For many Wisconsinites, winter means one thing: snowmobiling. The state’s vast network of trails, especially in northern counties like Chippewa, Juneau, and Monroe, offers a thrilling escape into the winter landscape. But this popular pastime carries significant risks. A fun day on the trails can turn tragic in an instant, leaving victims with serious injuries and families grieving a preventable loss.
Wisconsin consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of snowmobile fatalities. In the early months of 2023 alone, 16 people died in snowmobile crashes across the state 1. If you or a loved one has been injured in a snowmobile accident, it is important to understand that you have legal rights. The personal injury attorneys at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC can help you navigate the complex process of seeking justice and compensation.
A Deadly Combination: The Leading Factors in Snowmobile Crashes
Unlike car accidents, which can have many causes, the vast majority of serious snowmobile crashes come down to a few key factors. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has found that alcohol and excessive speed are involved in most fatal incidents 2.
The Role of Alcohol
There is a dangerous and deeply ingrained culture of drinking and riding in Wisconsin’s snowmobiling community. The statistics are alarming: of the 16 fatal crashes in early 2023, a staggering 10 involved alcohol 1. It is illegal to operate a snowmobile while intoxicated, yet this law is frequently ignored. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and leads to the kind of reckless behavior that causes devastating accidents.
The Need for Speed
Today’s snowmobiles are incredibly powerful, with some models capable of exceeding 100 miles per hour. While this speed can be exhilarating, it is also a major factor in many crashes. Riding too fast for the trail conditions, especially at night or on unfamiliar terrain, leaves little room for error. A hidden bump, a sharp turn, or an unexpected obstacle can become a deadly hazard at high speeds.
Determining Responsibility: Who Is Liable for a Snowmobile Accident?
When a snowmobile accident happens, one of the first questions is, “Who is at fault?” Answering this question is key to any personal injury claim. Liability can rest with one or more parties.
- The Operator: Most often, the person driving the snowmobile is responsible. If they were speeding, drinking, or otherwise operating the machine in a reckless manner, they can be held liable for the injuries they cause to others, including their own passengers.
- Other Trail Users: Sometimes, the negligence of another person on the trail, such as another snowmobiler or even a skier, can cause a crash.
- Trail Maintenance Organizations: Local snowmobile clubs and government bodies are responsible for maintaining the trail system. If they fail to properly mark hazards, groom the trail, or warn of dangerous conditions, they may be held liable for accidents that result from their negligence.
- Property Owners: If an accident happens on private property due to an unmarked hazard like a wire fence or a ditch, the landowner may be responsible.
What to Do When a Day on the Trails Goes Wrong
The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of a snowmobile accident are important for your health and for any future legal claim. If you are involved in a crash, you should:
- Get Medical Help: Your first priority is your health. Call 911 and get medical attention for anyone who is injured.
- Report the Crash: Wisconsin law requires you to report any snowmobile accident that involves an injury or significant property damage to the DNR or local law enforcement.
- Document the Scene: If you can, take photos and videos of the scene, the snowmobiles, and any injuries. Get the names and contact information of everyone involved, including any witnesses.
- Preserve Evidence: Do not have your snowmobile repaired until it has been inspected as part of the investigation.
- Contact an Attorney: Do not speak to an insurance adjuster before you have consulted with a personal injury lawyer. The insurance company is not on your side.
Securing Your Future: Compensation for Your Injuries
A serious snowmobile accident can have a ripple effect on your entire life. You may be unable to work, facing a mountain of medical bills, and dealing with chronic pain. A personal injury claim can help you recover the financial resources you need to get back on your feet. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, both past and future
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Damage to your snowmobile and other property
Why You Need an Experienced Snowmobile Accident Lawyer
Snowmobile accident cases present unique challenges. They often require a deep knowledge of Wisconsin’s recreational safety laws and experience in dealing with the insurance companies that cover these machines. The attorneys at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC have successfully represented victims of snowmobile accidents throughout northern Wisconsin, including in Chippewa, Juneau, and Monroe counties.
We will conduct a thorough investigation into your crash, working with experts to prove fault and document the full extent of your damages. We are not afraid to take on the big insurance companies to get you the fair compensation you deserve. If you have been injured in a snowmobile accident, contact us today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.