Snowmobile Accident Lawyers

Snowmobiling is a fun and exciting way to spend a weekend in Vermont, but snowmobiling can be extremely dangerous. To be sure, snowmobiling is popular across Vermont, and residents and visitors alike enjoy the trails on snowmobiles. Home to one of the biggest snowmobile trails in the United States, VAST, Vermont draws snowmobilers of all skill levels from all over the Northeast.

Yet snowmobilers of all ages can sustain injuries when accidents occur. There are various causes of snowmobile accidents, ranging from negligent operation of the snowmobile to mechanical defects and trail issues.

Depending upon the cause of the accident, it may be possible to file a snowmobile accident claim. An experienced Vermont Snowmobile Accident Lawyer at Sabbeth Law can talk with you today about your case and your eligibility for filing a lawsuit. 

What You Should Know About Snowmobile Accidents in Vermont

How often do snowmobile accidents happen in Vermont, and how often are snowmobilers injured in crashes? The Vermont Department of Health reports that more than 10 percent of recreational injuries in the state result from snowmobile accidents. Annually, snowmobile accidents result in an average of 200 deaths and about 14,000 injuries across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports some of the following additional facts:

  • Weather conditions are linked to nearly 80 percent of all snowmobile accidents as a causal factor, although other factors can also be at play;
  • Terrain is identified as a factor in more than 40 percent of all snowmobile accidents;
  • About 50 percent of all snowmobile accidents occur after dark in the winter between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;
  • Excessive speed is linked to more than 50 percent of identified snowmobile accidents; 
  • Collisions between two or more snowmobiles occur in about 15 percent of reported snowmobile accident cases; and
  • Alcohol consumption is a factor in about 13 percent of snowmobile crashes.

How Liability Is Determined In A Snowmobile Accident Case

Who is liable for a snowmobile accident in Vermont? Liability will depend on the cause of the accident. Another snowmobiler may be at fault, or parties not involved in the crash itself could also be liable. For example, if a snowmobile accident resulted from a snowmobile defect, then the designer or manufacturer of the snowmobile could be liable. When obstructions or debris cause a crash, the owner of the property where the snowmobile accident occurred could be responsible for injuries. The following are common causes of snowmobiling accidents in Vermont:

  • Driving the snowmobile at a speed that is unsafe;
  • Consuming alcohol before or during snowmobiling;
  • Using drugs prior to or during snowmobiling;
  • Distracted snowmobiling, or inattention while operating the snowmobile;
  • Inexperience operating a snowmobile;
  • Operating on a steep incline or snowbank;
  • Recklessly operating a snowmobile;
  • Carelessly operating a snowmobile;
  • Following too closely behind another snowmobiler;
  • Failing to stop for oncoming snowmobilers;
  • Operating a snowmobile on a road;
  • Getting hit by a motor vehicle on a road;
  • Defective snowmobile parts, such as defective brakes or a defective throttle;
  • Mechanical failure;
  • Collision with an animal;
  • Operating a snowmobile on thin ice;
  • Debris or other obstructions on a snowmobile trail;
  • Ice on a snowmobile trail; 
  • Inappropriately passing another snowmobiler; and
  • Inclement weather, including wintry weather with low visibility.

Common Injuries Sustained In A Snowmobile Accident

What are some of the types of injuries for which you may be able to seek financial compensation in a Vermont snowmobile accident lawsuit? The CDC identifies the following as common injuries reported in snowmobile accidents:

  • Lower extremity injuries;
  • Upper extremity injuries;
  • Head and neck injuries;
  • Chest and trunk injuries;
  • Back injuries;
  • Fractures;
  • Lacerations;
  • Contusions;
  • Concussions;
  • Abrasions;
  • Dislocations;
  • Burns; 
  • Sprains;
  • Exposure injuries; and
  • Drownings.

Other types of injuries may also occur. No matter what type of injury you sustained in a snowmobiling accident, and regardless of the severity, you may be able to file a lawsuit if another party is responsible. 

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Snowmobile Accident Lawsuit in Vermont?

Most Vermont snowmobile or snowmachine accident lawsuits will need to be filed within three years from the date of the snowmobile accident under Vermont law. To determine which party or parties may be liable for your injuries, you should have a snowmobile accident attorney in Vermont evaluate your case today.

Contact a Snowmobile Accident Lawyer in Vermont for Assistance

Snowmobiling accidents in Vermont can be devastating, and they can result in severe and life-threatening injuries. If you were injured in a snowmobiling accident, or if your teenager got hurt in a snowmobiling accident, it is critical to find out if another party is liable. Our experienced Vermont snowmobile accident and injury lawyers can speak with you today about your case. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us for assistance. Contact Sabbeth Law to learn more about how we can help you.