Snowmobile Accidents Cause Injury, Death, Lawsuits

Maybe it’s because snowmobiles are also known as recreational vehicles. Whatever the reason, far too many snowmobile operators do not take their responsibilities seriously whenever they mount their sleds to take a ride, leading too often to serious injuries, fatalities and accident lawsuits in Maine courts over their reckless behavior.

Experienced accident lawyers say they see many parallels between snowmobile accidents along the state’s 13,000 miles of signed trails and highway crashes involving automobiles, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles.

Among the more common factors throughout all motor vehicle accident lawsuits is a driver’s unreasonable rate of speed. Just like with a lot of motorcyclists, many Maine snowmobile drivers feel they have to feed their “need for speed” See : accident lawyer – the sensation of the wind whipping over their bodies. However, the circumstances of riding a snowmobile – speeding along a slippery surface of snow or ice with limited braking ability – make it necessary to use extreme caution. The failure to use common sense and exercise defensive driving skills can change even a routine ride on the trails into a high-speed trip to a court date with a Maine snowmobile accident attorney.

Similarly, Maine snowmobile accident lawsuits often follow crashes involving a drunk driver whose careless behavior is responsible for life-changing injuries or fatalities. The blood-alcohol limit for a snowmobile driver, like other motorists, is .08. In the carefree world of snowmobiling, many people belong to clubs that organize group trips with rest stops at local bars. A cocktail or two at every stop impairs judgment and slows the response time of even experienced snowmobile operators. Riding in a set with riders who drink also poses dangers, including boosting the chance of colliding with an impaired driver and raising the possibility of injuries whilst getting caught up in mimicking their high-speed, careless behavior.

One particular danger cited by Maine accident lawyers would be that consuming alcohol accelerates a drop in the body’s temperature. Combined with the frigid outdoor environment, the operator runs the potential risk of hypothermia, which also impairs a driver’s judgment.

Poor judgment extends beyond driving behavior, Maine snowmobile accident attorneys note. Every winter, lives are lost and snowmobile accident lawsuits are filed when operators foolishly disregard the dangers of traveling across ice. The thickness and strength of ice may vary widely on rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. Snow often serves as a blanket that hinders the formation of thick, strong ice. Even a well-worn trail across water can create the misguided impression of safety if previous travelers have weakened the ice.

A Maine snowmobile accident lawyer is aware that responsible operators can protect themselves, their passengers and innocent bystanders by following a few simple rules. Safety equipment, including a helmet with a visor or a set of protective goggles, along with layers of water-repellent clothing, is essential. So is carrying a first-aid kid that includes a flashlight, knife, compass, map and waterproof matches.

And do not, Maine attorneys say, travel alone. You’ll find nothing more dangerous to the life and health of a snowmobiler than being injured without fellow riders around to provide or seek medical attention.

When someone has been injured or lost a loved one due to a snowmobile driver who ignores sound judgment when operating a 500-pound machine, they need to search for a Maine snowmobile accident lawyer that has experience with protecting their rights and pursuing fair financial compensation.

Share this: