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Snowmobile Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a snowmobile crash, an Advocate can help you recover.

A Snowmobile Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case

Snowmobiles are a popular form of winter recreation enjoyed by more than 2 million people in North America, but accidents can happen easily. Snowmobile operators often speed or attempt dangerous stunts while driving, putting passengers, occupants of other snowmobiles, and bystanders in danger. Snowmobile crashes can cause serious injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma.

The Advocates’ personal injury attorneys have been representing snowmobile accident victims for three decades, and we are ready to help you too. We are committed to helping you receive the compensation you deserve for your damages.

If you need an experienced, caring attorney for your snowmobile accident claim, contact The Advocates law firm today for a free consultation.

Injury

Immediately after your accident, check for injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery

Treatment

Seek medical attention as soon as you can

Medical Records

Keep track of any and all treatment you receive during recovery

Treatment Completed

Once you've completed treatment, your case can move forward

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

Not every accident requires an attorney. However, if the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex. Your attorney will build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees when you hire The Advocates.

Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. You will not pay us unless we win your case, and you receive a settlement.

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.

In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a few years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.

In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.

A Team of Legal Professionals Assigned to Your Case

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive the compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you. 

We can help you:

  • Understand the claims process
  • Investigate your accident
  • Build your case
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters

You only pay if we win your case!

Talking to a Professional

Talk to a professional

Snowmobile Accident Statistics

Snowmobile accident statistics  

Common causes of snowmobile accidents

  • Impaired driving: Snowmobile accidents are far more likely to happen when the operator is under the influence
  • Inexperience: Many snowmobiles are rentals, and are often driven by people without much experience
  • Reckless riding: Because snowmobiles are often ridden in rural areas, it may be tempting to speed or attempt dangerous stunts
  • Avalanches: Avalanches cause around 20 fatalities every winter, with an average of 8 snowmobiler deaths each year
  • Riding on weak ice: Riding on lakes that are not fully frozen can cause ice to break and snowmobile riders to become submerged in freezing water
Snowmobile rides in deep snow
Common injuries from snowmobile accident

Common snowmobile accident injuries 

Depending on the nature of your accident, snowmobile accident injuries can range from mild to life-threatening. Some common snowmobile crash injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Blunt force trauma
  • Broken bones
  • Lacerations and bruising
  • Frostbite and/or ice burns (in the case of avalanches or crashing into bodies of freezing water)

Snowmobile Safety Guidelines

Winter Storm warning sign in snow storm

Check the weather before you ride

Certain weather conditions in the winter can make it dangerous to snowmobile. Heavy snowstorms, freezing rains, or fog are common in many areas during the winter months, and can create hazardous conditions for snowmobilers.

Before riding, check the weather forecast to ensure you have a safe ride. While riding, keep an eye out for storms brewing– the weather can change quickly, and a sudden storm, particularly one you are not prepared for, can turn deadly.

Stay on groomed snowmobile trails

Novice snowmobilers should consider sticking to maintained trails when riding. Riding off-trail increases the risk of hitting foreign objects, becoming stuck, or getting lost. Avoid riding on lakes or other bodies of water, as ice thickness can vary drastically.

Two Snowboarders lay in the snow next to a snowmobile
Group of snowmobiles ride in line through a snowy forest

Use hand signals

Much like bicyclists, snowmobilers should always signal their intentions to those around them. You should also make a habit of signaling to alert others to hazardous conditions.

Snowmobile signals are all done using the left arm. Some important hand signals to know include:

  • Left turn: Hold your left arm straight out to the side with your palm facing down
  • Right turn: Hold your left arm up and bend your elbow at a 90 degree angle with your hand up, then move your hand to the right
  • Stop: Hold your left arm straight up above your head
  • Slowing: Hold your left arm straight out to the side, then move it down toward the ground, keeping your arm straight

Wear proper gear

When snowmobiling, wearing the right gear is crucial– not only do you need to protect your body from potential crashes, but from cold weather as well.

Wearing the following gear can keep you both safe and comfortable while riding:

  • Riding suit, with layers underneath that can be removed in case of heat
  • Wind- and waterproof gloves
  • Boots
  • Polarized goggles
  • Warm hat
  • Protective helmet

Avoid wearing cotton, which absorbs moisture easily. Stick with wool, polyester, or silk to stay dry.

winter sport accessories place on the snow
Snowmobile riders in a line

Stay alert

Always be aware of your surroundings to avoid accidents and other dangerous situations. By keeping track of weather conditions, the locations of other snowmobilers, and the conditions of the area you’re riding in, you can keep yourself and those around you safe.

Avoid riding when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is crucial to have unimpaired judgment and reaction time when operating machinery of any kind

What is the statute of limitations for snowmobile accidents?

For any personal injury case, a plaintiff only has a certain amount of time to file their claim. After that time period is up, they lose their right of action. This is referred to as the statute of limitations.

In most states, the statute of limitations for motor vehicle accidents is between 1-6 years. However, it is a good idea to file your claim much sooner than that. Personal injury cases can take a long time to settle, so it is a good idea to give yourself as much time as possible before the statute of limitations is up. As soon as you think you may have a case, contact a personal injury lawyer so they may begin working on your claim.

Attorney and client discuss accident case.

When Should I Hire a Snowmobile Accident Attorney?

If you were injured in a snowmobile accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be unsure of what to do next. When facing injuries, property damage, and steep medical bills, things may begin to feel hopeless.

Additionally, insurance companies will often do whatever they can to avoid offering you the compensation you deserve for your damages. They may try to diminish the severity of your injuries or deny liability altogether.

The Advocates personal injury attorneys have helped thousands of accident victims reclaim the damages they suffered, and we are ready to help you too. We will be there to help you build your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and answer any questions you may have.

From the moment you contact us to the day your case is settled, your Advocate will be there for you. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. You deserve peace of mind. You deserve an Advocate.

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