Adults Involved in an Snowmobile Crash

Michigan Rules and Regulations about operating a snowmobile. Michigan Snowmobile Laws

If automobile was involved, obtain information on circumstances of crash, automobile involved, name of responsible auto insurance company. Provided information handout "Patient's Involved in Traffic Accidents".

• Educate patient/family about no fault insurance; role of case manager if appropriate given injury
• Request family report accident to agent
• Notify admitting and Practice Management
• If everyone involved is uninsured, then start Medicaid application
• Information patient/family about insurance case manager contact and role
• Give family copy of No Fault Booklet(s)

If not insured and no insured source but entitled to coverage (e.g. pedestrian, passenger) then provide information about the uninsured pool and an application.

The same rules of drunk driving apply to snowmobiles. If patient noted to be driving impaired (.07 - .1) or under the influence (> .1)

• Provide “brief intervention” talk to mild to moderate drinkers. For information on Brief interventions for substance abuse go to Social Work Competency - Brief Intervention
• Offer referral or assistance
• Provide pamphlet on Michigan Laws for drunk driving and information on the BAL and explore with them any implications of the law. e.g. loss of driver's license or mandated jail time.
• If another person severely injured or killed as result of their actions encourage them to seek legal advice as well as discussing their reactions.

If patient had seizure, syncope or blackout that contributed to the accident, s/he may need to be cautioned not to drive. Explore with patient and/or family the implications that this might have and identify any barriers with compliance.

If individual was injured by drunk driver provide with information on crime victims. Information and application on line at Michigan.gov in Department of Community Health. You might consider providing them with the brochure Civil Justice for Victims of Crime which outlines civil suit information.

As a large percentage of individuals who have been involved in motor vehicle crashed develop Acute Stress Symptoms, consider providing an educational intervention on Responses to Traumatic Events. See section on Acute Stress for specifics of that intervention. (still under construction)

If individual is injured and will be unable to drive for a period of time, explore their need for referral to elderly and handicap transportation resources.

Brochure on snowmobile safety.