Personal Injury Articles

Lake Geneva Snowmobile Injury Lawyer

Snowmobile Dangers

Snowmobiles are land vehicles propelled by tracks at the rear and utilizing skis in the front for steering. They are commonly known as snow machines in Alaska and parts of New England. Earlier models featured rubber tracks, but today’s tracks are made of a Kevlar composite.

Designed for snow or ice, snowmobiles do not require a path. Standard fuel is two-stroke gasoline for a petrol internal combustion engine. However, four-stroke engines are gaining popularity. In the summer, snowmobilers can drag race on grass, asphalt, and water. The three main areas of riding include snowcross/racing, mountain climbing, and trail riding.

Extensive damage, injury, or death can be caused by losing control of a snowmobile. A common accident entails a rider losing his grip, which results in the sled crashing into stationary objects. Other causes of accidents include turning too quickly and sliding off the road. If riders are traveling at high speeds through an unfamiliar area, it is possible to drive through barbed-wire fences which often results in mutilation or decapitation.

Fatalities occur every year when snowmobiles collide with other snowmobiles, pedestrians, automobiles, or trees. The ice can also break. In Minnesota, approximately 10 deaths annually occur due to snowmobile accidents. Alcohol is often involved. In Alaska, the majority of deaths are due to drowning. Riding too early or late in the season is very risky due to unstable ice. Given the heavy winter clothing one is wearing, swimming is nearly impossible. Avalanches are the second leading cause of death of snowmobilers in Alaska. Driving a snowmobile into extremely high altitudes is extremely dangerous.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a snowmobile accident, contact the Lake Geneva snowmobile injury lawyers at Habush Habush & Rottier for a free consultation today by dialing 1-800-275-1729.