Snowmobiles are often thought of as toys, but snowmobile safety is nothing to play around with. There is a risk of serious injury or death every time you ride. Let’s talk about snowmobile safety and legal considerations that can impact the compensation you receive for your injuries and losses. If you’ve been injured in a snowmobiling accident, contact Littlejohn Barristers today to schedule a free consultation. A personal injury lawyer at our law firm can review your case, advise you of any coverage or liability issues, and help you claim the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. Â
Avoiding snowmobile accidents in Ontario winters
While some snowmobile accidents are unavoidable, others can be prevented by following key winter safety measures. Here are top safety tips from the perspective of a personal injury lawyer who handles snowmobile accident claims:
Research your route before you venture out. Always check weather conditions, ice conditions, and trail conditions before riding to avoid surprises—and stay home if conditions aren’t favourable.
Wear appropriate safety gear (helmet, goggles, and weather-appropriate clothing are a must for all rides; a personal floatation device is a must if you’ll be crossing frozen lakes or rivers).
Carry a fully charged cell phone and emergency supplies including a first aid kit and a survival kit.
Never assume ice is safe, even when temperatures are low. Unstable ice is extremely risky. Be cautious when crossing frozen bodies of water and always check the thickness of the ice before proceeding.
Be on alert for fluctuating temperatures; an increase in temperature can soften the snowpack, thin the ice covering open water, and create a significant risk of your sled getting stuck in slush or breaking through ice.
Adjust your snowmobile’s speed to be responsive to weather conditions and visibility; fog, sleet, snow, and squalls can make it very challenging to travel safely, increasing the risk of collisions and single-sled accidents.
Stay on designated snowmobile trails and follow all posted signage.
Ideally, you shouldn’t ride alone. If you do, tell friends or family where you’re going and how long you’re planning to be out.
Never operate your snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If the weather takes a turn for the worst, head home or get to a place of safety.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll have a more enjoyable snowmobiling experience and reduce the risk of serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries, bone fractures, dislocations and breaks, internal injuries, organ damage and internal bleeding, amputations, brain injuries and concussions.
Legal considerations if you’ve been hurt in a snowmobile accident
If the worst has happened and you’ve been hurt in a snowmobile crash, or if your loved one has been injured or killed in a snowmobile accident, you should reach out to a personal injury lawyer to discuss legal options. Depending on how the accident occurred, legal options may include a statutory accident benefits claim (available regardless of who was at fault) and a personal injury lawsuit (if someone else’s fault or negligence caused the accident, such as another snowmobiler, a car or truck, or the operator of the snowmobile on which you were a passenger).
There are important legal considerations that arise in snowmobile accident claims. Liability is an important consideration. Determining who was at fault for a snowmobile accident can be complex, especially when multiple parties, risky behaviour (speeding, not wearing a helmet, sledding while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol), and challenging weather conditions are involved. If you are blamed for the accident, it can negatively impact your legal options and the compensation you receive.
Insurance coverage is another critical consideration. In Ontario, snowmobilers are required to carry valid insurance if riding anywhere other than private property. Insurance coverage can be affected if the rider engaged in risky behaviour such as snowmobiling over frozen lakes or rivers. In fact, many Ontario snowmobile insurance policies exclude coverage for such accidents (OPFC 9 endorsement – marine use excluded if snowmobile operated upon water).
Speak with a Barrie Personal Injury Lawyer
At Littlejohn Barristers, we understand the complexities of snowmobile accidents and can help you navigate insurance coverage and liability issues. If you or a loved one has suffered a debilitating injury in a snowmobile accident, one of our lawyers can help you claim accident benefits or file a lawsuit to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Â
To set up a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced snowmobile lawyer, or to learn more about the services offered by our personal injury law firm, we welcome you to contact us today.Â