Oregon’s ski areas are plagued with overcrowding on both the slopes and en route to all ski resorts, particularly Mt. Hood Meadows which is located on the southeast side of Mt. Hood.
Careless drivers, eager to nab coveted “first tracks” regularly drive too fast for conditions, often blindly crossing yellow solid lines on highway 26 and 35, the two major highways leading to Mt. Hood from Portland, Oregon. After a day of skiing and après beverages, fatigue sets in just as riders depart the mountain parking lots. Drinking and fatigue lead to vehicle crashes and traffic congestion.
Since the pandemic, Oregon’s ski resorts, including Mount Bachelor, Timberline, and Mt. Hood Meadows “enjoy” record numbers of visitors. Reports of staffing shortages due to the lack of affordable housing near the slopes have become common place. In addition, Oregon’s ski areas are often not fully staffed and sometimes staffed with distracted chairlift operators. Longer lines and impatient motorists ensure these factors lead to more ski and roadway collisions.
After a ski collision, file a report with the ski area before leaving the resort and obtain the homeowners insurance information for the at fault person. Ask the ski area for a copy or take a photograph of the incident report before leaving the venue. Keep the incident report and all relevant accident and injury photographs for reference, then call Rizk Law as soon as possible at (503) 245-5677.
Don’t navigate the aftermath of a ski accident alone. Connect with Rizk Law for a free consultation. Our experienced ski accident lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
