Rochester, New York, Snowmobile Accidents

Jed Dietrich, Esq. Has Spent His Entire Career Standing Up for The Victims of Negligence. The Dietrich Law Firm, P.C., Could Help You Secure the Compensation You Need to Move Past a Catastrophic Monroe County Snowmobile Accident.

Monroe County experiences some of the roughest winter weather in the continental United States. On average, Rochester receives nearly eight feet of snow annually, making it the snowiest city in the region and possibly the snowiest large city in America. While not everyone looks forward to Upstate New York’s notorious winter weather, thousands of Rochester residents eagerly await each year’s first snowfall. According to the state Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, an estimated 116,000 New Yorkers own registered snowmobiles. With over 10,000 miles of motorable trails, the Empire State is a veritable snowmobiler’s paradise. Sadly, hundreds of people are killed in snowmobile accidents every year, with thousands more injured. Even responsible riders who wear helmets and other protective equipment could sustain serious and potentially life-threatening injuries. The costs of recovery could be immense.

Since common consumer snowmobiles can reach speeds of up to 120 miles per hour, inexperienced and reckless riders pose a danger to themselves and everyone around them. For better or worse, New York permits almost anyone over 18 to operate a snowmobile—even if they do not have a driver’s license and have never taken a snowmobiling safety course.

If you, or a loved one, have been injured in a Monroe County snowmobile accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to significant compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Fortunately, you do not have to suffer in silence. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. could help you investigate the causes of your Rochester snowmobile crash, taking action against another rider, a negligent private trail owner, or even the vehicle manufacturer. Please send us a message online or call us at 585-939-3939 to schedule your free, no-obligation appointment as soon as possible.

New York requires that most snowmobiles be registered with the state Department of Motor Vehicles, even if they have been purchased and registered in another state. The state only exempts snowmobiles that are operated exclusively on private land or which have been purchased solely for use in approved competitive events. In New York State, anyone over the age of 18 can operate a snowmobile without any qualification or license. Minors are subject to some additional restrictions, such as:

1. Youth between the ages of 10 and 18 can only operate a snowmobile without adult supervision if they have completed a snowmobile safety course and received a certificate recognized by the state;
2. Children under the age of 10 can only operate a snowmobile on land owned or leased by their parent or guardian unless they are accompanied by an adult or a child aged 14 or older with a valid safety certificate; and
3. Children under the age of 10 and those without snowmobile safety certificates cannot operate snowmobiles on state highways at any time.

Snowmobile accidents have a variety of potential causes, from vehicle manufacturing defects to improper maintenance. However, researchers have found that rider negligence is often a critical contributor to snowmobile crashes. The most common causes of snowmobile accidents include the following:

1. Rider Inexperience: While New York recommends that adult riders take snowmobile safety courses, these educational classes are optional for adults.
2. Alcohol Abuse: Adults might not need a license to drive a snowmobile, but they are expected to ride sober.
3. Negligence: Snowmobilers are expected to exercise reasonable care when traversing public property.

Snowmobile accidents could also occur when riders fail to abide by state and local laws. In New York, snowmobiles are generally prohibited from accessing controlled access highways and the New York State Thruway. Monroe County also prohibits the operation of all off-road vehicles, including snowmobiles, on public highways, with public highways including all county roads, alleys, and streets. Snowmobiling is also prohibited in most public parks, including parks that allow other winter sports. Currently, Monroe County only permits snowmobiling in Churchville Park.

Irrespective of how they happen, snowmobile collisions can be devastating, inflicting substantial physical pain and significant financial distress. If an irresponsible snowmobiler or negligent manufacturer caused your injuries, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. could help you! Please call us at 585-939-3939 to schedule your free consultation and explore your options for legal relief.

If you have been injured in a Monroe County snowmobile accident that was not your fault, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover your damages. Potential defendants in a Rochester snowmobile accident injury claim could include:

1. Another Rider: Snowmobilers have a legal responsibility to ensure that they operate their vehicle in a manner unlikely to cause injury to themselves or anyone else.
2. An Irresponsible Parent: If a parent negligently permits their minor child to ride a snowmobile on the road without supervision, they could be found liable if their child causes an accident.
3. A Negligent Events Organizer: Snowmobile race organizers cannot encourage participants to break the law by speeding on public roads or accessing highways that prohibit snowmobiles.
4. A Business: There are a number of privately operated snowmobile courses in the vicinity of Rochester. If a business does not maintain safe snowmobile courses, provides faulty equipment or vehicles, or otherwise negligently endangers its customers, it could be held responsible for any ensuing injuries.
5. A Snowmobile Manufacturer or Retailer: Reasonable consumers expect that snowmobile dealerships will sell safe products. If a defective or faulty snowmobile has injured you, you could pursue damages from the manufacturer or the vehicle retailer. While proving product liability claims can be challenging, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. has decades of experience investigating instances of manufacturer negligence and oversight.

Jed Dietrich, Esq., is committed to upholding the rights of accident victims across Rochester and Monroe County. Recognized as a New York Super Lawyer and an American Institute of Trial Lawyers Litigator of the Year, Jed Dietrich, Esq., knows what it takes to hold wrongdoers accountable for misconduct. Please call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. at 585-939-3939 to speak to an attorney and schedule your no-cost consultation.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 585-939-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Rochester, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!