Snowmobile crashes can cause serious injury

The New Hampshire Union Leader recently reported that two people has suffered serious injuries in two separate snowmobile accidents in Barnstead and Henniker, New Hampshire.

One of the injured individuals was Corey Slosek, age 20.  Although the exact details of the crash are unknown, it appears as though Slosek was riding his snowmobile around 12:30 a.m. alone behind his home. He may have been speeding and missed a connector trail, crashing into a tree. When he didn’t return home, family and friends began searching for him.  He was found almost 2 hours later near Upper Pond.  He was airlifted to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center where he remains in critical condition.

The other snowmobile crash involved William Brown, age 43 of Loudon New Hampshire.  His snowmobile also crashed into a tree.  He was taken to Concord Hospital and was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.

Similarly, an article from Boston.Com recently reported how young, inexperienced snowmobile drivers were injured after they were thrown from a snowmobile.  Apparently, James Morgan, age 17 of Plainfield hit a bump at 35-40 m.p.h, and was thrown from his sled.

Lina Valov, 26, and Raymond Gearity, 25, both of Boston, were snowmobiling on a rented machine, when Valov lost control and crashed. Apparently, Valov broke her nose and suffered a face cut. Gearity wound up under the machine, cracking his helmet on a rock.

Most people underestimate the dangerousness of snowmobiles, especially first time drivers or riders.  There are several tips that you should keep in mind when operating a sled to avoid causing serious personal injury to yourself and others:  never consume alcohol or drugs before or during snowmobile operation; always maintain a safe speed; carry appropriate first-aid materials; avoid traveling over lakes and ponds; wear a helmet and warm clothing; stay on marked trails, and never travel alone. 

There are several safety resources for riders, including the Safe Riders Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program. 

Van Dorn & Curtiss frequently represents snow mobile accident victims who have been injured due to another driver’s negligence.  If you would like to find out more about these types of accidents, injuries, insurance claims, visit our website.