Which State has the Most Hiking Accidents?
Many people associate the Pacific Northwest with beautiful scenery and the outdoors. Many choose to get outside and hike, mountain bike, kayak, and ski. Though we don’t like to think about it, there are risks associated with outdoor sports. Safety precautions must be taken to help decrease the chance of a hiking accident or other outdoor accident. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious hiking accident, you may want to contact an experienced accident lawyer.
Hiking Accidents by State
The majority of hiking accidents occur in the mountainous states of Washington, California, Wyoming, Colorado, and Alaska; with Washington and California at the top of the list. These states have a higher proportion of accidents because they have the most climbable terrain with the combined incentive of many “trophy” peaks. Many people come from outside of these states to reach these beautiful summits.
Most hiking fatalities also occur in Washington, California, Wyoming, Colorado, and Alaska; with Washington and California at the top of the list. It should be noted, though, that Oregon also has a significant number of hiking fatalities each year even though it does not have a particularly high rate of hiking accidents. This distinction is likely due to the fact that Mt. Hood is responsible for several fatal accidents per year.
When the accident numbers are adjusted for population, the most hiking accidents per capita happen in Wyoming and Alaska. California actually has a much smaller accident per capita rate than total accident rate.
Since the 1990s, hiking accidents have declined as the number of new hiking trails declined. The 1970s and 1980s, by contrast, saw very high rates of hiking accidents as it was a time when new routes were being put up and new terrain was being explored.
Over time, Alaska’s hiking accident rate has grown, which is likely due to an increase in Alaskan climbing as well as more consistent reporting of accidents.
In the News
A recent fatal hiking accident happened to a local man from Bellingham, WA while hiking the North Cascade Mountains in Washington State with a group of long-time friends, his brother and 17 year old son. Though they were experienced and cautious hikers and were wearing helmets, a large rock came loose and crashed down on Eric Moldver’s head. The helmet split in two and ultimately was not enough to save his life.
See the link to the newspaper article here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article30756399.html.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
