Knocked Over on a Ski Hill – Can I Make a Claim?

If you have been knocked over on a ski hill by a reckless skier or snowboarder, you may be entitled to pursue a claim for damages. This involves making a claim against the individual’s home insurance policy.

Can you claim for a ski hill collision?

Sometimes when you are skiing or snowboarding, the greatest danger comes not from the terrain but from other people. If you have ever visited a resort, you have probably experienced other skiers and snowboarders speeding past you. Occasionally, they might be going too fast to stop, or they might simply misjudge the amount of space available when overtaking. This could result in a collision.

The Alpine Responsibility Code sets out a number of rules, in an attempt to prevent such accidents from happening. These are enforced in ski resorts and local ski hills across the world. Amongst other things, they state that downhill skiers have right of way and that you must always stay in control. Although the Alpine Responsibility Code is not enshrined in law, it provides a useful indication as to whether a skier or snowboarder is behaving reasonably.

Anyone who ignores the guidelines and skis or rides recklessly will be held accountable for their actions. This means that if you are knocked over by a skier or snowboarder, that person could be legally responsible for your injuries. There are times when an individual can be forgiven. Beginners, for example, will not usually be deemed negligent if they were going at low speeds on a beginner slope. But an experienced skier or snowboarder who acts dangerously – in turn causing someone to suffer an injury – will be at fault.

What can you do?

If you have been knocked over and injured by a reckless skier/snowboarder, you could be entitled to make a personal injury claim. This ensures that you are compensated for your damages. In this scenario, you would make a claim against the skier’s or snowboarder’s home insurance. The policy will cover the cost of your settlement. If the skier or snowboarder does not have home insurance, then it may impact your ability to make a claim.

If you’re involved in a collision on a ski hill, it is important to get the name of the person who knocked you over. This can be difficult at the time, as the person may leave the scene of the accident and be lost in the crowds. However, he/she should remain in place until Ski Patrol arrives. Ask for their name and contact details. Then, contact us at John Mickelson Law Corporation for expert legal advice.

We can investigate whether the skier or snowboarder was acting recklessly and whether he/she has a home insurance policy. If so, we can make a personal injury claim on your behalf, getting you compensation for your damages. Collisions on ski hills can have serious consequences, ranging from torn ligaments all the way up to severe head injuries. We can help you access the funds required for your treatment and rehabilitation, and recuperate any other money you have lost because of the accident.

To speak to our Vancouver personal injury lawyers, either fill in the free online enquiry form or call us on 604 684 0040.

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