St. Paul Personal Injury Lawyers at Swor & Gatto
Recreational activities and winter sports like snowmobiling can be an exciting activity to participate in on any day, but these types of activities can also result in serious personal injuries or even death. Snowmobiling and other activities often take place on dangerous surfaces, and sometimes drivers and passengers are not properly protected.
According to statistics, snowmobile accidents can cause over 14,000 injuries and over 200 deaths each year. If you are planning to ride a snowmobile, it is important to understand how to reduce the risks and learn what you can do if you are involved in a snowmobile accident.
Preventing Snowmobile Deaths and Injuries
Most snowmobile accidents can be credited to causes that can be prevented, such as the following:
- Alcohol intoxication
- Excessive speeding
- Driver inexperience
- Improper judgement
The majority of severe injuries that many incur after a snowmobile accident are head injuries; head injuries often occur due to the lack of improper gear. To prevent severe or fatal injuries, there are basic rules that drivers and passengers should follow, including the following:
- Complete a recognized snowmobile safety course if you are inexperienced
- Do not consume any alcohol or drugs if you are planning to ride a snowmobile
- Wear a helmet and other protective gear
- Avoid riding along unmarked trails and/or roads
- Avoid speeding, especially as the sun begins to set
- Perform yearly maintenance on your snowmobile
Snowmobile Driving Hazards
As mentioned previously, most snowmobile accidents take place when excessive speed or alcohol are involved. Alcohol impairment can not only inhibit your responses and reduce judgement, but it can also result in hypothermia. Another hazard of snowmobiling is night driving. The majority of fatal accidents will take place after 8PM. Did you know that drowning is another common cause of death after a snowmobile accident? If you live in an area that is prone to avalanches or if you anticipate going through ice on your snowmobile, we recommend wearing the proper gear.
Snowmobile Prevention
Depending on the trail or road you are preparing to ride on, there could be various situations you will need to prepare for. As mentioned previously, you may encounter trails that will require you to prepare for the possibility of ice, hypothermia, avalanches, etc. You may also need to prepare for the possibility of your snowmobile being damaged while you are on the trail.
Before you plan your next adventure on a trail, we encourage you to be fully prepared before taking on the challenge. It is important to perform thorough research on the area you will be riding on so you can prepare for any possible issues.
Snowmobile Insurance
Even if you prepare as best you can and follow every rule, an accident can still happen. This is why it is so important to purchase insurance for snowmobile owners and drivers in the event of an accident taking place. There are different types of snowmobile coverage, and we encourage you to read your policy carefully so you will have a better understanding of what will be covered and what may not be covered.
If you are involved in a snowmobiling accident, you will need to contact the authorities and your insurance company. Suffering an injury while operating or riding a snowmobile can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. If your injuries were caused by the negligent acts of another person, a personal injury lawyer can help.
For more information about injuries as a result of an accident involving a snowmobile, please contact the team at Swor & Gatto today for more information. To schedule a free case evaluation, call today at 641-454-3600 or complete our online form.