When you want to get somewhere without ploughed or paved roads, snowmobiling is an exciting and fun way to do it. However, poor judgement, driver inexperience, natural obstacles, intoxication, overtiredness, and excessive speed can result in an accident.
Some snowmobile accidents happen to the driver alone, while others may involve more than one driver. If it wasn’t your fault – like when a deer emerges suddenly, or another driver drives too fast and hits you – you deserve compensation. Halifax personal injury lawyers can fight for you.
What Safety Measures Should Snowmobilers Consider?
A course on snowmobiling safety is recommended for anyone interested in it. Here is what you will learn on keeping safe in the snow:
- It is a bad idea to drive while intoxicated with alcohol or drugs
- Keep off completely frozen areas, including rivers
- Ill-lit regions should be avoided
- Don’t forget the first-aid kit whenever you snowmobile
- Remain alert and watch out for snow piles, larger rocks, and trees
- Go with other snowmobilers
- Pay attention to the weather
A license is necessary to drive a snowmobile in Canada. But if you are below 16 and at least 12 years old, you can apply for a snow-vehicle operator’s license (MSVOL).
Should you get into an accident, remember to move your snowmobile out of the way of other snowmobilers. This prevents further hazards because some snowmobilers can run you over if they fail to see you.
What I’m I Required to Do After the Snowmobile Accident?
Like road and other accident victims, you may be confused about what steps to take. It is expected because of the adrenaline rush and everything your body is experiencing at that moment. Here is what you need to do:
Get Medical Attention
Begin by finding somewhere warm to avoid further exposure in the winter cold. After that, seek medication and make sure that it is documented.
Gather Evidence
If you were involved in an accident with another snowmobile, remember to take the owner’s insurance information and contact details. Also, don’t forget to document the scene and take photos of the crash.
File a Claim
Take the initiative of informing your insurer about the accident and prepare to file a claim with the assistance of a personal injury lawyer in Halifax.
Prepare the Documentation
You need to put together evidence to show how the injuries sustained impacted your life. It is essential to include any impairment that could have prevented you from working or enjoying life and any form of pain and suffering.
What Questions Will a Personal Injury Lawyer Ask Me?
Often, innocent snowmobile drivers end up paying for accidents that weren’t their fault. This shouldn’t happen because a Halifax snowmobile accident lawyer can critically assess your situation, put your case in order, and help you win. They may ask you the following questions:
- Was the other driver driving erratically or over speeding?
- Did the other driver use hand signals or use signals from their snowmobile?
- Has the other snowmobile driver ever been a party to a personal injury lawsuit before?
- Did you capture the other snowmobile’s license number?
- Was the at-fault driver registered or insured?
What Snowmobile Accident Injuries Can I Get Compensated For?
Whether you felt through the ice, had a wipe-out, or a collision accident, you can suffer serious injuries that can take you weeks to recover – the common ones being:
- Life-threatening injuries like internal bleeding, organ damage, and fractured ribs.
- Head injuries like concussions, cuts, and bruises
- Extreme pain from dislocated shoulders
- Fractured and broken bones
- Muscle strains and bruising in the head and chest
- Dental or oral injuries
- Facial injuries
A skilled Halifax personal injury lawyer can help you claim compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Cancellation or changes in future plans
- Lost or reduced earning ability
- Lost wages or earnings
- Personal and long-term care services
- Disability modifications in the victim’s home and car
- Therapies like physical therapy
- Medical tests and surgeries
- Medical expenses
Where Can I Get Compensation for My Injuries?
Health Insurance Plan – Your health insurance can cover many of your medical costs. However, it may not cover other essential needs like the income you lost during recovery, caregiver costs, long-term expenses, and drugs.
Insurance companies – A Halifax personal injury lawyer can be instrumental in drawing compensation from your auto insurance company if you do not have a policy for snowmobiles. And even when you purchased a snowmobile insurance policy, the company may still award you lesser compensation than you deserve.
The Owner of the Snowmobile land – If you were snowmobiling in another person’s land, they were responsible for removing any potential hazards from the trail. But if they failed to, you can file a lawsuit against them.
What Hurdles Do Victims of Snowmobile Accidents Encounter?
Getting compensation isn’t always easy because the responsible parties can reject your claim. For instance, they can allege that you were liable for the accident and refuse to pay. You may spend all your time trying to appeal, and if you aren’t too lucky, the two-year Statute of Limitations period could elapse.
So, as soon as you are injured in a snowmobile accident, it is advisable to speak to an experienced snowmobile accident lawyer in Nova Scotia. The legal expert will ensure that the claim is filed on time and that all the documentation is in order.
Compassionate Legal Help in Halifax
You can safeguard your best interest by getting in touch with a snowmobile accident lawyer in Halifax when you or your loved one has been a victim of a snowmobile accident. They will not only assist you in exploring your options, but they will also offer guidance in every step of the legal process.
Before speaking to a representative of your insurance company, you need to know your rights and have them protected. Some snowmobile accidents can be unclear, but our personal injury lawyers are equipped with the skills to investigate the circumstances and establish fault. In the end, it will be easier to communicate with the insurer and receive full damages.
Call (902) 423-2050 to schedule a free, no-obligation, consultation with us!