Call Us

Snowmobile and ATV Accident Lawyers

Snowmobile and ATV accidents can lead to severe injuries, significant property damage, and even fatalities. Navigating the legal aftermath requires specialized knowledge of the law.

Request A Free Consultation

At David Hollingsworth, our team of experienced snowmobile and ATV accident lawyers is dedicated to helping victims secure the compensation they deserve. With a proven track record and a commitment to personalized, compassionate service, we are here to support you through every step of the legal process.

Why Choose Us?

Choosing the right legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s why David Hollingsworth should be your first choice:

  • Extensive Experience: Our team has years of experience with cases involving snowmobile and ATV accidents, giving us a deep understanding of the nuances involved in these types of personal injury claims.
  • Proven Track Record: We have successfully secured substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, demonstrating our ability to deliver results.
  • Personalized Legal Strategies: Recognizing that every situation is distinct, we craft legal strategies specifically tailored to address the unique aspects of your case. Our approach ensures that your individual needs and circumstances are meticulously considered, allowing us to provide you with the most effective and personalized legal support.
  • Compassionate Approach: We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a snowmobile or ATV accident can be emotionally and physically draining. Our team is here to provide compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process.
  • Contingency Fee Basis: We operate on a no-win, no-fee basis. You won’t pay any of the legal fees unless we win, allowing you to pursue justice without financial stress.

Common Causes of Snowmobile and ATV Accidents

Snowmobile and ATV accidents can happen for various reasons, often due to negligence or recklessness. Understanding the common causes can help in determining liability and building a strong case:

  • Operator Inattention: Distractions or lack of focus while operating the vehicle can lead to accidents.
  • Operator Inexperience: Riding snowmobiles and ATVs requires skill and knowledge. Inexperienced operators are more likely to make errors.
  • Excessive Speed: Speeding increases the risk of collisions and other accidents, especially on rough or unfamiliar terrain.
  • Alcohol Use: Operating a snowmobile or ATV under the influence of drugs or alcohol affects judgment and reaction times, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Equipment Failure: Poor maintenance or defective equipment can lead to mechanical failures, causing accidents.
  • Hazardous Conditions: Poor visibility, adverse weather conditions, and difficult terrain can contribute to accidents.

Our lawyers will travel to your home, hospital, or rehabilitation centre throughout eastern Ontario. You don’t pay until you get paid.

Types of Snowmobile and ATV Accident Cases We Handle

Snowmobile and ATV accidents can vary widely in nature and severity. Our firm handles a diverse range of cases, including but not limited to:

  • Collisions with Other Vehicles: These accidents can result from operator error, inattention, or failure to adhere to safety rules.
  • Rollover Accidents: Rollovers can occur due to excessive speed, sharp turns, or uneven terrain, causing serious injuries.
  • Equipment Malfunction: Accidents caused by faulty vehicle parts or equipment may involve product liability claims against manufacturers.
  • Trail Accidents: Collisions and accidents on designated trails due to various factors like poor maintenance or visibility.
  • Passenger Injuries: Injuries sustained by passengers due to operator negligence or unsafe conditions.

Injuries Common in Snowmobile and ATV Accidents

Snowmobile and ATV accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which may have long-term or permanent effects. Common injuries include:

What To Do After a Snowmobile or ATV Accident

Taking the right steps immediately after a snowmobile or ATV accident can protect your health and strengthen your legal case.

  1. Ensure Safety: Prioritize the safety of all riders. Check for injuries and call for medical help if needed.
  2. Report the Accident: Notify local authorities and file an official accident report. This documentation is crucial for any legal proceedings.
  3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.
  4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get a thorough medical examination to ensure all injuries are documented and treated.

Contact a Lawyer: Consult with an experienced snowmobile and ATV accident lawyer to discuss your case and understand your legal options.

How We Can Help

Our team is dedicated to helping you through every step of the legal process:

  • Legal Advice and Representation: We provide expert legal advice and represent you in negotiations and court proceedings.
  • Investigation: We thoroughly investigate the accident to gather evidence and build a strong case.
  • Negotiation: We negotiate with insurance companies to secure the best possible settlement for your injuries and damages.
  • Trial: If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Victims of snowmobile and ATV accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, which can help cover the financial burdens associated with the accident:

  • Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing medical care.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional anguish endured due to the accident in the event that the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence.
  • Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation services needed for recovery.
  • Property Damage: Costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged property, such as the vehicle or personal belongings.
  • Future Medical Costs: Estimated future expenses for ongoing medical care and treatment.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been involved in a snowmobile or ATV accident, seeking legal advice is essential. At David Hollingsworth, we offer free consultations to discuss your case and help you understand your rights and options. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you in navigating the legal process and securing the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been in a snowmobile or ATV accident, contact us today.

As Seen On:

CTV Ottawa Citizen The Globe and Mail CBC Law Times 1310 News Ottawa Sun Kitchisippi Times Logo Rogers TV Logo

Frequently Asked Questions

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you will only pay if we win. This means there are no upfront costs, and we take a percentage of the settlement or award as our fee.

Seek medical attention for any injuries, report the accident to the authorities, gather evidence such as photos and witness information, and contact an experienced snowmobile and ATV accident lawyer.

Yes, even if you are deemed partially at fault for the accident, you may be eligible for compensation. The amount you can recover may be reduced based on your level of fault, but you can still pursue a claim.

There are specific time limits for submitting claims, which are known as statutes of limitations. In Ontario, a claim must be commenced within 2 years, but there are certain situations where proper notice must be provided within 10 days of the incident. It’s essential to act quickly and consult a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe.

Yes, in Ontario, you need a valid driver's license or a motorized snow vehicle operator's license to operate a snowmobile. For ATVs, you must have a valid driver's license if you plan to drive on public roads or highways.

Yes, Ontario has specific laws for snowmobiles and ATVs. Snowmobilers must comply with the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, while ATV operators must follow the Off-Road Vehicles Act. These laws cover aspects such as registration, insurance, age restrictions, and operational guidelines.

Yes, insurance is mandatory for both snowmobiles and ATVs if they are operated on public land or trails. This includes liability insurance to cover any damages or injuries you may cause to others.

In Ontario, snowmobiles and ATVs must be registered with the Ministry of Transportation and display a valid permit. Operators must also have liability insurance and carry proof of insurance and registration when riding on public land.

In Ontario, snowmobiles are allowed to cross public roads but cannot be driven along them. ATVs can be driven on certain public roads where permitted by local bylaws, but there are restrictions regarding speed limits and safety equipment.

Common mistakes include speeding, riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, inexperience, failing to wear proper safety gear, and ignoring weather conditions. These factors can significantly increase the risk of accidents and injuries.

Ottawa's winter weather, with heavy snowfall and icy conditions, can make snowmobiling and ATV riding more hazardous. Poor visibility, slippery trails, and extreme cold can contribute to accidents. It's crucial to check weather conditions before heading out and to ride cautiously.

If the other party is uninsured, you may still be able to claim compensation through your own insurance policy if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Additionally, legal action can be taken against the uninsured party to seek damages. As a last resort, claims may be made against the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund.

The time it takes to resolve a claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate a settlement. It can take anywhere from a few months to several years.

Yes, you may have grounds to sue a municipality if poor trail maintenance or inadequate signage contributed to your accident. However, these cases can be complex and require thorough investigation and legal expertise to prove negligence. Proper notice must be provided within 10 days of the accident in cases against the municipality or province.

If you were injured while riding a rented snowmobile or ATV, you might have a claim against the rental company if the accident was due to equipment failure or inadequate safety instructions. It's important to review the rental agreement and consult with a lawyer to explore your options.

Yes, always wear a helmet and protective gear, avoid riding alone, stay on marked trails, obey speed limits, never ride under the influence, and be mindful of changing weather conditions. It's also recommended to carry a first-aid kit and a communication device.

Contact our team for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact us free of charge to discuss how we can help you get the compensation and care you need to enjoy a comfortable quality of life.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

We are lawyers who understand, who care, who are here to help… and our track record proves it.
We can’t change the past but we are the lawyers that can help change your future.