Life changes in a second when you’re involved in an ATV accident. In Putnam County, where ATVs are a part of daily life—whether for farming, trail riding, or simple transport—accidents happen more often than people think. If you’ve been hurt riding near Hennepin, along backroads near Granville, or around wooded paths in Magnolia, our team at Chicago Injury Lawyer is ready to guide you through what comes next.
We approach every case with a focus on clarity, compassion, and commitment—because we know rural riders deserve legal help that understands where they’re coming from. Our focus is personal, not corporate—and we bring hands-on experience with local terrain, crash types, and client needs in communities like Florid Township, Senachwine Township, and Village of Standard.
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.
Understanding ATV Accidents in Putnam County
Putnam County’s terrain, lifestyle, and work patterns create common situations for ATV injuries:
- Farmers and landowners use ATVs for daily work in Florid Township, often without full safety gear due to routine familiarity and time constraints during planting and harvest seasons.
- Teenagers and young adults frequently ride around McNabb, Magnolia, and Mark, especially near Sandy Creek and farm equipment access roads, often unsupervised and sometimes on shared trails.
- Recreational riders enjoy off-road riding near the Marshall-Putnam Conservation Area, where elevation changes and dense wooded paths increase the risk of collisions, flips, and equipment failure.
Injuries range from broken ribs to concussions, and victims are often stabilized at St. Margaret’s Health – Peru before transport to trauma centers in Peoria or Rockford for extended care.
Leading Causes of ATV Accidents in Putnam County
While every case is unique, some of the most common contributing factors include:
- Rollovers on sloped fields between Granville and Mark, or while hauling materials across uneven land near East County Road 800 N
- Loose gravel and mud along County Highway 5, East Street, or old rural trails with minimal maintenance
- Shared trail usage near Edgewood Park and Sandy Creek bridges, where riders may encounter pedestrians, bikes, or farming machinery
- Lack of visibility from overgrown brush or cornfields, leading to surprise turns or hidden fences
- Poor equipment maintenance, including brake failure or tire blowouts, particularly with older ATVs passed down through families or purchased second hand at local auctions or from sellers in Granville
Who’s at Fault in an ATV Crash?
Liability depends on the circumstances. We investigate whether your accident was caused by:
- A reckless driver, often in shared-use spaces or youth group rides
- Poorly maintained trails or fields owned by another individual, farm co-op, or business
- Manufacturing defects in the ATV itself, often tied to brands sold regionally or through private resale in Putnam County
- A lack of signage or warnings about hazards like fencing, sinkholes, or hidden ditches
Our attorneys use:
- Trail inspection reports from Marshall-Putnam Soil & Water Conservation District
- Medical documentation from local and regional hospitals
- Eyewitness statements from nearby property owners, workers, or other riders
Compensation You May Be Eligible For
You may be facing more than just medical bills. Our clients from Hennepin, Magnolia, and McNabb often deal with:
- Extended time off from farm duties, mechanical jobs, or other labor-intensive roles tied to family businesses
- Costs for physical therapy, chiropractic care, or assistive mobility gear
- Long travel times for appointments to specialists in Peoria, Ottawa, or Bloomington-Normal
- Emotional fatigue, sleep disruption, and inability to participate in family or church activities in close-knit towns like Standard or Granville
Your claim can include compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage, including ATV repairs or replacement
- Mileage and care-related expenses for travel or home modifications
Our experienced ATV Injury Claim Attorney will help you calculate and pursue the full amount you’re legally owed.
For a free legal consultation, call 312-261-5656Why Choose a Lawyer Who Understands Putnam County?
You don’t need someone from downtown Chicago who’s never seen the backroads of Magnolia Township. You need someone who understands:
- How riders operate across both residential and rural property, especially between county ditches and timber plots
- What it means to be injured when your job relies on physical ability, whether it’s livestock management, grain hauling, or logging
- How to navigate local medical documentation and court systems, including the Putnam County Courthouse in Hennepin
- What it feels like when you can’t return to church events in McNabb or lose income during harvest season in Granville
We offer:
- Direct access to a knowledgeable attorney (not just a call center)
- Legal clarity without overwhelming jargon
- A contingency fee structure—you don’t pay unless we win
Helpful Links for Safety:
- Illinois ATV Helmet Requirements
- Consumer Product Safety Commission: ATV Safety
Don’t Wait to Get Legal Help
Under Illinois law, you typically have two years to file a personal injury claim. But the sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving important evidence.
For instance, If your crash happened near Marshall Road on July 10, 2024, your legal deadline is July 10, 2026. Witness memories fade, trail conditions change, and insurance companies move quickly to close cases.
We move just as quickly—securing local evidence, speaking with residents, and documenting the crash site before changes occur from harvest or weather.
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. :)
Get Directions to Our Law Office
Visit us in Chicago for a free consultation
- 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
ATV Accident FAQs in Putnam County
Do I need to wear a helmet to file a claim?
No, but helmet use may impact compensation. We can still build a strong case.
Can I file if the ATV was borrowed or not mine?
Yes. Liability is based on the accident’s cause, not who owns the vehicle.
Will my case go to court?
Many are settled out of court, but we prepare every case as if trial is possible.
What if I was partially at fault?
Illinois uses modified comparative negligence—you can still recover partial compensation if you’re less than 51% responsible.
What if my crash happened during a local event or ride-along?
Even if the accident occurred during a group or community event, you may still have a valid claim, especially if trail conditions or equipment were unsafe.