Snowmobile Accident Lawyers in Toronto
Winter sports and activities have always held important places in the hearts of Canadians of all ages. With the variety of terrain and weather conditions, it’s not surprising many consider Ontario to be a veritable outdoor wonderland. Snowmobiling is an especially beloved pastime, with thousands taking advantage of scenic pathways and trails throughout Ontario each year.
Sadly, an alarming number of riders are seriously injured and worse due to the negligence of others. This is where a Toronto snowmobile accident lawyer can help.
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If you have any questions and would like to schedule a call with our legal team for a FREE no-obligation consultation, contact one of our personal injury lawyers now. During this call you can ask any questions as it relates to your accident and/or claim, what we provide with our legal services, and we’ll discuss your options and possible outcomes
Regardless of where you’re located in Ontario, our personal injury lawyers may be able to help you. Don’t delay, call us. Our lines are open 24/7.
UNDERSTANDING SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENTS
Statistics from the Canadian Institute for Health Information help illustrate the significant risks faced by snowmobile riders and the very real need for safety training and precautions. If not careful, using these snow vehicles can lead to serious injuries.
With roughly 50 snowmobile-related fatalities occurring each year in Quebec and Ontario alone and at least another 1,200 injury events requiring hospitalization, it has become increasingly apparent that this activity has the potential to cause devastating harm in the absence of caution, care and responsible operation on the part of everyone involved.
Those injured in snowmobile accidents may be able to receive benefits and protections the same as those offered following a car or motorcycle accident, including Statutory Accident Benefits as well as coverage related to uninsured or unidentified operators. This is where Preszler’s knowledge of personal injury law can help.
CAUSES OF SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENTS
When used according to safe operation standards and with appropriate protective equipment, snowmobiles have the capacity to provide hours upon hours of wintertime fun. Unfortunately, there are numerous circumstances and scenarios that can make riding these vehicles exceptionally dangerous, even deadly.
Some causes of snowmobile accidents include but aren’t limited to: defectively designed or manufactured vehicles, components and gear; negligent or impaired operation and shoddily maintained trails. These issues all can cause catastrophic crashes and massive physical and financial loss. Some typical factors contributing to snowmobile injuries include:
- Driver intoxication due to alcohol or drugs
- Operation at nighttime with reduced visibility or inoperable taillights
- Defective products causing catastrophic failure of equipment
- Excessive speeds that reduce ability to control vehicle or engage in evasive maneuvers where necessary
- Negligence on behalf of another motor vehicle driver
PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM SERIOUS ACCIDENTS
As personal injury lawyers, we know first hand how many serious accidents can be avoidable with a bit of forethought and preparation. For instance, it’s a good idea to keep a first aid kit with you when you’re out on the trails. But there are many other ways you can protect yourself to help mitigate the problems you may run into
- Check the weather before you go out. Low visibility conditions can hinder your ability to navigate or see obstacles on the trails.
- Make sure you and whoever you’re travelling with is wearing warm, highly visible gear.
- Take a snowmobile safety course. Your skills as an operator can always be improved upon, and the safety information you can learn in such a course may help you immensely the next time you or someone you’re travelling with is in a serious accident.
- Operate the snowmobile carefully and within the posted speed limit of the trails.
- Do not operate a snowmobile if impaired in any way.
- Decline being a passenger if you are not confident in the operator’s abilities.
TYPES OF SNOWMOBILE INJURIES
Because snowmobiles tend to be driven at high rates of speed and often make sharp turns, it is no surprise that the sorts of injuries commonly suffered in subsequent accidents are often profound.
Crush injuries are especially common, occurring when the hands, legs, feet or arms of riders and/or passengers become entangled between the ground and the machine itself. Other types of harm frequently seen in snowmobile accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries/Potential paralysis
- Damage to internal organs
- Deep lacerations
- Serious bone fractures
- Death
WHAT TO DO AFTER A SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENT IN TORONTO
To boost the chances of an appropriate outcome after a snowmobile crash, victims can take several key steps certain to strengthen their claim.
Undergoing all necessary medical treatment, collecting relevant documentation, producing photographic evidence, contacting insurance carriers and building a strong record of everything that has occurred will help construct a persuasive picture of damages sustained and compensation required.
Whether full financial recovery is best obtained via an insurance carrier or through a third-party action against a negligent party, there is no time to waste in terms of examining avenues of recourse.
SEEKING COMPENSATION AND RECOVERY
It is impossible to deny the potentially permanent, life-altering outcomes that can follow serious snowmobiling accidents and the pain, suffering and disability that victims are left to face. Given these stark realities, it is crucial for those injured to secure the help of a Toronto snowmobile accident lawyer who will step into the fray and fight hard for every dollar of available compensation.
By conducting an exhaustive investigation of the facts, interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records and aligning with subject matter experts including engineers and accident reconstruction professionals, an injury practitioner will formulate the theories and arguments necessary to win. The losses sustained in incidents of this nature are often massive, and may encompass:
- Medical bills
- Costs of physical therapy and/or rehab services
- Lost wages
- Reductions in future earning capacity
- Physical pain
- Emotional trauma and its ongoing effects
- Lost familial and marital relationships
- Loss of financial support for remaining dependents in cases of fatality
- Funeral costs
The days, weeks and even months that follow a catastrophic snowmobile accident are typically a period filled with fear, anger, frustration and often, a focus on simple survival. However, victims and their families need to keep in mind that the time to pursue the compensation to which they are entitled is limited.
The sooner action is taken and the aid of a skilled legal practitioner is obtained, the greater the chances of securing fair financial recovery and the sense of vindication that can be pivotal to healing.
SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENT INSURANCE
To drive a snowmobile, you usually need a license. Most people use their regular driver’s license. If you’re not old enough for a driver’s license, don’t worry—you can still drive a snowmobile.
If you’re 12 or older, you can get a motorized snow-vehicle operator’s license (MSVOL). This lets you ride on official trails. For other areas where snowmobiles are allowed, you must be 16 or older and have either a driver’s license or an MSVOL.
Make sure your snowmobile is registered with the Ministry of Transportation, and you need insurance under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act. Snowmobile insurance works like car insurance, providing benefits for injuries, regardless of fault, through the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS). SABS is mandatory no-fault insurance in Ontario, offering accident benefits to anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident, no matter who is at fault. Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Accidents Claim Fund may also be available to you, if no one involved in a snowmobile accident carried insurance.
ROLE OF PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
In the aftermath of a snowmobile accident, a personal injury lawyer can play a crucial role in supporting victims through complex legal processes. By meticulously building a strong case, personal injury lawyers aim to establish liability and ensure their clients receive the compensation they deserve. Personal injury lawyers also serve as advocates for victims when negotiating with insurance companies, striving to secure settlements for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.
If negotiations prove insufficient, a personal injury lawyer can help you take the necessary legal actions, representing the interests of the victim in court to seek justice and appropriate compensation. Their knowledge becomes an asset, guiding victims through the intricate legal landscape and helping them navigate the path to recovery.
Consider contacting to Preszler Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Preszler is your personal injury lawyers in Toronto for all snowmobile accidents, from minor and serious injury-related events, to more catastrophic injuries, and will work tirelessly on your behalf.
CONTACT A TORONTO SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY
Those harmed in serious snowmobile accidents that are suspected to be the fault of another party may feel as though they have little chance of making their case. However, our Toronto snowmobile accident lawyers understand what it takes to marshal essential evidence and mount the strongest possible arguments on behalf of those injured.
With cases handled by Preszler Injury Lawyers, no legal fees will be due unless or until a positive financial resolution is attained. There is nothing for snowmobile crash victims to lose by exploring their legal options, but instead, a great deal to gain. Contact us today for a free initial consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ACCIDENT
We are here 24/7 to address your injury case. You can speak with a lawyer to request a consultation or if you prefer fill out an online form and we will respond within 24 hours.
