In Wilmette, IL, ATV riding may be uncommon on paved streets, but off-road activity still occurs on private properties, wooded lots, and undeveloped land near Lake Avenue, Green Bay Road, and the Skokie Lagoons. Residents, especially teens or property owners, sometimes use ATVs along backyard trails, Cook County Forest Preserve paths, or informal service lanes near Gillson Park and the Canal Shores Golf Course. These environments may seem controlled, but can become dangerous quickly, especially with faulty ATVs, uneven terrain, or inexperienced riders.
At Chicago Injury Lawyer, we represent victims of ATV accidents across Wilmette and surrounding North Shore communities. Whether you were hurt while riding near Illinois Road, behind homes off Wilmette Avenue, or near Loyola Academy’s campus trails, we’re ready to investigate your crash, determine liability, and secure the compensation you deserve.
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.
What Compensation Can You Recover After an ATV Accident?
Most Wilmette victims receive emergency care from NorthShore Evanston Hospital, Glenbrook Hospital, or St. Francis Hospital. Recovery often involves far more than a hospital visit—it includes rehab, missed work, and emotional distress.
Medical Expenses and Long-Term Care
We help victims recover for:
- Ambulance transportation and emergency room treatment
- Surgeries, follow-ups, and diagnostic imaging
- Physical therapy from clinics like Athletico Wilmette or home rehab services
Your claim can also include:
- Pain management and medication
- Durable medical equipment (crutches, braces, wheelchairs)
- Long-term care or in-home support for serious injuries
Whether your injury occurred during recreation or work, we make sure every medical cost is accounted for.
Compensation for Lost Wages
Wilmette residents are often employed in education, healthcare, small business, or legal and financial services. If your injury impacts your ability to earn, we help recover:
- Lost wages during time away from work
- Reduced future income due to permanent limitations
- Missed freelance, bonus, or promotion opportunities
Whether you work in the Wilmette business district, at New Trier High School, or run a professional office from home, we provide comprehensive documentation to calculate your losses.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Trauma
Crashes near Elmwood Dunes Preserve, along Canoe Trail Park, or behind properties bordering the Skokie Lagoons often cause emotional distress in addition to physical harm. Clients commonly report:
- Anxiety or PTSD from the crash
- Depression due to injury-related isolation
- Chronic pain affecting sleep, family life, and confidence
As your ATV Injury Claim Attorney, we work with mental health providers and your medical team to build a strong claim for emotional and non-economic damages.
For a free legal consultation, call 312-261-5656Determining Liability in ATV Crashes
In Wilmette, ATV crashes typically occur:
- On wooded private land behind Sheridan Road properties
- Along forest preserve access trails near the Edens Expressway
- In construction or landscape zones along Lake Avenue
We identify liability based on:
- Negligent riders operating irresponsibly or without permission
- Property owners who allowed unsafe riding environments
- Dealers or mechanics responsible for faulty ATV components
We gather:
- Reports from the Wilmette Police Department
- Eyewitness statements and photos
- Mechanical inspections to assess equipment failure
Understanding Illinois Laws for ATV Riders
Even if you were injured off-road, Illinois law may still protect your right to compensation.
Key laws include:
- Helmet Use: Not required, but may impact head injury claims
- Age Restrictions: Riders under 16 must be supervised
- Street Ban: ATVs are not permitted on public roads like Lake Avenue, Green Bay Road, or Sheridan Road
Even on private property or forest preserve land, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim.
Helpful links:
- Illinois DNR ATV Operation Guidelines
- CPSC – ATV Injury Prevention Resources
- Illinois Off-Road Vehicle Law – State Statutes
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What damages can I recover?
You may be entitled to:
Medical costs from NorthShore, St. Francis, or Glenbrook Hospital
Lost wages or long-term earning limitations
Pain, emotional distress, and long-term lifestyle impacts
Who may be held responsible?
ATV crash liability may fall on:
A negligent rider
A property owner with known hazards
A mechanic or dealership responsible for defective equipment
How long do I have to file a claim?
Illinois law gives you 2 years (735 ILCS 5/13-202) to file a personal injury claim. For minors, the statute may extend, but early action is always better.
What if my child was injured?
We assist Wilmette families—especially near Harper School, Central Elementary, or Loyola Academy—by:
Filing child-focused injury claims
Obtaining court-approved settlements
Structuring compensation for long-term care and education
