SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENTS

By Zayouna Law Firm

What is a snowmobile accident?

When temperatures hit sub-zero, that’s when the winter fun and sports begin. But the freezing weather, low visibility, and icy trails are also prime conditions for snowmobile accidents.

File a Snowmobile Accident Claim

Did you know that there are over 1,200 snowmobile-related injuries each year, with about 50 deaths? Beyond freezing conditions and rough terrains, this beloved winter activity may not be all that safe, especially when surrounded by careless and irresponsible drivers on hazardous trails.

Claiming Accident Benefits

Under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, snowmobiles are recognized as vehicles, and must be insured similar to those that run on highways. This entitles you to statutory accident benefits similar to that of an auto insurance policy.

Accident benefits are rarely enough to provide for all the devastating effects of a snowmobile accident — from physical trauma and medical expenses, to loss of income and earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Many insurers are known to dispute, delay, minimize, and even deny valid accident benefits claims, leaving victims and families even more hopeless and lost.

Tort Claim for Snowmobile Accidents

Low visibility, poorly maintained trails, and negligent drivers can all lead to catastrophic snowmobile accidents with potentially permanent, life-altering effects. But as a safe and responsible snowmobiler, you should not have to pay the deadly consequences of an accident.

Our snowmobile accident lawyers can help you file a snowmobile accident claim to seek justice and compensation from those responsible for your accident. Rightful compensation can help alleviate these life-altering physical, emotional, and financial burdens:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses
• Funeral costs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Chronic pain and long-term emotional trauma, and more.

Causes for Snowmobile Accident Claims

Trail conditions, driver behaviour, and other unexpected hazards can all play a part in snowmobile accidents with catastrophic outcomes.

A snowmobile accident claim helps ensure that you do not pay the price for someone else’s reckless driving behaviour, or failure to maintain recreational trails.

What causes a snowmobile accident?

The most experienced snowmobilers are no strangers to freezing temperatures — it’s the essence of snowmobiling. There’s more to a devastating snowmobile accident than the weather.

• Defective design or manufacturing: Malfunctioning components and gear, for which the manufacturer is responsible.
• Driver negligence or recklessness: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, distracted driving, and other reckless driving behaviour, for which they can be held liable.
• Poorly maintained trails: Failure to remove potential hazards and maintain trails, for which a property owner is responsible.

Our snowmobile accident lawyers can help you determine the cause of your snowmobile accident and who is at fault. You can file a snowmobile accident claim against them and seek compensation for the harm they have caused you.

Common Snowmobile Accident Injuries

With fast speeds and sharp turns, snowmobile accidents can result in minor to catastrophic injuries and outcomes. A snowmobile accident claim allows you to seek compensation depending on the severity of the damages you sustained.

• Crush injuries to the hands, arms, legs, or feet trapped between the ground and the snowmobile
• Deep lacerations and large bruises
• Serious bone fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Death

  Snowmobile Accident Claims FAQs

  What should I do after a snowmobile accident?

  Seek medical attention right away, and report the accident to proper authorities. Take photos of the accident, damages to your snowmobile, and injuries, and collect all relevant documents. Make sure to contact your insurance provider right away. Note that you only have limited time to notify your insurer and the at-fault party of your intent to sue and commence a snowmobile accident claim.

  What information does a personal injury lawyer need for my snowmobile accident claim?

  During your first consultation, a personal injury lawyer will establish the facts of your accident to determine if you have a viable claim. They will need to know if:

  • The other driver was speeding or driving recklessly
  • The other driver used hand or other signals from their snowmobile
  • The other driver has been named in a personal injury lawsuit before
  • You have the other snowmobile’s license number
  • The other driver was registered or insured.

  How can I ride my snowmobile safely?

  You must have a valid driver’s license or a snow-vehicle operator’s license (MSVOL). Your snowmobile must be registered with the Ministry Transportation, and you must carry appropriate liability insurance. Before riding, you should take a snowmobiling safety course.

  When riding, pay attention to weather and trail conditions, and stay alert for potential hazards. Make it a habit to travel with other snowmobilers only in well-lit areas, and avoid frozen surfaces and other areas where ice is thin. Carry a first-aid kit at all times, and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.