What to Do After a Snowboarding Accident
Snowboarding is an exhilarating sport that combines speed, agility, and skill as you move down snow-covered slopes. While the thrill of the sport is undeniable, snowboarding can also come with risks.
Even the most experienced riders can suffer injuries, whether due to a collision, poor snow conditions, or a loss of control. After a snowboarding accident, it is crucial to know how to handle the situation, not only for your health but also for any potential legal action that may follow.
At Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley, LLC, we understand how traumatic a snowboarding accident can be, both physically and emotionally. With a snowboarding accident attorney in Durango, Colorado, we have the experience to guide individuals through the challenging legal process following an injury.
If you or a loved one has been hurt on the slopes, we are here to provide the assistance you need. Here are eight critical steps to take following your snowboarding accident.
1. Assess Your Injuries and Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first and most important step after a snowboarding accident is to assess your injuries and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine initially, snowboarding accidents can cause internal injuries, fractures, concussions, or spinal cord injuries that may not be immediately obvious.
Injuries to the head, neck, or spine require prompt medical evaluation. A medical professional can determine the extent of your injuries and provide appropriate treatment. Not only is this essential for your health, but it also serves as a crucial step in documenting the injury for any future legal claims.
If you are unable to walk or move, it is important not to attempt to get up on your own. Stay where you are and wait for medical personnel to arrive. Often, ski patrol teams at resorts are trained to handle these situations and will make sure that you receive immediate care and transportation.
2. Report the Accident to Ski Patrol or Resort Authorities
Most ski resorts and snowboarding areas have a team of professionals who are trained to respond to accidents and injuries. It is essential to report the accident to the ski patrol or resort authorities as soon as it happens. Not only will this ensure that you receive the appropriate help, but it will also create an official record of the incident.
When reporting the accident, be sure to provide clear and accurate information about the location, what happened, and any injuries sustained. Avoid speculating on the cause of the accident or placing blame on other parties at this time—stick to the facts. The ski patrol will gather the necessary information to initiate an official report.
An accident report can be extremely valuable if you choose to pursue a compensation claim, as it serves as an official account of what occurred on the slopes. The ski resort or area where the incident took place may also be liable for injuries in certain situations, such as if the resort failed to maintain safe conditions or did not adequately warn of hazardous terrain.
3. Gather Evidence from the Scene
If you are able, it is essential to gather evidence from the scene of the snowboarding accident. The more evidence you have, the stronger your potential claim will be. This includes:
Photographs of the scene: Take pictures of the location, any hazards, and the conditions of the area where the accident took place. If other skiers or snowboarders were involved, try to capture their information as well.
Witness statements: If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information and ask them for a statement. Eyewitness accounts can help confirm the events that led to the accident.
Other parties’ information: If another snowboarder or skier was involved in the accident, exchange information with them. This includes their name, contact information, insurance details, and any other relevant information.
A snowboarding accident attorney in Durango, Colorado, will tell you that documentation is critical when pursuing a legal claim. Having detailed evidence can help establish the cause of the accident, whether it was due to faulty equipment, dangerous conditions, or another party’s negligence.
4. Avoid Admitting Fault or Blaming Others
After a snowboarding accident, it is crucial to avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as accepting responsibility for the incident. Even if you believe that the accident was due to your own error, it is important to refrain from admitting fault at the scene.
Similarly, avoid blaming others for the accident, even if you feel that another skier or snowboarder was at fault. In many cases, accidents on the slopes may involve multiple contributing factors, including environmental conditions, equipment failure, or the actions of others.
It is often difficult to determine liability immediately after an accident. A snowboarding accident attorney in Durango, Colorado, will help investigate the circumstances of the accident and determine who is legally responsible for your injuries.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you have sought medical attention and reported the accident to the authorities, it is time to notify your insurance company. If you have health insurance, inform them of the injury so they can cover any medical treatment. Additionally, if you have specific insurance coverage for snowboarding or skiing accidents, contact them to initiate the claims process.
Some snowboarding accidents may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, depending on the circumstances. A snowboarding accident attorney in Durango, Colorado, can help you understand the different types of coverage available and guide you through the process of filing claims.
If another party is at fault, their insurance company may be responsible for covering your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your attorney can assist with negotiating with insurance companies to make sure you are taken care of properly.
6. Keep Track of Medical Treatment and Expenses
It is essential to keep a detailed record of all medical treatment related to your snowboarding accident. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescriptions, and any other treatment you may require. Also, keep track of any related expenses, such as transportation costs, medical supplies, and assistive devices like crutches or braces.
If you miss work or are unable to perform your regular activities due to the injury, keep a record of lost wages and any additional financial hardships you incur. The more thorough your documentation, the easier it will be for a snowboarding accident attorney in Durango, Colorado, to build a strong case on your behalf.
7. Consult With an Experienced Snowboarding Accident Attorney
Snowboarding accidents can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, concussions, spinal cord injuries, and soft tissue damage. In some cases, these injuries can have long-lasting effects on your health and quality of life. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another party, such as another skier or snowboarder, or if it was due to poorly maintained equipment or dangerous conditions at the resort, you may be entitled to compensation.
Consulting with an experienced snowboarding accident attorney in Durango, Colorado, is crucial to understanding your legal options. The attorneys at Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley, LLC, are well-versed in personal injury law and have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in snowboarding and skiing accident cases.
We will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of your accident, gather the necessary evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to help you seek justice. If necessary, we will take your case to court to protect your rights.
8. Know Your Rights and Legal Options
When you’ve been injured in a snowboarding accident, it’s important to understand your rights and legal options. Whether you are seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, a snowboarding accident attorney in Durango, Colorado, can help you work through the challenges of your case.
Some legal options you may have after a snowboarding accident include:
Filing a personal injury lawsuit: If another party was at fault for the accident, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.
Insurance claims: You may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company or the responsible party’s insurance to cover medical costs and other expenses.
Workers' compensation: If the injury occurred while you were working as a snowboarding instructor or in another professional capacity, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits.
A skilled snowboarding accident attorney in Durango, Colorado, will be able to evaluate your case and help you determine the proper course of action for your situation.
Contact Our Firm Today
Snowboarding accidents can result in serious injuries, and knowing what steps to take afterward is crucial for both your health and your legal rights. From seeking medical attention and reporting the accident to gathering evidence and consulting with a snowboarding accident attorney in Durango, Colorado, each step plays a vital role in seeking justice for your accident.
At Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley, LLC, we are here to guide you through the legal process with experience and care. Our firm serves clients in Durango, Colorado, Telluride, Colorado, Pagosa Springs, Cortez, and the Four Corners region.
We are licensed in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma, and are committed to helping you seek the justice you need to move forward with your life after a snowboarding accident. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how an attorney from our firm can help with your case.