Tucson Ski Accident Lawyers

What If I Signed A Waiver?

Unfortunately, Arizona law limits most actions against ski area operators if you signed a valid waiver. According to A.R.S. §5-706, if the ski area operator proves that you signed a valid release, then that release will determine the operator’s liability. In most cases, these waivers waive all liability for the operator for any accidents or injuries that may have been caused by negligence.

As a result, this means you may be unable to pursue a claim against the ski resort operator unless you can prove the release you signed was not valid or unless you can prove an exception applies. In some cases, if you are able to prove that the accident was caused by the operator’s recklessness, you may still be able to pursue compensation. However, it will generally be crucial to hire a skilled ski & snowboard accident lawyer who understands Arizona law and can examine the waiver you signed to determine whether it may be possible to prove the resort’s liability for your accident.

Safety tips for avoiding skiing accidents

Given the dangerous nature of winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, it is important to practice various safety tips and behaviors to allow you to enjoy the thrill while lowering your risks of serious injury. These safety tips that may help protect you anytime you decide to hit the slopes include:

1. Know Your Limits

One of the first safety tips to always keep in mind is knowing your limits. Even before you head to the slopes you should already be aware of what your limits are as a skier or snowboarder. Keep these limits in mind when choosing the slopes you wish to try and when you actually head out on them.

Various slopes differ in the degree of difficulty, and you should stick to the “bunny” slopes if you are still a beginner. By knowing your limits, and slowly developing your skills, you can more safely move up to more difficult slopes while making sure that you are physically and mentally prepared for each progression. You should also never be afraid to take things slowly on the slopes and to exercise good judgment at all times.

2. Always Wear A Helmet and Other Protective Gear

Like in many other sports, head injuries are some of the most common and most dangerous injuries that may be suffered in a snowboarding or skiing accident. As a result of the speeds that can be achieved while racing down a slope, even a simple fall can cause serious head injuries, including even traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Worse, head injuries can happen to anyone, from the most experienced and skilled skiers to a beginner, especially as you cannot control other skiers around you.

Therefore, you should always remember to wear a helmet that fits and the appropriate protective gear to help protect yourself. In the case of a skiing or snowboard accident, wearing the appropriate safety gear may prevent you from suffering more serious injuries.

3. Obey Any Rules or Posted Signage

Mountain rules as well as posted signage or warnings are intended to help keep you safe while on the slopes. Always obey these rules, and stay off any closed trails or runs; you should also pay close attention to the difficulty levels that may be assigned to certain slopes and be aware of your limits and experience before attempting any slope that may be too difficult. Finally, pay close attention to the rules for your behavior on the slopes such as the rules against reckless behavior that could cause a collision between you and other skiers.

4. Stay Together

Use the buddy system or stick with your group any time you are skiing or snowboarding. Engaging in these activities alone, or becoming separated from others, can be extremely dangerous; if you fall or are otherwise injured, it may be very difficult for you to contact help. Further, it may be difficult for medical personnel or rescuers to find you if you are injured but no one knows your location.

While it can be very easy to get separated while on the mountain, especially while focusing on the thrill or excitement of flying down the slopes, sticking together could potentially save lives. However, in case you will find yourself separated from those who traveled to the mountain or resort with you, be sure to coordinate with everyone in your group by planning ahead and arranging a location where you can meet in case you become separated.

How an injury law firm can help you

One of the most important decisions you can make after any accident is hiring the best attorney to represent you. Skiing accidents can be especially complex, and it will be important for you to hire an attorney who has years of experience helping victims of similar accidents pursue compensation in Arizona. The skilled lawyers at Zinda Law Group have this experience and offer a free case evaluation to help you determine whether you may have a claim; we take pleasure in explaining how Zinda Law Group may be able to help you pursue any compensation you may be entitled to.

For example, our attorneys will often conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to gather any evidence that may be available to help support your claim. If you signed a waiver with the ski resort operator, your attorney will investigate whether the waiver applies to your accident or if an exception may apply, which would allow you to pursue an action against the operator. Your lawyer will handle your injury claim, negotiating with the other party or the other party’s insurer to help you reach an acceptable settlement if possible, or presenting your claim at trial.

Contact a skiing accident lawyer near you today

Skiing and snowboarding injuries can leave victims seriously injured while struggling to figure out how to seek any compensation they may be entitled to. If you or your loved one has been injured in a skiing or snowboard accident, call the injury law firm, Zinda Law Group, as soon as possible to schedule your free consultation with one of our skilled skiing accident attorneys. We will discuss your legal options and help you understand your next steps to take.

Our team has years of experience helping Tucson victims of skiing accidents pursue the maximum compensation they may be entitled to. Our attorney will use this experience and knowledge of Arizona laws to handle your claim while allowing you to focus on recovering from your injuries suffered in the accident.

Call (800) 863-5312 today for a free consultation with an experienced Tucson injury attorney from Zinda Law Group. You will not pay anything unless we win your case; that’s our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.

Meetings with attorneys are available by appointment only.