What to Do If You’re Injured in a Snowmobile Accident

Snowmobiling is a fun, exciting winter activity, but it is not without risk. Each year, many Albertans are seriously injured in snowmobile accidents, some of which cause lifelong consequences for riders and their families. If you or a loved one are planning to hit the trails this winter, you need to know what to do if a serious injury occurs, as well as how to set yourself up for success if you need to pursue a settlement claim.

With over 200 years of combined injury law experience, James H. Brown and Associates continues to set the standard for injury cases across Western Canada. Since 1993, our team of injury lawyers has been dedicated to standing up for our clients’ rights and helping them secure the compensation they deserve. Read on to learn our top tips for navigating snowmobile accident injuries, as well as James H. Brown and Associates’ proven experience advocating for accident victims.

1. Seek Medical Attention

After a snowmobile accident, nothing is more important than your health. The most critical step after any accident is seeking medical attention for your injuries.

Even if injuries look and feel “minor,” it is still essential to see your family doctor or other healthcare providers in a timely manner. Why? First and foremost, even if you’re not in severe pain, your injuries may still require immediate treatment to avoid lasting consequences. Second, many insurance companies claim that individuals who didn’t immediately seek care couldn’t have possibly sustained serious injuries. It’s a flimsy argument, but unfortunately, it’s one we often see in court. Get checked out right away and prevent insurance companies from making it.

While in care, take the time to describe your injuries in detail. Your medical provider should document all of your injuries in their records; if you file a claim or pursue legal action, these records will be part of determining the amount of compensation you can receive. No detail is too minor. Even a minor injury can affect your claim, especially if it gets worse over time—the more documentation available on your injuries from the start, the better.

Additionally, ensure you receive any applicable diagnostic tests during your treatment. X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other tests enable complete diagnosis and documentation of your injuries. Again, the sooner and more accurately your injuries are diagnosed, the easier it is to prove the accident caused them.

2. Document All Damages

Although your healthcare provider will document all of your physical injuries, you (along with your experienced legal team) will be responsible for keeping track of any other damages caused by the accident.

What qualifies as “damage?” Damages can mean anything from damage to your sled, lost days of work, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and more. Unfortunately, recreational vehicle accident claims can take a long time to be resolved. That’s why it’s absolutely essential to save receipts and keep a journal detailing any changes or expenses resulting from the accident. Once again, no detail is too small; the more information you can provide, the stronger your case will be, and the more likely you are to receive fair compensation.

3. Seek Legal Counsel

As soon as an insurance company (either yours or the other party’s) finds out about your accident, they will likely try to obtain a statement from you. Don’t let them pressure you into it without getting legal advice first!

While you can notify (your own) insurance company that an accident has occurred, never give an insurance company a statement without speaking with an injury lawyer first. When you seek compensation for your injuries (i.e., when they have to give you money), the company will look for any excuse to give you less. Far too often, insurance companies use information in these statements to attempt to hold back the compensation you and your family need.

After a serious snowmobile accident, contact an injury lawyer as soon as possible. Whereas insurance companies’ are primarily concerned with profit (and paying out as little as possible), injury lawyers have a responsibility to you and your family to provide the best advice possible. Bringing a well-documented case to a team of experienced injury lawyers is the best way to pursue justice and get the compensation you deserve.

Get What You Deserve with James H. Brown and Associates

Recreational vehicle accident law is complicated. After an accident, pursuing justice and compensation is no easy task, often requiring in-depth knowledge and skills to secure the funds accident victims need to move forward. When your life and livelihood hang in the balance, you need experience on your side.

For nearly three decades, James H. Brown and Associates has been dedicated to standing up for accident victims across Western Canada. Our team knows firsthand what it’s like to be seriously injured, and are proud of our proven record of attaining justice for our clients.

No two accidents are the same; that’s why we offer a full range of services and support for our clients, including:

An experienced team of injury lawyers with a proven record of success.
Investigation and evidence preservation services, including accident reconstruction.
Strong relationships with organizations ready to assist with rehabilitation and recovery.
And much more!