . Thank you! For all your professionalism! Bruce P. Austin “i like trains” Arvey2024-10-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service and a reliable lawyer. I'm glad we got him instead of getting anyone else. :)
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- Address: 101 N Wacker Drive, Suite 100B, Chicago, IL 60606 Get Directions
- Driving Directions: If you’re traveling from The Loop, head north on Wacker Drive. Our office is between Lake and Randolph Streets, easily accessible from I-90 and I-94.
- Parking Options: Convenient parking is available at nearby garages, such as the Wacker & Monroe Garage, and there are metered spaces along N Wacker Drive.
- Landmarks Nearby: Our office is just steps from the Chicago Riverwalk and close to The Loop, making it a convenient location for visitors.
Contact Us
Chicago Injury Lawyers
101 N Wacker Drive, Suite 100B
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 261-5656
Email: contact@chicagoinjurylawyer.com
Hours: 24/7
Mercer County ATV Injury FAQs
Can I still file if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. You may still be eligible for compensation. Helmet use may influence settlement value, but it does not cancel your rights.
Does it matter if I was on private land?
No. Many successful cases involve private property crashes. We assess who had a duty to maintain safety.
Can passengers file too?
Absolutely. Passengers often suffer severe injuries and have strong claims.
Where is my case filed?
We file personal injury claims through the Mercer County Courthouse in Aledo.
Do I need to go to court?
Not always. Most cases settle, but we prepare for trial to maximize leverage.