If you’re wondering what to do if you’re injured in a snowmobile accident, it is important that you seek immediate medical care, call emergency services, document the scene, report the accident, and contact a Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Prioritize Immediate Safety After the Crash
If you are injured in a snowmobile accident, prioritizing the safety of yourself and those around you is essential. Immediately after an accident, take steps to protect yourself and others:
- Move to a safe area away from the trail to avoid further collisions.
- Turn off the snowmobile to prevent fuel leaks or additional injuries.
- Scan your surroundings for hazards like thin ice, steep drop-offs, or oncoming riders.
The safety of everyone involved should be your main concern. Once you are sure there is no immediate danger, assess injuries and begin collecting evidence.
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Call for Emergency Help and Assess Injuries
Oftentimes, snowmobiling accidents happen out in the woods or in other remote areas. This can make it difficult for emergency responders to quickly reach you if you are injured. It is essential that you call for aid as soon as possible to allow time for emergency services to get to you.
Once you have called for help, you can take a moment to assess your injuries. Some injuries may seem minor at first. However, that could be due to the adrenaline. It is important to check for any bleeding, lacerations, lack of sensation in any limbs or extremities, dizziness, or impaired vision. It is also important to keep yourself as warm and dry as possible while you wait for aid.
Follow-up care is necessary as well. Ensure you keep track of all expenses related to your injury, including medical bills, transportation costs, missed work due to injuries, and expenses you would otherwise not have. These are all necessary items to document so you get full compensation for what you’ve endured.
Documenting the Scene if You’re Injured in a Snowmobile Accident
Having documentation of the scene immediately after you are injured in a snowmobiling accident is a key piece of evidence and can greatly help your case. Evidence fades quickly, especially in the snow, so having this documentation can help your attorney get you the maximum payout for your injuries.
Take Photos and Video
There is a reason why it is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Photographic and videographic evidence is key when it comes to making sure you win your case. It allows your attorney to see exactly what the scene looked like, helping them to understand the full story and use that information to build your case.
Gather Witness Information
Having eyewitness testimony provides firsthand accounts of the series of events that took place from a third party. It can help to corroborate your story and help to build a more compelling case. This is even more true when the witness is uninvolved and unbiased. It is vital to gather contact information so your attorney can speak with any potential witness.
Take Note of Any Important Details
After you are injured in a snowmobile accident, it is not unusual for memories to fade quickly. Writing down or voice recording any possible detail, such as weather conditions, trail markers, and the sequence of events, helps to keep your story consistent and evidence fresh.
The sooner you start gathering evidence, the better. Information can be lost as snow melts, other riders pass, or more snow falls. Any details you provide to your attorney can help secure the highest settlement possible.
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Notify Authorities of the Accident
In Utah, it is required that you notify police after any snowmobiling accident that involves injury, death, or property damage of more than $2,500 and file a formal report within 10 days of the accident (Utah Code § 41-6a-402). Failing to do so potentially costs you when it comes to your settlement.
Having a police report on file is a key piece of evidence after you’ve been injured in a snowmobile accident. Courts look at police reports favorably, as they provide an unbiased record of the incident. They also provide all the key pieces of information that are needed, including witness statements and officer observations.
Oftentimes, victims skip this step, and it can be damaging to your case. It is essential that you protect yourself legally by submitting a police report, even if you believe your injuries or property damage may be minor. If someone has lost their life due to an accident, a Salt Lake City wrongful death lawyer can help.
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Contact an Attorney as Soon as Possible
One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself legally is to avoid making any formal statements or signing any documents without the guidance of an attorney. Not only can they help you know what to expect in a Utah personal injury case, but they can:
- Bring on expert witnesses such as accident reconstructionists and medical professionals
- Gather police reports and medical documentation
- Ensure all paperwork is completed correctly and filed appropriately
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Represent you in court if necessary
Your attorney acts as your personal representative, working with you to ensure you get the highest possible settlement after you’ve been injured in a snowmobile accident. They are busy fighting on your behalf so you can focus on recovery.
Siegfried & Jensen Can Help You With Your Snowmobile Accident Claim Today
Snowmobiling accidents can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally. If you have been injured, you deserve a team that will fight on your behalf, navigating the complex legal system so that you can take time for yourself.
Contact our attorneys at Siegfried & Jensen today for your free consultation to get started on your healing journey.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
