Skiing is an exciting and fast-paced sport, which also means that ski accidents can be extremely sudden and damaging. The aftermath of a ski accident can leave you and other skiers with serious injuries and significant medical bills. It is only natural, then, that one pressing question will come to your mind: Does health insurance cover ski accidents?
Will Your Health Insurance Cover a Ski Accident?
Health insurance typically covers medical expenses after an accident, including ski accidents, but it is important to check the specifics of your policy. Some health insurance policies might exclude coverage if you suffer injuries while engaging in an extreme sport such as skiing. There are also plans that may cover medical bills but not costs associated with search and rescue.
Your health insurance policy will only ever cover your own medical expenses. It will not cover any damages caused to another individual if you are at fault for a skiing accident involving other people. In this case, you would need personal liability coverage or homeowners insurance to pay for the other person’s damages. By that same token, though, you can pursue damages from another skier if they were responsible for causing your damages.
Do You Need Dedicated Ski Insurance?
When you are planning a ski trip, ski insurance or comprehensive sports-related insurance is well worth considering. This type of coverage will pay for the costs of medical expenses, equipment loss or even trip cancellations. A more general travel insurance policy might also cover these incidents as well as other possible travel-related accidents.
In some cases, though, it may not be necessary to purchase additional coverage to protect against ski accidents. You might already have personal liability insurance that covers damages you cause to a third party, and the terms may even cover ski accidents. Your homeowners insurance or renters insurance might also provide some liability coverage at no extra cost.
What Determines Fault in a Ski Accident?
As with any type of personal injury case, fault in a ski accident lies with the party or parties that exhibited negligence or breached their duty of care to other people. For skiers, this often means violating the skiers’ responsibility code.
In accordance with the code, skiers may be at fault for an accident if they:
- Lose control while skiing
- Fail to yield the right-of-way
- Neglect to remain visible to other skiers
- Disobey posted signs or warnings
- Allow for runaway equipment
Skiers must also remain aware of their surroundings and ensure that others can remain aware of them in turn. For example, a skier should not overtake someone who is lower on the slope without communicating with them first. These types of negligent behaviors can directly illustrate a person’s fault in an accident.
What Types of Ski Accidents Will Your Insurance Cover?
There are several types of ski accidents that insurance can cover. Negligent behavior while skiing can lead to direct collisions, tripping over unattended equipment and the need to dangerously over-correct.
Always remember that skiing is a fun yet dangerous sport. Even a seemingly minor accident can have long-term health consequences if you do not seek treatment in a timely manner. Always consult with a medical professional after a skiing accident and do not hesitate to explore your options for pursuing compensation.
Ski accidents can cause a wide range of severe injuries, including but not limited to:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Skull fractures
- ACL or MCL tears
- Rotator cuff tears
- Skier’s thumb
Unless exclusions apply, health insurance will cover these types of injuries or accidents and more. If you pursue a personal injury case against another party who was liable for your accident, you might also recover compensation for property damage and any pain or emotional suffering you experience as a result of the accident.
Is the Ski Resort Liable for Skiing Accidents?
The ski resort where a skiing accident takes place can bear some or all of the responsibility if the accident occurs due to poor maintenance or managerial oversight. It is not always the case that another skier is responsible for the damages you might incur.
As one example, ski resorts must section off dangerous trails and post noticeable warnings. They must also act promptly to remove hazards from the slopes, such as fallen trees or branches. Depending on the exact nature of the accident, it might be possible that both the resort and a negligent skier share liability for your damages.
If you pursue a premises liability claim against the ski resort, you can still turn to your own health insurance policy for immediate help with medical expenses. Succeeding in your premises liability case means that the ski resort must compensate both you and your health insurance provider via a monetary settlement.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help You After a Ski Accident?
Involving an attorney in your ski accident case will help ensure that you hold the liable parties accountable for your damages. Having an experienced legal team can improve your chances of securing a favorable settlement and prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you.
The personal injury attorneys at Sargon Law Group can support your claim by:
- Investigating the cause of your ski accident
- Collecting evidence to determine which parties are at fault
- Filing your claim and completing other paperwork on your behalf
- Negotiating with the ski resort and insurance providers
- Taking your case to court if necessary
Sargon Law Group represents injured individuals who experience ski accidents at resorts in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and California. We will advocate for your best interests every step of the way, whether you are pursuing a claim with your own health insurance, the other skier’s liability policy or the ski resort’s insurance provider.
Sargon Law Group Can Help With Your Ski Accident Claim
Getting the full amount of compensation you deserve can be difficult, even when you are filing a claim with your own insurance provider. Our team at Sargon Law Group can help you understand when health insurance covers ski accidents and pursue a claim with experienced legal guidance. Contact us today for a free consultation.