How is Liability Established When Skiers Collide?

Whether you find yourself on the beginner’s slope with your children or zipping down the side of a mountain with your hair flying in the wind, skiing in the winter is a tried-and-true Colorado tradition. 

However fun skiing may be, it is also important to remember the potential dangers that come with it, especially during the holiday months. Tourists from out of town who may not be as familiar with the sport and its rules will soon be populating the slopes. Unfortunately, it is common for this influx of people to result in an increase in skiing-related incidents, like head-on collisions with other resort-goers. Following basic ski etiquette and keeping up with safety tips can help to minimize the likelihood of getting into an accident, but there may still be a chance of injury due to someone else’s negligence, which is where Mintz Law Firm can help.  

How Is Liability Established in a Ski Accident?  

If you are in a head-on skiing collision this winter, there is a possibility you may be owed damages for your injuries. Various third parties may be responsible for the accident, including the following: 

• Other skiers: If another skier on the slope is impaired by alcohol or drugs or has blatantly disregarded the rules set forth by the slope, they may be liable. 
• The resort: The Colorado Ski Safety Act identifies winter sports as dangerous activities, and therefore most resorts are inherently protected in case of an accident. However, this does not include negligent behaviors, such as failing to properly identify the difficulty of slopes or any broken equipment. 

When deciding who is liable for the damages caused during your ski incident, there are various aspects to consider: 

Evidence From the Scene

An important aspect for your Colorado personal injury lawyer when it comes to identifying who may be liable for the accident is direct evidence. Although the injury may leave you shocked and confused, it is important to establish what happened and who is at fault. The best way to ensure this is through the following: 

• Video of the accident or aftermath of the accident
• Photos from your phone of the injury 
• Eyewitness accounts
• Written details of the accident and causation 

Additionally, if your accident is a direct result of a collision with another skier, their contact and insurance information should be gathered. Mintz Law Firm understands this process is overwhelming and that the furthest thing from your mind while sustaining an injury is collecting evidence. This is why our personal injury lawyers work behind the scenes to collect what they can for you while you heal. 

Statute of Limitations

When working to establish liability, it is important the Colorado statute of limitations is considered. The Colorado Ski Act identifies you have two years from the date of injury for your claim to be considered, both for claims against the ski resort and other skiers. 

It is best to act quickly when establishing liability and filing your claim against the negligent party. 

Mintz Law Firm Can Help If You Have Been Injured in a Skiing Accident

If you or a family member have been in a skiing accident, a Mintz Law Firm personal injury attorney can help. Our Colorado-based lawyers are here to fight for you every step of the way and can work to gather evidence and establish liability against the negligent party. It is vital you rest and fully recover from your injury, and working with our dedicated team will allow you to do just that. 

We are ready to take your case to court if need be. Our attorneys are available seven days a week, and we do not charge for your case unless you are rewarded financially for your losses. To schedule a free consultation and discuss the specifics of your accident, use our contact form or reach out to a representative at (303) 462-2999.