As we dig our heels into the dead of winter and the latest nor’easter buries most of New York, we want to remind our outdoor sport enthusiasts to be safe and be alert this snowmobile season.
Snowmobile registrations are way up in New York, topping 116000, making New York the fourth most popular snowmobiling state in America (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan). With all of these registrations, the State is in high gear maintaining and developing over 10,000 miles of state trails through the Adirondacks and Western New York. A map of the trails in New York can be found here. If you are brave enough to battle the cold and enjoy the trails, we want you to be extra careful.
Like any other type of motorized sport, snowmobiling accidents can and do happen. Unfortunately, recently, a young man passed away as a result of a snowmobiling accident in Lyons, New York. He was 26.
More often than not, these accidents can be avoided by riding responsibly and safely. New York provides training and safety courses throughout the State to riders and enthusiasts as young as 10 years old. A calendar of upcoming course dates and details can be found here. We strongly encourage everyone who has not already done so to take part in one or more of these educational safety opportunities.
Even when taking all necessary safety precautions, accidents still happen as a result of someone else acting carelessly. This careless person can be another snowmobiler, someone operating a car, or the person responsible for maintaining the trails. These accidents can be very serious, leading to property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and serious injuries.
At LaMarche Safranko Law, we represent snowmobilers who have been injured while riding. If you have been injured in a snowmobile accident that was someone else’s fault, you have the right to be compensated for your injuries. If you would like to discuss an accident, give us a call.
As always, stay warm and stay safe this riding season.