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Snowmobile Accident Lawyers Toronto

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Corner Icon Snowmobile Accident Lawyers Serving Toronto

Hitting up trails with friends on snowmobiles in Ontario in winter is fun and exciting but it can also be dangerous.

Accidents are more common than any assume. While a snowmobile is, for all intents and purposes, a safe vehicle for winter travel, more than 14,000 people in North America get hurt in a snowmobile accident every year.

A person who survives a snowmobile accident – and unfortunately, there are fatalities – has to deal with hospital bills and out-of-pocket medical treatments, the mental trauma of having been in the accident, and the after-effects it will have on your quality of life.

If your injury comes at the hands of another’s recklessness or neglect, contact the lawyers at Joshua Goldberg Law.

Corner Icon Overview Of Snowmobile Accidents In Toronto

A snowmobile crash is any sort of vehicular accident relating to the operation of a snowmobile. It does not necessarily mean an injury to those driving. A pedestrian struck by a snowmobile can mean catastrophic injuries as well.

The majority of snowmobile accidents relate to high speed and maneuverability.

When either or both are not in control of a party operating the vehicle, it creates a situation where even the slightest mistake can equate to extremely serious injuries.

Corner Icon The Tragedy Of Snowmobile Crashes In Ontario

The tragedy of a crash or collision is that whether it involves two snowmobiles or just one, in many cases, these are avoidable incidents.

A snowmobile crash can be as simple as having struck a tree or as serious as a long-term hospitalization or worse.

In the case of fatalities, deaths often stem from individuals taking risks riding in weather with temperature fluctuations, on unsafe ice, speeding, losing control of their snowmobiles, alcohol use, and driver inattention.

Corner Icon Legal Aspects Of Snowmobile Accidents

After a snowmobile accident, the thought of a legal battle is probably the last thing you want to invest your energy in.

If there is another party to blame, however, you have a right to pursue justice and compensation. An experienced snowmobile accident lawyer who knows the complexities of launching a personal injury case while simultaneously allowing you the time to recover is paramount.

If you have been involved in a snowmobile accident, don’t let the burden of injury keep you from defending your rights.

Corner Icon Snowmobile Injuries: A Growing Concern

Snowmobiling is not only a fun activity to partake in during a cold winter but some Ontario residents up north will even use snowmobiles as a main mode of transportation in rural areas.

However, a snowmobile rider is out in the open and completely vulnerable to injury if there is a collision or crash.

While any type of injury can happen to a snowmobile driver operating at high speeds on snow, the most common are oral and dental damage, facial injuries, traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, bone fractures, and death.

Safety must be an absolute priority for any snowmobile driver who wishes to head out onto a trail at any time of year.

Corner Icon The Motorized Snow Vehicles Act And Its Implications

The Motorized Snow Vehicles Amendment Act, 2000 in Ontario states that a snowmobile cannot be driven on a trail that is designated by regulation except under the authority of a trail permit. The Minister of Transportation is required to authorize trail permits.

The Act reinforces that snowmobiles must be driven under the speed limit.

Corner Icon Every Snowmobile Driver Must Be Licensed In Ontario

The Motorized Snow Vehicles Amendment Act also outlines the minimum requirements that every snowmobile driver in Ontario must meet in order to be able to acquire a license and drive.

  • They must be at least 12 years old.
  • They must have a valid driver’s license or MSVOL.
  • Their snowmobile must be registered with the Ministry of Transportation.
  • They must have insurance.

Corner Icon High-Risk Factors In Snowmobile Trails

There are many risk factors on snowmobile trails. Many are built across smooth trails which naturally encourage riders to go faster than is recommended.

If a trail is closed, it should not be used. If a trail is closed, there is no guarantee it is properly maintained or safe. A trail could be closed for any of a variety of reasons. Yet some still venture onto trails when they are closed which is trespassing.

If your snowmobile is not being driven on an official trail, this increases the risk of an accident. You may not be driving on safe land.

Lastly, there is a chance when driving at fast speeds on any trail of encountering natural obstacles – such as fallen trees, large rocks, and piles of snow – at high speeds. There is very little time to react to such unexpected obstacles even when driving within a trail’s speed limit.

Corner Icon Head-On Crashes: A Common Scenario In Snowmobile Accidents

A head-on crash is common when discussing snowmobile accidents. A crash like this can occur from a mechanical defect, an error in the design of the trail, or the reckless actions of another driver.

Many underestimate the skill and physical strength it takes to operate a snowmobile. Not every driver has those skills and if someone is out on the trail unsure of how to properly guide their vehicle, or who is impaired, this opens up the door for a head-on crash.

With a head-on crash, you have another party involved and may be entitled to financial repayment.

Corner Icon  Role Of Ontario Provincial Police In Snowmobile Incidents

The Ontario Provincial Police advises to practice caution when riding a snowmobile. Every year, there are serious snowmobile accidents that occur across the province, leaving victims with serious injuries or sometimes killed.

The provincial police are tasked with enforcing all by-laws, including what is covered in the Motorized Snow Vehicles Amendment Act, 2000.

Corner Icon  Importance Of Adhering To Posted Speed Limits

Some of the newest snowmobiles can go as fast as 180 km/hour. Such a vehicle should never be driven at that speed.

This also far exceeds speed limits put on trails by organizations such as the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, of OFSC. Typically, the posted speed limit is 50 km/hour. Riders are strongly encouraged to adhere to that.

Corner Icon  Rehabilitation Journey: The Role Of Physical Therapy

To come back from any serious injuries from a snowmobile crash, physical therapy plays a key role in regaining mobility and strength.

Any person struggling with their recovery after a hospital stay and/or who has been recommended physical therapy should not discount the important role that this form of therapy has. It may be the primary difference between a fast recovery and one that occurs much slower.

Corner Icon  Ontario Federation Of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) Initiatives

Ontario has a world-class snowmobile trail network that spans up to 30,000 km. More than $6 billion in economic activity is generated every year in the province from these trails.

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, or OFSC, comprises 15 districts and 181 membered snowmobile clubs.

They are a volunteer-led not-for-profit association that helps to organize snowmobiling in Ontario, assisting with ensuring trails are kept safe and that drivers are educated on safe ways to operate their motor vehicles while out.

Corner Icon  Analyzing Weather Conditions In Snowmobile Accidents

Weather plays a major influence in snowmobile accidents, as already highlighted in several areas of this text.

Mild winter weather can impact how solid the ground is. High-risk snowstorms and/or snowmobiling during evening hours can reduce visibility.

A recent report analyzing snowmobile accidents in Ontario suggests that nearly half of all snowmobile fatalities occurred while the driver was traveling over a frozen lake or river. To this point, if no other, always evaluate weather conditions if you’re a driver about to take their snowmobile out.

Corner Icon  Legal Recourse: Understanding Compensation And Claims

For your injuries that someone else has caused in a snowmobile accident, you are entitled to compensation.

This includes medical expenses, surgeries and medical testing not covered by provincial insurance, physical therapy, any disability modifications required for your vehicle or home, any long-term or personal care services, lost salary and wages, lost earning ability, and pain and suffering.

Corner Icon  Snowmobile Accident Prevention: Tips And Strategies

  • Consider taking a snowmobile safety course even if you are an experienced driver.
  • Always keep an eye on the weather before heading out on a trail.
  • Travel with other snowmobilers so that if there is an accident or collision, there is someone there to solicit help.
  • Stay alert when you are out on the trail.
  • Have a First Aid Kit with you at all times in case it is needed by you or another.
  • Avoid traveling in areas that are not properly lit.
  • Avoid traveling over completely frozen surfaces, such as frozen rivers, where there is a high risk of breaking ice.
  • Never ride your snowmobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Corner Icon  Moving Forward: The Future Of Snowmobile Safety In Ontario

The Ontario Provincial Police, the OFSC, and the majority of snowmobile drivers are actively working towards better snowmobile safety in Ontario every year.

Unfortunately, accidents and injuries still occur, predominantly due to negligence, recklessness, and poor judgment.

If you were involved or injured in a snowmobile accident, talk to a lawyer. If you were not at fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for the damages you sustained. As we start to organize your claim, among the questions we often ask our clients include the following.

  • Was the other driver insured and registered?
  • Do you have their contact information and license plate number?
  • Has the other driver been involved in a snowmobile accident before?
  • Did the other driver use any signals on their snowmobile or hand signals before the accident?
  • Was the other driver speeding or driving recklessly?

Joshua Goldberg Law offers a free consultation to anyone who is a victim of a snowmobile accident. An expert will hear the circumstances of your case and provide you with the available legal options as to whether a claim can be filed and ensure you receive everything that you are rightfully owed under the law.

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