Everyone knows Michigan is among the top destinations in the country for enjoying winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowmobiling. However, while these winter weather sports are fun, family-friendly activities, they can also be quite dangerous.

Snowmobiling is especially hazardous and can lead to severe accidents and injuries. Studies show that nearly 200 deaths and 14,000 injuries are reported every year as a result of snowmobile accidents.

A few years ago, a 33-year-old man was fatally injured while operating his snowmobile on a trail in Upper Peninsula’s Au Train Township. Reports say that he lost control of the snowmobile while trying to navigate a curve at high speeds and was ejected and thrown into a tree.

Another fatal incident also occurred when a 43-year-old man crashed his snowmobile in Negaunee, Michigan. State troopers were called to Trail 8 near Riley Road, where the man was also believed to have been speeding around a curve when he was thrown from the mobile and hit a tree.

Michigan Snowmobile Accident Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one are injured in a snowmobile accident, contact the experts at The Lee Steinberg Law Firm. We have experience representing clients across Michigan and out-of-state residents injured in Michigan. Our firm has the experience and is dedicated to helping injured victims and their loved ones get the compensation they deserve.

Why Hire the Michigan Snowmobile Lawyers from the Lee Steinberg Law Firm

Decades of experience. Our Michigan personal injury lawyers have handled these cases for decades, even when many law firms refused to take them on. We are not afraid to seek the truth and get justice for our clients.
Familiarity with these cases. Although similar, snowmobile cases are not the same as car accident cases. Liability or negligence is almost contested and the defendant will point the blame on the injured plaintiff. We know how to defeat these accusations.
We get ready for trial. Our team of dedicated Michigan snowmobile attorneys prepare each case as if it may go to trial. We take the necessary depositions and hire the right experts. We are not afraid to prove our client was right at trial.
There is never a fee until we win. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid and don’t charge anything until we win your case.

What is the Legal Definition of a Snowmobile in Michigan?

“Snowmobile” means any motor-driven vehicle designed for travel primarily on snow or ice of a type that utilizes sled-type runners or skis, an endless belt tread, or any combination of these or other similar means of contact with the surface upon which it is operated, but is not a vehicle that must be registered under the Michigan vehicle code. (MCL 257.1 to 257.923)

Snowmobile Safety

Snowmobiles are not highly regulated. They are required to be registered in most states, but safety equipment/apparel or operator training requirements are not widespread. Michigan does require registration of your snowmobile and a trail permit and provides for numerous scenarios under which someone may not operate an off-road vehicle (ORV).

There are specificities for the braking system of the machine, and drivers and riders must wear helmets. In addition, the machine must have a lighted headlight and taillight at all times of operation.

Frequently listed safety practices include:

Maintain the snowmobile in top condition.
Travel at a safe speed and be especially cautious at night.
Avoid alcohol and drugs before and when driving.
Know your skill level with the machine and understand your limits.
Wear appropriate gear, including a helmet, face shield, goggles, and layers of water-repellant clothing.
Do not travel alone.
Carry a safety kit.
The motion of the snowmobile can cause fatigue—stay alert!
Stay on marked trails.
Make sure to cross streets and roads carefully.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Snowmobile Accidents in Michigan?

Like a car accident, there are various factors that can contribute to a snowmobile crash. However, with snowmobiles, some of the most common reasons we see accidents in Michigan are:

Speeding: Speeding is a common factor in snowmobile accidents. Generally, riders are not strapped into a snowmobile. They can easily be thrown off when traveling at high speeds while navigating dangerous curves and terrain.
Inexperience: Everyone loves to come to Michigan and enjoy the snow, but unfortunately, many will hop on a snowmobile and take off without any previous experience or training. This might work fine if you go slow and navigate easy terrain. Still, one wrong move in certain circumstances can result in severe accidents and injuries.
Mishandling: There are various snowmobiles on the market, meaning performance and handling can vary. We often see accidents in Michigan due to improper use and mishandling from riders used to another type of snowmobile.
Lack of safety gear: Many people assume that because they are riding in snow, they will have a soft landing if they fall and don’t rear proper safety gear. Unfortunately, this common misconception is what leads to severe injuries and death. Snow is not always soft, and there are many other places you could land or objects you could hit when ejected from a snowmobile. Helmets, gloves, and other winter protection are essential when riding to help protect you from injury.
Intoxication: Of course, drunk driving is not limited to vehicle operation on a road. Many individuals drink while out enjoying winter sports, and, unfortunately, intoxication is a common occurrence while operating snowmobiles in Michigan. This negligent behavior can easily contribute to serious incidents and have fatal results.

Who is Liable in a Snowmobile Accident?

Snowmobile accident law is similar to car accident law. A driver must follow the “rules of the road” and keep a proper lookout. To prove negligence, the injured snowmobile rider or passenger must establish another snowmobile, vehicle, or something else that broke the rules of the road. Liability can be apportioned if another involved party was negligent in causing injuries.

Can Children Operate a Snowmobile in Michigan?

Children under 12 cannot operate a snowmobile without the direct supervision of an adult, except on property owned or controlled by the parent or legal guardian. In addition, children under 12 may not cross a highway or street.

Children between the ages of 12 and 17 may operate a snowmobile if they have a valid snowmobile safety certificate or are under the supervision of a person 21 or older. Children in this age group may not cross a highway or street without a valid snowmobile safety certificate.

Michigan Snowmobile-Related Restrictions

Unlike many other states, Michigan snowmobile regulations have some direct ties to the operator’s primary driver’s license. First, if your license to drive an automobile has been suspended or revoked by Michigan or your home state, you may not operate a snowmobile. Second, convictions related to your snowmobile operation can accrue points on your driver’s license, just as would a car accident.

A person convicted of manslaughter, negligent homicide, or a felony resulting from a snowmobile operation shall have six points assessed against his/her driver record.
A person convicted of operating a snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or with an unlawful blood alcohol content shall have six points assessed against his/her driver record.

Contact Us Now About Your Snowmobile Accident

A snowmobile accident can leave you or your loved one with serious injuries. What started out as fun can completely change your file. We understand and will take some of the weight off by providing the legal expertise you need.
Please call Lee Free and speak to our snowmobile accident attorneys at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-866-696-9146) or fill out the Free Case Evaluation Form. And remember, you pay nothing until we settle your Michigan snowmobile accident case.