$500K settlement for family of Illinois man killed by intoxicated snowmobiler in Vilas County, Wis.

VILAS COUNTY, WIS. – The family of an avid Illinois snowmobiler who was killed in a Wisconsin head-on crash with an intoxicated driver of another snowmobile has received a $500,000 settlement. As we continue to experience winter weather in our area, the attorney for the family is reminding snowmobile riders of some important safety tips to consider to protect themselves and other riders.

On February 2, 2023, 75-year-old Robert “Bob” Groter of Wyoming, Ill. was snowmobiling in Cloverland, Wisconsin near St. Germain and Eagle River. Mr. Groter was a very experienced snowmobiler and often spent his winter enjoying this hobby in Wisconsin. While Mr. Groter was snowmobiling that day, 43-year-old Andrew Speiss of Elmhurst, Ill. came around a corner-run on a rented snowmobile at speeds exceeding 65 mph, according to the Activity Report created by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Speiss, who had only been snowmobiling “a handful of times”, crashed into Mr. Groter head-on at a speed of roughly 56 mph, according to the same report.  Local authorities responded to the crash and both men were pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Toxicology Report, Mr. Speiss had a BAC of .137 at the time of the crash.

Mr. Groter is survived by his wife of 57 years, two children and seven grandchildren. He was a successful small business owner in Stark County, Ill. In his spare time, Mr. Groter was the starter for harness horse races for over 50 years in several states, including the Quad City Downs in Moline and Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney.  Memorials from the racetracks flooded in upon learning of Mr. Groter’s death.

Following Mr. Groter’s death, his family retained Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. attorney David J. Rashid to represent them in a wrongful death lawsuit. Before the case was filed, the parties agreed to a $500,000 settlement, which represents the homeowner insurance policy limits for Mr. Spiess. The family was also represented by attorney Rob L. Kohen of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, there were at least 16 snowmobile fatalities in Wisconsin in 2023 ranging in age from 8-85. So far in 2024, there have been three fatal snowmobile crashes in Wisconsin.

“Many Midwesterners use snowmobiles during the winter months for recreational purposes. While these vehicles can provide a thrill for the rider, they also come with many risks and the winter terrain can often be unpredictable. As a personal injury attorney, I have seen far too many people seriously injured or killed in snowmobile crashes. It’s important for drivers to slow down and allow for ample reaction time, stay on marked trails, and of course never drive these dangerous vehicles while intoxicated,” attorney David J. Rashid said.

Attorney Rashid is available to discuss this settlement and snowmobile safety tips in more detail. Please contact Marcie Mangan at (312) 372-1227 or mmangan@salvilaw.com to set up an interview or obtain additional information.

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