Snowmobiling is an increasingly popular form of recreation in many parts of New York state, and it can be an enjoyable hobby for many. However, snowmobile accidents are all too common, as untrained and irresponsible operators often fail to observe even the most basic safety measures.
Whether due to the snowmobile operator's recklessness, failure to maintain the equipment, or manufacturer defects, many people suffer from snowmobile related injuries and property damages every year as a result of someone else's negligence.
Injuries incurred during snowmobile accidents include traumatic injury, particularly to the head and neck; risks of hypothermia as a result of the cold weather; and drowning, among others.
Factors in snowmobile accidents
Some of the most common factors in snowmobile accidents include:
- Alcohol. Alcohol is a significant contributing factor in many serious snowmobiling accidents. Because alcohol tends to lower inhibitions, and reduces reaction times, intoxicated snowmobilers are far more likely to injure themselves and others.
- Speed. Snowmobile racing is a popular pastime for many people. However, the risks of snowmobiling at high rates of speed put both operators and innocent bystanders at great risk.
- Untrained operators. Children are at particular risk in snowmobiling accidents. Because licenses are not required to operate a snowmobile, it is not uncommon for even young children to operate snowmobiles.
- Lack of safety equipment. In order to reduce the risk of injuries in snowmobiling accidents, it is recommended that helmets and other safety equipment be worn while snowmobiling.
- Product defects. Snowmobile manufacturers have been frequent targets of lawsuits, and subject to recalls of equipment that is found to be faulty in some way or another. Whether due to faulty design, construction, or failure to provide sufficient warning of inherent dangers, there are many defective snowmobiles in use today, which may be a contributing factor to snowmobile accidents.
If you or a family member has been injured in a snowmobiling accident as a result of someone else's negligence, you may be able to recover compensation from your damages, from the operator, the owner, or the manufacturer of the snowmobile, depending on the contributing factors to the accident.
Call for your free, no obligation consultation
If you or someone you love has suffered damages in a snowmobiling accident, you owe it to yourself and your family to consult with a qualified attorney with experience representing cases such as yours. You may be eligible to recover compensation from the manufacturer, the owner, or the operator of the snowmobile. It is important, however, that you get help as soon as possible, as the time you have to file a claim may be limited.
Our personal injury attorneys have worked on many cases like yours, so please call or email The Stanley Law Offices today for your free, no obligation personal consultation.
