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If you are looking for a scenic destination to shred down a snow-covered mountain, Truckee, California, is one of your best bets. But when a day at the resort ends with an injury, it may be time to get in touch with a snowboard injury attorney. At Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers, we know that snowboarding comes with unique risks, from collisions with others on mountains to faulty board bindings. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you pursue compensation after an accident.

What Are Some Common Causes of Snowboard Accidents in Truckee?

When you’re on the mountain, it’s natural to expect that the resort will do everything it can to maintain a safe environment, that other snowboarders and skiers will be mindful of where they’re going, and your equipment will function without issue. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.

If another party’s negligence resulted in your snowboarding injuries, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Some common causes of snowboard accidents that may lead to a case include:

• Someone recklessly crashing into you or creating a dangerous situation that causes you to fall or crash
• Resort equipment, like a ski lift, malfunctioning
• Trails that are poorly marked or poorly maintained
• Faulty snowboard bindings or other equipment

Our Truckee snowboard accident attorneys have experience dealing with both serious snowboarding injuries and fatal snowboarding accidents. Even if you are unsure whether you have a case, we encourage you to reach out to us. We can help clarify your options and next steps.

How Can Our Truckee Snowboarding Accident Lawyers Help?

Filing a snowboarding injury claim can be frustratingly complicated. Our snowboard accident lawyers can help you with every step of the process. It all starts with a free consultation where we’ll discuss the basic details of your case, whether you may be able to file a claim for compensation, and what to expect during the process.

Should you decide to work with us, our legal team will then investigate your case, gathering as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This is a critical step, as the responsible party will often try to fight back by asserting that you were at fault or that they did nothing wrong.

Once we have gathered enough evidence, we will negotiate for a fair settlement with the insurance company. While most snowboarding accident cases are settled without the need for a trial, our attorneys are always ready to fight for the maximum possible compensation in court if necessary.

Why Choose Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers After a Snowboard Accident in Truckee?

At Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have decades of experience handling snowboarding injury claims in the Truckee and Lake Tahoe area. We know the local resorts, from Northstar California Resort to Sugar Bowl, and are familiar with the trails, conditions, and terrain that can contribute to accidents.

Because Truckee is near the California-Nevada border, we also handle snowboarding accidents that occur in nearby Nevada locations. Our firm is licensed to practice in both California and Nevada, so we can represent clients regardless of which side of the border the accident occurred.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truckee Snowboard Accident?

When you file a snowboarding accident claim, the compensation you request from the court is called damages. In a typical snowboarding accident case, you may pursue both economic and non-economic damages:

• Economic damages involve compensation for expenses related to your injury. Typically, this includes costs for medical care and therapy and any lost wages related to your injury. If the accident involved the death of a loved one, this would also cover funeral costs and loss of future income.
• Non-economic damages are compensation you receive for physical pain and emotional trauma related to the accident. Because it is difficult to put a precise dollar value on these types of losses, our attorneys will work closely with you to ensure the amount you pursue accurately reflects the full impact of your injuries on your life.

Who Can Be Held Liable For Snowboarding Injuries in Truckee?

Several parties can potentially be liable for snowboarding injuries, depending on the circumstances of the accident.

• Other Skiers or Snowboarders: When you are riding down a mountain, you have an obligation to ride safely. If your actions put another skier or snowboarder at risk, you may be liable for any injuries they suffer in an accident. If another person on the mountain hits you or otherwise causes you to get hurt, they are likely liable for your injuries.
• Resorts: Under premises liability laws, the resort that allows you to snowboard down the mountain is legally required to ensure certain safe conditions. If the resort doesn’t live up to these obligations, you may be able to file a claim against the resort if its actions or failures to act negligence result in you getting injured.
• Equipment Manufacturers: You may also be able to file a claim against the manufacturer of your equipment. If it is defective, and that defect is principally responsible for your injuries, the manufacturer is likely liable for any harm you suffered.

Key Legal Considerations That May Affect Your Truckee Snowboard Accident Claim

There are several legal considerations that you should be aware of when filing an accident claim.

• Waivers of Liability: Typically, before you snowboard, the resort will require you to sign a waiver of liability. While this protects the resort from a great deal of liability, it can’t protect the resort from gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct.
• Comparative Negligence: Under California’s comparative negligence laws, even if you are almost entirely responsible for your injuries, you can still get compensation from another partially responsible party. However, any compensation you receive will be prorated based on the percentage of responsibility.
• Statute of Limitations: You are also limited on how much time you have to act after a snowboarding accident in California. According to the state’s statute of limitations, you must file a claim within two years of the date that you were injured. If you wait too long to file a claim, your case will be dismissed by the courts.

Steps to Take After a Snowboarding Accident in Truckee

In the aftermath of a snowboarding accident, you can take certain steps to increase the likelihood that you will receive fair compensation from the responsible party.

1. Ensure your safety and get medical attention. Move to a safe location and seek immediate evaluation and treatment for any injuries.
2. Notify the resort staff. Report the accident as soon as possible so they can document the incident and take any necessary safety measures.
3. Preserve evidence if you are able. If your injuries allow, take photos of the scene, your equipment, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from anyone involved or any witnesses.
4. Keep records after treatment. Save receipts for medical care, equipment repair, or other expenses related to the accident.
5. Limit what you share publicly. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or discussing it with anyone outside your attorney, as this could affect your case.