Snowmobile accidents can be very dangerous and cause serious injuries or death.
Snowmobile accidents in Maine often result in severe and fatal injuries. As such, riders should understand the risks they face and how to avoid a snowmobile accident. Below are some of the snowmobile safety tips provided by officials at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.
You can also find additional information compiled by our Maine snowmobile accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein. Our lawyers have extensive knowledge about this area of the law because we have represented so many injured snowmobilers and their family members throughout Maine. Our free snowmobile safety handbook will help ensure your next ride is a safe ride.
How common are snowmobile accidents?
Snowmobile accidents happen far more often than many people might realize. For instance, each year on average more than 14,000 people get hurt and 200 die nationwide in snowmobile accidents, according to a study published by the National Institute of Health.
As for Maine, an average of 3 to 8 people die, and 150 people are injured each year in snowmobile accidents each winter, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, those numbers can vary widely from year to year.
Why do snowmobile accidents happen?
In many cases, snowmobile accidents happen for two general reasons. One, the person riding a snowmobile operated the machine recklessly or negligently. Examples include:
- Speeding, especially riding a snowmobile too fast in hazardous weather conditions.
- Operating a snowmobile while drunk or under the influence of drugs.
- Recklessly riding a snowmobile. For example, performing tricks or riding on thin ice.
Snowmobile accidents are also commonly caused by hazardous snowmobile trails. This can be due to poor trail maintenance or other dangerous conditions that should not have existed on the trail. Property owners (public and private land owners) have a responsibility to properly maintain snowmobile trails and fix any hazardous conditions right away.
Safety tips for avoiding a snowmobile accident
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife has several suggestions on how to avoid a snowmobile accident, including:
- Be cautious when riding a snowmobile. Snowmobiles are powerful machines that can cause severe injuries if not operated safely.
- Have a pre-ride safety checklist, and follow it before every ride.
- Leave your trip plan with someone before you head out on a snowmobile trail.
- Be aware of conditions as early season ice is often unsafe and snowfall can insulate thin ice, slowing the freezing process. As the safety adage goes, “If you don’t know, don’t go.”
How can a Maine snowmobile accident attorney help?
Maine snowmobile accidents resulting in serious injuries can quickly become complicated legal cases. Unfortunately, even knowing whether or not you have a legal case can be confusing. This is why injured snowmobilers should talk to an experienced attorney right away to review their legal rights and options.
The Maine snowmobile accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein can help you every step of the way. We know the laws that apply to snowmobilers and property owners in Maine. We know how to gather evidence in support of an injury claim and how to build a successful legal case. And we know how to deal with the insurance company to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation that you are entitled to under Maine law.
Make sure you fully understand your legal rights. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with a Maine snowmobile accident attorney you can count on when it matters most. We have seven offices conveniently located throughout Maine and offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees unless we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you. It’s that simple.
