Woman Killed in Wisconsin Snowmobile Accident
On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Recreational Vehicle Accidents on Monday, March 5, 2012.
Wisconsin residents are great at finding ways to enjoy winter. Unfortunately though, when winter recreation and alcohol mix, the results can be tragic.
Last weekend, a Rockport woman was killed in a snowmobile accident that authorities attribute to a combination of drinking and inexperience.
The woman, age 43, and a man, age 20 and also from Rockport, borrowed two snowmobiles to take a ride in an Appleton field late in the evening on Saturday, March 3. The man was riding in a slushy portion of the field when the woman drove her snowmobile into his path of travel, causing the two vehicles to collide.
Rescuers attempted CPR, but to no avail. The woman died at the scene of the accident. Authorities say she was not wearing a helmet.
The man, who was wearing a helmet, suffered personal injury in the accident. He was transported to Waldo County General Hospital.
Recreational Vehicle Safety is Key
Snowmobiles, ATVs, dirt bikes and other recreational vehicles are an important part of life in Wisconsin. However, their ubiquity shouldn’t lull users into a false sense of security. These vehicles can be very dangerous if not used properly.
Recreational vehicles are not toys; they are heavy machinery that pack a lot of power. As this accident demonstrated, recreational vehicles can do a lot of damage in untrained hands. Nobody should drive a snowmobile or other recreational vehicle until they have been properly trained on how to use it safely.
Further, alcohol and recreational vehicles should never be mixed. Operating a recreational vehicle under the influence is just as dangerous as being a drunk driver behind the wheel of a car.
Wisconsin residents who are hurt in recreational vehicle accidents caused by another person’s negligence may have legal recourse to recover for their injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a snowmobile crash, talk to a Wisconsin personal injury attorney who can help you understand your options.
Source: Knox Village Soup, “Snowmobile Accident Claims One Life in Appleton,” Kim Lincoln, March 4, 2012.
If you need legal representation following a snowmobile accident, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. for a free consultation.