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Snowmobile Accidents

Snowmobile accidents claim around 200 lives a year. Like other recreational activities, it doesn’t come without risk. The original snowmobile was developed to carry people and supplies to reach remote areas during emergencies. Now, there are approximately 1.3 million registered snowmobiles in the U.S., most of which are used for recreation.

But as riders venture out onto trails and into the wilderness, accidents do occur. Each year, about 200 people die and 14,000 are injured in snowmobile accidents in North America according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Just like with car accidents, multisystem trauma is common, with head injuries being the main cause of death.

The institute notes that “Today, snowmobiling has become a popular winter sport enjoyed by more than 2 million people of all ages in North America. However, the modern snowmobile can weigh in excess of 600 pounds and travel at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour.”

Among the leading causes of snowmobile accidents are:

  • Alcohol
  • Excess speed
  • Driver inexperience
  • Poor judgement

What happens if you’re injured in a snowmobile accident?

The circumstances of each accident are unique. Careless driving, poorly maintained trails, or product failure all increase the risk of someone getting hurt, whether it’s the driver, a passenger, or a bystander. A careful analysis may help establish if negligence was involved and if the injured party may be entitled to compensation.

Every state is different, but the general principles are as follows to distinguish between accidents and negligence: In order to have grounds for a negligence claim, you need to establish that the liable party owed you a duty of care, breached said duty, and caused you damages in the process.

Here are three scenarios that may result in a claim:

Accident on a designated trail

If the trail is open to the public and designated for use by snowmobiles, the property owner has a duty to maintain the trail in a reasonably safe manner. This means, for example, the landowner should remove fallen trees and other obstacles from the route and ensure trail bridges are in good condition. Should the owner fail to do so, and it leads to an accident – a rider crashing into an obstacle on the trail – the owner may be found negligent.

Accident on someone else’s property

Property owners may be held liable even if their property was not intended for snowmobile use. In this scenario, the property owner may be aware of trespassing snowmobiles and either intentionally tries to injure one of the riders or fails to exercise ordinary care to prevent injury to the same. The accident could also be the result of active negligence, in which case the property owner may have installed something like invisible wiring in the path of the trespassers. If the trespassing snowmobiler is injured as a result of the wire, the property owner may be liable.

Accident as a result of a defect

If you have suffered injuries because your snowmobile was defective, you may be able to file a product liability claim. The issue may stem from a machine manufacturing error or a design defect. Either way, you will need expert opinions and testimony to back up the claim.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a snowmobile accident, you should seek legal help to receive the compensation that you deserve. The lawyers at Injury Smart Law have decades of experience and are experts in wrongful death and personal injury law. Schedule a Free Consultation to learn more. Call today 1-435-688-1919.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many snowmobile accidents occur when riders misjudge slope steepness, hidden obstacles, or thin ice near lakes and streams. Southern Utah’s mountainous terrain includes areas with sudden drops, cliffs, and snow-covered rocks that are not always visible from the trail. Riders who actively scan the terrain, plan routes according to experience level, and remain alert to changing conditions reduce their risk of serious injuries. Preparation and constant attention to the environment are as important as proper equipment and training.
Yes. If another rider’s negligence caused the accident, injured parties can pursue compensation for medical expenses and damages. Detailed records of the accident, witness statements, and photographs of the scene are essential to support a claim. On public trails near St. George or Cedar City, understanding trail rules and operator responsibilities helps clarify liability in these incidents.
Weather plays a major role in snowmobile safety. Fresh snow, ice, fog, or strong winds can reduce visibility and affect traction, leading to collisions or loss of control. Riders should check local conditions before heading out, avoid risky maneuvers in poor weather, and adjust speed according to terrain and visibility. Awareness of local weather patterns is critical to safe snowmobiling in Southern Utah.
Snowmobile trails in Southern Utah can vary greatly depending on elevation, recent snowfall, and trail maintenance. Icy patches, deep powder, and uneven terrain can all increase the risk of losing control or colliding with obstacles. Riders who are familiar with the trails often perform a visual inspection before setting out, adjust speed to match conditions, and avoid unfamiliar shortcuts. Understanding how trail conditions change with weather and seasonal use is critical to minimizing accidents and injuries.
Reduced visibility due to fog, snowstorms, or tree cover can make even routine rides dangerous. On trails near Cedar City, St. George, or Mesquite, snowmobile operators may encounter narrow paths or unexpected terrain changes that are difficult to see in low-light or snowy conditions. Wearing bright or reflective gear, using proper lighting, and reducing speed in low-visibility situations can help riders avoid collisions or falls overboard. Awareness of environmental conditions is a key factor in accident prevention.

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