Snowmobile Accident

In Ontario and other provinces and territories throughout Canada, snowmobiling has always been a popular recreational activity, especially in the winter. In fact, a 16% rise in snowmobile sales indicates its increasing popularity.

Unfortunately, this also means a rise in snowmobile accidents. While about 10% of single-vehicle accidents are due to avalanches, a majority are due to other reasons, such as speeding and alcohol or drug consumption. Serious personal injury is not uncommon in a snowmobile accident, especially when two or more vehicles are involved. Find out more about the effects of a snowmobile collision and when you might need the assistance of experienced Diamond & Diamond Lawyers.

Personal Injuries in Snowmobile Accidents

While snowmobiles might seem less threatening than automobiles, they can wreak just as much havoc in an accident. A snowmobile typically weighs about 272 kilos and can achieve speeds of 145 kilometres per hour.

Based on data from 2013 to 2019, an average of 73 people in Canada died every year from unintentional snowmobile accidents. Most of the victims were men and riders between the ages of 25 and 64. Moreover, 44% of snowmobile collisions were due to alcohol or drug use.

However, the figures above do not include accidents that resulted in non-fatal injuries. A 2003 study of North American snowmobile accidents reveals an average of 14,000 injuries, including fractures and traumatic brain injuries. Whether it’s a fatal snowmobile accident or otherwise, when the cause is human error, it is preventable.

Common Types of Injuries in Snowmobile Accidents

The most common personal injuries due to a snowmobile accident include:

• Head injuries, including concussions, fractures and traumatic brain injuries
• Dislocation of the shoulders
• Extremity fractures (wrist, leg, feet)
• Fractures of the collarbone and chest
• Internal injuries and bleeding leading to multisystem trauma and organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries

Causes of Snowmobile Accidents

Given the weight and speed of snowmobiles and the challenges of travelling in snowy and icy conditions, the lead rider and passengers are at risk of injury and death when they do not exercise caution or follow safety laws. Adult snowmobilers are just as much at risk as children. Anything that impairs the driver’s ability to control the vehicle or manoeuvre around obstacles and driving at high speeds can result in a serious accident. Among the most common causes of snowmobile accidents include:

• Alcohol or drug use (55%)
• High speeds (48%)
• Poor visibility (46%)
• Failure to follow warning signs
• Driver experience
• Trail/road conditions
• Weather conditions

Some snowmobile accidents are genuine accidents where no one is to blame. But it’s different when an accident happens because of one or more of the causes identified above. For example, if you sustain injuries from an intoxicated driver, you could get financial compensation by filing a personal injury case.

When Do You Need a Lawyer After a Snowmobile Accident?

Some snowmobile accident injuries in Ontario may be covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (Ontario health card holders), the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund (uninsured drivers), or the driver’s insurance company. However, these options often have complex requirements and limitations on recovery.

Insurance companies routinely deny a claim by blaming the injured party for exercising little safety protection or other technical grounds. Victims of negligent snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle accidents can find themselves with no option but to file a personal injury lawsuit.

More than one party may be liable in an accident and determining the proper course of action can leave you hopelessly confused. You need an experienced Diamond & Diamond snowmobile or ATV accident lawyer to steer you in the right direction and get you the financial compensation you need to recover from your injuries. Retaining a qualified lawyer in Ontario can also help you deal with insurance companies when appropriate.

Compensation for Snowmobile Injuries

Depending on the circumstances regarding the snowmobile accident and the extent and nature of your injuries, you might receive damages for the following:

• Medical treatment
• Lost salary or wages
• Lost earning ability
• Physical therapy and other therapies
• Surgery
• Medical tests
• Long-term and personal care services
• Assistive devices
• Modifications for homes and vehicles
• Diminished quality of life
• Pain and suffering

Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

The experienced personal injury lawyers from Diamond & Diamond are your best choice because:

• We are professional and objective
• We know how to negotiate
• We can help you get medical attention
• We help you make better decisions
• We can provide you with legal coverage
• We can help you get faster compensation
• We give you peace of mind

We have the right snowmobile or ATV accident lawyer who can guide victims of a negligent accident through every step of the process. We can help you:

• File a report of a snowmobile collision
• Conduct the initial investigation
• Obtain medical records to calculate present and future medical needs, and 
• Document all the evidence to prove the negligence and liability of the responsible parties

In the case of wrongful death, we will arrange for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

Contact Diamond and Diamond Today!

While it’s terrible to sustain serious injuries in any vehicular accident, it’s even worse when the accident is preventable. You can get financial compensation for your injuries if the accident was caused by another’s negligence. However, filing a snowmobile accident lawsuit in Canada is often a long and complex process. You need to find experienced personal injury lawyers to ensure you get every opportunity to get the justice and compensation you deserve. No one is better at that than Diamond & Diamond.

We take our responsibilities towards our clients very seriously and we keep them informed of every aspect of their case. If you want a fighting chance in your personal injury case, you should have the best lawyers in Canada by your side.

Get in touch with us online or call 1-800-567-HURT. We are here for you.

After a snowmobile accident caused by someone else, you deserve compensation for your injuries. Contact the expert personal injury lawyers from Diamond and Diamond today!