Deadly Snowmobile Crash in Wisconsin

A man was killed snowmobiling in Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin earlier this winter, as reported by the Journal Star. While initial reports alleged that the man was in an off-trail area and hit a tree, which would suggest no wrongdoing on any other party’s behalf, not all snowmobile accidents are so innocent. A lot can go wrong while operating a snowmobile, particularly when others are in the vicinity, and all injuries resulting from snowmobile accidents should be investigated by an experienced personal injury or wrongful death attorney.

Snowmobile Injuries and Fatalities

According to an article published in the National Library of Medicine, there are roughly 200 deaths and 14,000 snowmobile injuries each year in North America. Many of these injuries lead to chronic pain and disability, while thousands of others result in serious medical costs and lost wages. Injured parties that were not at fault should not have to cough up tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars all because of the negligence of another snowmobiler or driver of an automobile that was not paying attention behind the wheel.

Causes of Snowmobile Crashes

Snowmobile crashes often occur because of the following negligent actions of others:

• Reckless or careless riding;
• Speeding out of control;
• Intoxication;
• Operator inexperience;
• Negligence on behalf of a car or truck driver; and
• Failure to be aware of surroundings.

Equipment or mechanical malfunction can also lead to injuries, and a dangerous product tort may be necessary to recover damages.

Assumed Risk

The assumption of risk involved in an inherently dangerous activity is a common defense of negligent parties. The idea goes as such: the injured person knew that the activity was inherently dangerous and chose to participate regardless. Some activities do have an assumption of risk, and it could be argued that snowmobiling is one; in addition, participants in snowmobiling areas may be required to sign an assumption of risk waiver before they begin. However, if you were operating your snowmobile in a controlled manner, on trials, and obeying all local laws, you should not be punished because of the carelessness or recklessness of the other party.

An Amery Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

When you get hurt because another party failed to operate their vehicle with care for others, you should consider filing a personal injury claim to recover the damages that were caused to you. Call the Amery, Wisconsin snowmobile accident attorneys of Novitzke, Gust, Sempf, Whitley & Bergmanis today to seek compensation for your medical bills, pain, and suffering, lost wages, property damage, and more.