Chicago Snowmobile Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Maximum Compensation After Serious Snowmobile Wrecks in Chicago

Chicago winters mean plenty of snow on the ground. Many residents will break out their snowmobiles at this time of year for recreational purposes, but accidents involving these vehicles can lead to serious injuries. If you are hurt in a snowmobile crash, a Chicago snowmobile accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for legal damages suffered.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is a top firm in the Windy City specializing in helping injured victims obtain compensation. If someone else’s negligence contributed to your serious injuries, you can hold them accountable with a personal injury claim. Our firm has experience representing clients in recreational and winter vehicle accidents. 

What Makes Us the Best Snowmobile Accident Attorneys in Chicago

An experienced personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in securing a positive outcome for your claim. As a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has maintained a five-star rating from AVVO, and we are also recognized among the top 5% of attorneys by Super Lawyers. 

Our legal team has experience with snowmobile crash scenarios. Here is an example of a settlement we secured for a client who was injured in a recreational vehicle accident:

$4.5 million – Twelve-year-old Daniel was riding on the back of a recreational vehicle during a weekend outing in the Forest Preserves of Cook County when the driver lost control. He was thrown from the vehicle and suffered a traumatic brain injury, leaving him with long-term medical needs. The settlement reflected both the seriousness of his injuries and claims pursued against the vehicle’s manufacturer, as well as the homeowner whose property the ride took place on.

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

Similar circumstances cause many snowmobile accidents. An experienced lawyer from our firm will help you determine the cause via a thorough investigation to establish liability. 

Here are the most common causes of snowmobile accidents in Chicago:

• Reckless driving and high speeds
• Alcohol or drug use while operating
• Unsafe or unmarked trails near Chicago-area parks
• Mechanical defects and equipment failure
• Collisions with fixed objects (trees, fences, vehicles near road crossings)

What Are the Most Common Injuries Associated with Snowmobile Accidents?

The severity of your injuries will affect how much compensation you earn from a successful claim. Here are some common injuries associated with recreational vehicle crash cases:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Severe lacerations
• Amputations
• Crush injuries
• Contusions
• Fatalities

What Damages Can Snowmobile Accident Victims Recover in Chicago?

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Future lost income
• Medical expenses
• Future medical care costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• PTSD

Wrongful Death Damages

• Funeral/burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of consortium

What Is the Average Snowmobile Accident Payout?

The value of a settlement in personal injury cases depends on numerous factors, including injury severity, liability, long-term impact, and insurance policy limits. 

The average payout for a snowmobile crash claim is $2.76 million, with a range of $100,000 to $8.3 million. The median payout is $884,782, which means half of all settlements are greater than this amount. 

Example Snowmobile Accident Cases

Jessica was skiing at a downhill ski center when she noticed a manager operating a snowmobile on one side of the hill. She swerved to avoid the vehicle, but ended up falling and colliding with a snow groomer, suffering injuries to her brain. Jessica sued the ski center owner and the operators of both vehicles for negligence. She was awarded $8.3 million. 

Steven was riding his snowmobile parallel to a highway when he approached an unplowed service road on the trail. He collided with a truck that had turned onto the service road, resulting in injuries to his leg and arm. Steven sued the driver and their employer for negligence because he claimed the driver had not stopped at a stop sign. The driver and employer were found to be 70% liable, so Steven received a reduced settlement of $1.69 million because of his 30% liability. 

Why You Need Experienced Legal Representation

An experienced lawyer can help you overcome significant challenges in a snowmobile accident case, which may include:

• Insurance disputes
• Multiple liable parties
• Equipment manufacturers
• Litigating in Cook County Circuit Court

Our firm can help you recover compensation by gathering evidence like accident reconstruction testimony, expert witnesses, and medical records. 

How Common Are Snowmobile Accidents in Chicago?

According to the NHTSA, there were 14 snowmobiles involved in fatal crashes in 2022. In those accidents, 15 people were killed. 

Where Do Snowmobile Accidents Occur Most Often in the Chicago Region?

Certain locations throughout Chicago are more likely to cause snowmobile accidents than others, such as:

• Popular recreation areas
• Cook County Forest Preserves
• Des Plaines River Trail
• Trail crossings at roads and intersections
• Private properties in suburban and rural areas around the city

What Laws Govern Snowmobile Accident Claims in Chicago?

Illinois Snowmobile Registration and Safety Act (625 ILCS 40/) – All snowmobiles must be registered and numbered in the state of Illinois. 

Jacobson v. Waszak (1997): Illinois Appellate Court, Second District – In this case, it was reaffirmed that state law grants property owners immunity from negligence suits connected to snowmobile driver accidents. As long as there was no intentional conduct on the part of the landowner, injured parties cannot sue them for recreational vehicle crashes on their property. The court argued that allowing these lawsuits would discourage participation in snowmobile trails, which would curb recreational opportunities. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Snowmobile Accident Lawsuit in Chicago?

Personal Injury Statute of Limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-202) – Injured victims have two years from the date of their injuries to pursue legal action.

Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations (740 ILCS 180/2) – If the victim of someone else’s negligence dies in a snowmobile crash, surviving family members have two years from the date of their passing to seek compensation.

Whether your snowmobile accident resulted in broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or financial losses, acting quickly to file a claim is essential to preserve evidence. 

Who Is Legally Liable for Snowmobile Accidents in Chicago?

If someone else’s negligence causes your accident, establishing liability will be a key step in the claims process. Potentially liable parties may include:

• Another negligent snowmobile driver
• Landowners who fail to maintain trails or warn of hazards
• Manufacturers of defective snowmobiles or parts
• Rental companies that fail to inspect equipment
• Municipalities that allow unsafe trail conditions

Common Defenses in Chicago Snowmobile Accident Cases

The entity that caused your serious injuries will use numerous arguments to undermine your claim and avoid a payout:

• The assumption of risk when riding a snowmobile
• Comparative negligence (the victim is at fault for their injuries
• Mechanical failure disputes
• Trespassing or unauthorized trail use

Our expert attorneys can counter these defenses with additional evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, photos of the accident scene, maintenance logs, and medical documentation.

How to Strengthen Your Snowmobile Accident Case in Chicago

You must follow these steps immediately after the accident to build a strong case:

• Seek immediate medical treatment
• File a police or DNR accident report
• Preserve photos, videos, and damaged equipment
• Collect witness statements
• Contact a lawyer early to prevent insurance company tactics

How Our Personal Injury Law Firm Can Help

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our legal services include:

• Investigating accident causes
• Working with accident reconstruction experts
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Filing lawsuits and representing clients in Cook County courts
• Ensuring maximum compensation for injuries and losses

FAQs

How much does a snowmobile accident attorney cost in Chicago?

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means you owe nothing unless we win the case. 

Who can file a snowmobile accident claim in Chicago?

Injured riders, passengers, and pedestrians struck by snowmobiles can file compensation claims for their injuries. If the victim passes away, their surviving family members (such as spouses or children) can pursue wrongful death damages. 

Are snowmobile accidents covered by auto insurance?

Some injuries and property damage may be covered under auto insurance in the event of a snowmobile accident. Since all Illinois snowmobiles must be registered with the state, riders are also required to pay for liability insurance if they operate their vehicles on public lands or trails. Therefore, coverage for injuries and other losses will depend on whether the at-fault party has insurance and what their policy limits are. 

What if the accident involved drunk driving?

A collision caused by an impaired snowmobile driver could imply gross negligence, which might mean additional compensation in the form of punitive damages, on top of other legal losses. Experienced attorneys can help you prove that drunk driving contributed to the crash. 

Book a Free Case Evaluation With a Snowmobile Injury Lawyer Serving the Chicago Area

When you need legal representation to hold the responsible party accountable for a snowmobile collision, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help. Our law firm will investigate the accident, assess all damages, and gather evidence to protect your legal rights. 

We work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs for our services. Additionally, we offer a free consultation where you can ask any questions you have about the claims process. 

If you are ready to seek justice and ensure the at-fault party is held liable for negligence, contact us to schedule a free case evaluation with the best personal injury attorneys in Chicago. 

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.