Winter sports are a blast – snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, you name it! However, some winter activities are more dangerous than others – like riding a snowmobile. When driven safely, snowmobiles are tons of fun. Unfortunately, when safety is disregarded, snowmobiles spell disaster and personal injury. In fact, there are over 200 deaths and 14,000personal injuries attributed to snowmobile accidents every year.

 

What Causes SnowMobile Accidents?

Motor vehicle accidents come in all shapes and sizes with a variety of causes. What are the most common causes of snowmobile accidents? Let’s dive into the facts.

        Excessive Speed

       The average modern snowmobile weighs about 600 pounds and can travel up to 90 miles per hour. The heavier a vehicle is, the longer it takes to come to a complete stop – especially when riding at high speeds. Follow prescribed speeds and only ride on designated snowmobile trails. In fact, 85%-90% of snowmobile accidents occur in areas that do not have established routes or trails.

         Riding While Intoxicated

         Riding snowmobiles while alcohol impaired is one of the leading causes of snowmobile accidents resulting in personal injuries and deaths. No matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving, be it car, truck, motorcycle, or snowmobile, remember this: if you feel different, you drive differently.

       Weather Conditions

         Snowstorms and avalanches are common causes of snowmobile collisions – especially if you’re riding in the mountains. Follow these safety tips to avoid a weather related snowmobile accident.

  • Never ride your snowmobile alone.
  • If visibility is low, do not ride.
  • Most avalanches happen on 30-60 degree slopes – don’t park at the bottom of these slopes.
  • Check the area’s avalanche bulletin before riding.
  • Check the weather forecast ahead of time.

         Driver Error

         There are countless mistakes that some riders make that result in snowmobile accidents. Below are just a few common examples.

  • Failing to wear safety gear such as riding gloves, goggles, or full-face helmets.
  • Neglecting vehicle maintenance.
  • Jerking the handles or slamming the brakes.
  • Riding on or too close to ice-covered bodies of water.
  • Reckless riding.
  • Riding while distracted.
  • Ignoring the weather.
  • Failing to follow the rules of a designated riding area.

 

SnowMobile Personal Injuries

What are the most common personal injuries sustained in snowmobile accidents? The most common personal injury is fractures. The results of a PubMed study revealed the following.

  • 88% of patients with snowmobile injuries were admitted to the hospital with the average stay of 7 days.
  • 56% of snowmobile injury patients had personal injuries to their extremities (hands & feet).
  • 45% of patients sustained traumatic head injuries.
  • 28% of patients sustained spinal fractures.
  • 43% of the total number of snowmobile injury patients required inpatient surgery.
  • 28% of the patients had an ISS (Injury Severity Score) greater than 15, which classifies those injuries as major traumas.
  • There were 700 total fractures and 9% of those fractures were open.

According to the most recent data from the National Safety Council, these personal injuries aren’t cheap to treat, especially lasting injuries over the course of a lifetime. Surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, checkups, scans, lab work, tests, and other medical costs add up more quickly than you’d think.

These are medical expenses alone – not including lost wages from time spent recovering and other damages. If someone else caused your snowmobile accident and subsequent injuries, whether it be another rider or the vehicle manufacturer, it’s vital to have an experienced personal injury lawyer in your corner. Without an attorney to negotiate on your behalf and guide you through the legal process, you could be left paying for someone else’s mistakes.

If you’ve been in an accident caused by another party and suffered a personal injury, contact The Pottenger Law Firm as soon as possible to schedule your initial legal consultation. During your consultation you will receive free legal advice from a skilled Kansas City attorney near you. Contact us today – we’ll fight for the financial compensation that you deserve.