Snowmobiling
It’s winter, and lots of folks take to the outdoors for snowmobiling. While Virginia isn’t usually known for its large amounts of snow, our neighbors to the north and west often have plenty of snow for Virginians to enjoy.
Snowmobiling can be an exciting and invigorating activity. It also is a sport with potential for serious injury. In May 2003, the Journal of Pediatric Surgery reported on its study of data from 1991 to 2000 that found that the mean age of children who were admitted to hospital with snowmobile-related injuries was 12 years and that most of them were boys who had been driving the vehicle. Most of the accidents had been collisions with fixed objects, and the most common injury site was the head (even though most of the children had been wearing helmets). The most common cause of death was head injury.
As with all sports, there are some safety rules that need to be followed:
*Take a safety course – always.
* Use the right helmet – always.
*Never go alone – always have a “buddy” with you.
*Stay on established trails.
*Stay off unknown water. You don’t know how thick the ice is.
*Take a GPS with you.
But, what if your child did all the right things and was still injured in a snowmobile accident? Look further. The accident could have been caused by a mechanical or design defect in the snowmobile that you did not know about.
For instance, if your son reports that he lost control of the vehicle, have it checked out — there may be a defect in the steering mechanism caused by a manufacturer that chose not to do a safety inspection before putting the snowmobile on the market. Did the brakes fail? Was the suspension correctly assembled? Did wiring or fuel leaks cause the snowmobile to catch on fire and explode?
If your child is injured, it’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer to get as much information as you can about what may have caused the accident and who, if anyone, should be held accountable for the injury. Call me at 703-273-9500 or send me an email at srohrstaff@WRSattorneys.com. I will be happy to answer your questions.
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This blog should read by the people living in cool areas since this precautions may keep them away from injuries.