Snowmobile Accidents Cause Injury, Death, Lawsuits
Maybe it’s because snowmobiles are also known as recreational vehicles. Whatever the reason, far too many snowmobile operators do not take their responsibilities seriously as they mount their sleds to take a ride, leading too often to serious injuries, fatalities and accident lawsuits in Maine courts over their reckless behavior.
Experienced accident lawyers say they see many parallels between snowmobile accidents along the state’s 13,000 miles of signed trails and highway crashes involving automobiles, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles.
Among the more common factors in various motor vehicle accident lawsuits is a driver’s unreasonable rate of speed. Just like with a lot of motorcyclists, many Maine snowmobile drivers feel they need to feed their “need for speed” See : accident lawyer – the sensation of the wind whipping over their bodies. However, the circumstances of riding a snowmobile – speeding along a slippery surface of snow or ice with limited braking ability – make it necessary to use extreme caution. The failure to use common sense and exercise defensive driving skills can turn even a routine ride on the trails into a high-speed trip to a court date with a Maine snowmobile accident attorney.
Similarly, Maine snowmobile accident lawsuits often follow crashes involving a drunk driver whose thoughtless behavior is responsible for life-changing injuries or fatalities. The blood-alcohol limit for a snowmobile driver, like other motorists, is .08. Within the carefree playing field of snowmobiling, a great deal of people are in clubs that organize group trips with rest stops at local bars. A cocktail or two at each and every stop impairs judgment and slows the response time of even experienced snowmobile operators. Riding in a team with riders who drink also poses dangers, including raising the risk of crashing with another impaired driver and raising the possibility of injuries while getting caught up in mimicking their high-speed, careless behavior.
An added danger cited by Maine accident lawyers is the fact that consuming alcohol accelerates a drop in the body’s temperature. Along with the frigid outdoor environment, the operator runs the risk of hypothermia, which also impairs a driver’s judgment.
Poor judgment extends beyond driving behavior, Maine snowmobile accident attorneys note. Every winter, lives are lost and snowmobile accident lawsuits are filed when operators foolishly disregard the perils of traveling across ice. The thickness and strength of ice can vary widely on rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. Snow often creates a blanket that hinders the formation of thick, strong ice. Even a well-worn trail across water can give the false impression of safety if previous travelers have weakened the ice.
A Maine snowmobile accident lawyer knows that responsible operators can have the ability to protect themselves, their passengers and innocent bystanders by following a few simple rules. Safety equipment, including a helmet with a visor or a set of protective goggles, along with layers of water-repellent clothing, is an essential. Carry a first-aid kid including a flashlight, knife, compass, map and waterproof matches.
And don’t, Maine attorneys say, travel alone. Little is more dangerous to the life and well being of a snowmobiler than being injured without fellow riders around to provide or seek help.
When someone injured or lost a loved one resulting from a snowmobile driver who ignores good sense when operating a 500-pound machine, they will need to look for a Maine snowmobile accident lawyer who has experience in protecting their rights and pursuing fair financial compensation.
