It is that time of year! Winter is upon us and that means many Wisconsin residents will be enjoying a ride on a snowmobile to traverse across areas in and around River Falls, Eau Claire, Menomonie, Hudson, etc. Unfortunately, that also means there is a higher risk of someone suffering a serious injury in a snowmobile accident.
A prime example can be found in the tragic accident that occurred in the Town of Newbold. Reports indicate that a Kenosha man lost his life after he crashed into a utility pole while on his snowmobile. The collision occurred on the snowmobile trail near the Rustic Manor in Saint Germain, according to WSAU.com. In addition to the snowmobile operator losing his life, a passenger suffered serious bodily injuries in the crash and had to be transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
How can a snowmobile accident cause so much damage and harm? Well, it is important to understand that most newfangled snowmobiles available on the open market can weigh more than 600 pounds and travel at speeds close to 100 miles per hour. As a result, if there is a collision between two snowmobiles, or a snowmobile operator makes a wrong move or gets distracted and winds up colliding with an object or structure, the damage can be extensive. In fact, each year, snowmobile accidents result in 200 deaths and 14,000 injuries, according to NCBI.
What to do After a Snowmobile Accident
If you were involved in a snowmobile accident, there are some important steps you can take immediately after the collision to protect your legal rights. First and foremost, assess your physical health and the health of any other individuals involved in the collision and determine whether an ambulance needs to be called. In addition, contact the police department and ask that an officer come to the scene to complete an accident report.
If you were hit by another snowmobile operator, or someone operating a vehicle like a sedan, truck, etc., you need to obtain their name, phone number, driver’s license number, and basic insurance information. The same goes for any passengers involved in the collision. You should also get the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the collision. Next, take photos of the damage to your snowmobile and any visible bodily injuries.
Of course, you should go to the hospital for treatment, even if you think your injuries are “not serious.” A seemingly minor injury can carry significant ramifications down the road in terms of daily pain and discomfort.
When you go to the doctor, make sure to keep track of all of your medical expenses and treatment visits. Maintaining a thorough accounting of the treatments and medications you take will make it much easier to file a claim with the insurance company. Finally, take the time to sit down with an experienced River Falls snowmobile accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
You may need to file a personal injury claim with the insurance company to get compensated for your medical expenses, any lost wages stemming from the accident, and pain and suffering.
Contact an Experienced River Falls Snowmobile Accident Lawyer Today
A snowmobile accident can leave a family member seriously injured and unsure about how to move forward. Let the Wisconsin personal injury lawyers of Bye, Goff & Rohde help. Contact our office today to schedule a free, confidential case review.