Mankato’s cold and snowy winters can create the perfect environment for snowmobiling. Unfortunately, this can also lead to snowmobile crashes with serious injuries that require long-term recovery.

When winter recreation becomes dangerous or even deadly, injured parties may assume they have nowhere to turn for assistance. However, when the injury or death is caused by another person’s negligence, an injured party may be eligible for compensation.

If you or a loved one was hurt while snowmobiling, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine whether you may have a claim for compensation. A Mankato snowmobile accident lawyer at Maschka Personal Injury can gather and evaluate the available evidence to identify liable parties and help you get fair compensation.

Common Causes of Snowmobile Accidents

Snowmobiling demands that riders pay attention to their surroundings and use appropriate safety practices. However, snowmobile operators often act carelessly, increasing the potential for an accident.

Some of Minnesota’s most common causes of snowmobile injuries include the following:

  • Speeding: Excessive speed can lead to loss of control, resulting in a collision with another snowmobile or fixed object
  • Intoxication: As with driving a vehicle, intoxication causes slowed response time and can encourage reckless behavior
  • Mechanical Failures: Lack of maintenance or factory defects can cause mechanical failures that lead to accidents
  • Unsafe terrain: Deep snow can hide various obstacles, which can lead to collisions or loss of control
  • Lack of training or experience: Inexperienced riders are more likely to make mistakes that cause a wreck

Many snowmobile accidents are caused by poor decisions or reckless behavior. Depending on the circumstances, an injured party may be able to make a claim for their injuries. Call a Mankato snowmobile accident attorney for more information.

Injuries From a Snowmobile Collision

People can suffer injuries ranging from mild to severe in a snowmobile wreck, such as:

Call a Mankato attorney today if you have been injured in a snowmobile accident.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Snowmobile Accident?

Potentially liable parties for a snowmobile accident include the following:

Snowmobile Operators

Minnesota snowmobile operators must obtain a certificate proving they have completed the necessary safety training (if they were born after December 31, 1976). This ensures riders understand how to operate snowmobiles safely and responsibly. Operators who speed, drive recklessly, or collide with another snowmobile can be found liable for their negligent actions.

Vehicle Manufacturers or Rental Companies

When accidents are caused by manufacturing defects or poor maintenance, a snowmobile manufacturer or rental company can be found liable. However, plaintiffs must prove that the defect led to the accident, which directly caused injuries.

Property Owners

When accidents occur on someone else’s property , the property owner can share liability for the accident. This typically happens when the property has been improperly maintained or contains hidden obstacles on trails that cause or contribute to a crash.

Contact a Snowmobile Accident Attorney in Mankato Today

All too often, snowmobile wrecks are caused by someone’s negligent actions. If you have been injured by a snowmobiler’s negligence, a Mankato snowmobile accident lawyer at Maschka Personal Injury can help you get the financial recovery you deserve.

Our legal team is based in Mankato and serves all of Minnesota. Our out-state attorneys offer the same high-end services you would expect from a Twin Cities firm and will advocate for you every step of the way. Contact us for your free consultation today.