Snowmobiling season is in full swing here in Minnesota, and that means tens of thousands of people are hitting the scenic trails each and every day. A snowmobile can allow you to explore some unique areas across this beautiful state, but because of their potential for high speeds and limited ability for law enforcement to police a driver’s actions, they can also be a recipe for danger and injury. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at snowmobile accidents and how you can pursue compensation if you were injured on one of these recreational devices.
Filing For Injury Benefits After A Snowmobile Accident
Every year we field a number of calls from prospective clients asking about their compensation options in the wake of a snowmobile accident. We’ve talked to drivers who have been struck by vehicles or by other snowmobiles, and we’ve talked to riders who were injured when their driver failed to maintain control of the vehicle. We’ve seen and filed for a wide range of claim benefits after a snowmobile accident, and we can do the same for you.
How you’ll pursue compensation depends on the specifics of your accident. For example, if you were struck by a car or truck while on your snowmobile, you will be able to go after the other driver’s automobile insurance company for damages. Since you were struck by a motor vehicle, you’ll also be able to file for No-Fault benefits to offset your medical bills and lost wages.
If you are struck by a snowmobile when you are on foot or while you’re riding, your claim will be a little different. In this situation, you’d file a claim against the driver’s snowmobile insurance if they are carrying any, or you may be able to pursue compensation through their homeowner’s insurance. Because it can be difficult to understand how you’re filing your claim and how to ensure you win an award, oftentimes it is best to consult with a personal injury firm like Hey Workers shortly after the accident to learn how you can best proceed.
Another thing you’ll want to do soon after a snowmobile accident with injuries is to seek medical attention. This may be the first step if your injuries are significant or severe, but sometimes drivers or riders put off going to a doctor because they are hopeful that their injuries will heal fine with time alone. This is a poor strategy, because not only will you be unaware of the full extent of your injuries, but if you do eventually decide to move forward with a claim, the insurance company may question or even deny your claim on the grounds that your injuries must not have been all that severe since you didn’t go to the doctor until a week after the accident. Don’t jeopardize your claim by putting off a medical evaluation, even if you don’t think your injuries are all that serious. The adrenaline that kicks in after an accident can mask pain and injuries, so it’s not surprising for people to feel worse 48-72 hours after an accident than they did right after it occurred.
Finally, it’s important to at least talk with a lawyer after a snowmobile accident because there are often more factors that meet the eye with these claims. We’ve seen cases where the at-fault party was driving under the influence, we’ve seen injury claims from poorly maintained trails, and there are also cases where a defective snowmobile contributed to a person’s injuries. If you’re unfamiliar with these types of claims, you may miss some big factors that influence your total award amount.
So if you’ve been saddled with medical bills or have been forced to miss work as a result of a snowmobile accident, reach out to the experienced lawyers at Hey Workers to see what we can do for you. One final note – Please, wear a helmet when you’re out on the trails! It can significantly reduce the extent of your injuries in the event of an accident. For more information, reach out to Hey Workers today.
