Minnesota Snowmobile Accident Lawyers

Top-Rated Minnesota Snowmobile Accident Attorneys

What could be more exhilarating than a snowmobile ride across blankets of snow? A great way to make the most of the winter, snowmobiling is an increasingly popular pastime. And with more than 22,000 miles of groomed trails, Minnesota is an excellent place for snowmobile enthusiasts to indulge in their passion. 

Yet for all the excitement snowmobiling provides, the activity isn’t all fun and games. Snowmobiles are powerful machines, and accidents can happen to the most experienced rider. In 2018, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recorded 118 accidents, 10 fatalities, and 96 injures related to snowmobiles. 

Our compassionate Minnesota personal injury lawyers at Nicolet Law Firm are prepared to help snowmobile accident victims secure just compensation for their injuries. Whether your accident resulted from another person’s negligence, a manufacturing defect, or hazardous trail conditions, our firm is ready to take on the insurance companies.

Safety Tips for Minnesota Snowmobilers 

The leading causes of snowmobile accidents are speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driver inexperience, and poor judgment. Thankfully, snowmobilers can avoid many accidents and serious injuries by taking proper precautions before and during each ride. 

The DNR offers the following tips for staying safe on the trails:

• Watch the weather. Driving in adverse weather conditions increases a rider’s risk of being in an accident. Check the weather forecast and trail conditions before you head out to avoid getting caught in a dangerous storm.  
• Don’t drink and ride. Alcohol slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and negatively affects coordination. According to the DNR, alcohol use contributes to more than 60 percent of all fatal snowmobile accidents in Minnesota. 
• Avoid lakes and rivers. Ice has to be five to seven inches thick to support a snowmobile and its rider. Be especially wary of ice that has moving water under it, as the ice in these areas may be thin and weak.  
• Mind your speed. Excessive speed is a contributing factor in the majority of snowmobile accidents. To mitigate the risk of being in an accident, drive at a pace that will give you enough time to react to any situation. 
• Dress appropriately. Snowmobilers should always wear a helmet and face mask for safety and layers of clothing to stay warm and dry. 

Common Snowmobile Accident Injuries 

Unfortunately, not all snowmobile accidents can be prevented, and they often result in serious injury—or even death. Some of the most dangerous accidents are those in which drivers are alone and are too injured to drive somewhere for help. 

The local, skilled attorneys at Nicolet Law Office have experience representing snowmobile accident victims suffering from: 

• Spinal cord trauma: Severe damage to the spinal cord can lead to loss of motor function or paralysis. If an accident victim experiences trauma to the head or neck, they should receive medical treatment immediately. 
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of TBIs. Common TBI symptoms include difficulty concentrating, mood changes, sensitivity to light or sound, dizziness, and coordination loss.
• Broken bones: Snowmobile accidents often result in fractures to the hands and feet, though fractures can occur in any area of the body. 
• Soft tissue injuries: Soft-tissue damage can lead to pain, swelling, and bruising around the injured area. Examples of these types of injuries include whiplash, contusions, strains, and sprains.

We encourage snowmobile accident victims to contact a local attorney as soon as possible. If a victim’s injuries resulted from negligence, he or she might be entitled to receive compensation. 

What to Do After a Snowmobile Accident in Minnesota

Even though an accident may be the last thing on your mind, all snowmobilers should be aware of the steps they need to take if an accident does occur. 

1. Call for help. A victim’s priority is to seek medical care. While many injuries may take days or weeks to appear, a medical evaluation can help determine the full extent of a victim’s injuries. Additionally, timely medical records serve as evidence with insurance adjusters and juries. 
2. Protect other drivers. If at all possible, victims should try to move their snowmobiles away from oncoming traffic. An unattended snowmobile in the middle of a trail presents a danger to other drivers and may result in otherwise avoidable accidents or injuries.
3. Exchange information. Before leaving the scene, victims should try to gather contact information from everyone involved in the crash. 
4. Submit a report. Victims of accidents resulting in serious injury, damage of more than $500, or death are required to file an accident report with the DNR within 48 hours of an accident. 
5. Contact a local attorney. We recommend that snowmobile accident victims contact a lawyer at their earliest convenience to help them with their claim. 

The experienced attorneys at Nicolet Law Office are committed to guiding our clients through the complicated claims process. With over 100 years of combined legal experience and thousands of satisfied clients, we work tirelessly to pursue maximum compensation for victims’ injuries.

Who Needs a Personal Injury Lawyer? 

Accident victims frequently find themselves struggling with the long-term consequences of their injuries, such as lost wages, lengthy recoveries, and mounting medical expenses. Thankfully, Nicolet Law can help. 

While our experience has shown us that insurance companies only care about their bottom line, our number-one priority is protecting our clients and their well-being. When you work with us, we will immediately begin investigating your accident to determine liability. We are committed to taking on the insurance companies, even if it means bringing the fight to court. 

If you or a loved one have sustained injuries in a snowmobile accident, let the compassionate lawyers at Nicolet Law Office put their experience to work for you. Our attorneys will stop at nothing to help our clients secure the compensation they need to recover. 

Contact a Trusted Attorney at Nicolet Law Today

Not sure if you need an attorney? Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers proudly offers free initial consultations, allowing prospective clients to explore the full extent of their legal options. Moreover, we represent personal injury clients on a contingency basis. In other words, you won’t pay unless we win. 

If you have been injured in a snowmobile accident, don’t wait to contact a lawyer. Schedule a free initial consultation with one of our trusted attorneys by calling us toll-free at 1-855-NICOLET. You can also contact us online by filling out our secure online form.