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Whistler skier sues California snowboarder for Christmas collision injuries

The crash happened on Dec. 22, 2021, according to a notice of civil claim
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A Whistler skier is suing a California snowboarder for injuries she asserts resulted from being hit from behind by the snowboarder.

A Whistler skier is suing a snowboarder for injuries she says she sustained when was standing at the side of a run just before Christmas.

Marie-Christine Abousleiman, also known as Marie-Christine Riachi, is suing Armin Motekalem of Sunnyvale, California for a collision between the two on Crabapple trail on Dec. 22, 2021.

A notice of civil claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court on Feb. 2 said Abousleiman, a highly experienced skier who was wearing a helmet at the time, was at a complete stop. Court documents say conditions were clear and she was facing downhill at the side of the trail.

She said Motekalem, “snowboarding at high speed,” struck her from behind.

Abousleiman asserts in the claim that the defendant was “compelled by bystanders to remain at the scene.”

Abousleiman said she has suffered a concussion, a right shoulder injury, chronic pain, multiple upper arm fractures, possible multiple rib fractures, contusions and abrasions, sleep disruption, mood disruption and generalized pain and suffering.

She is suing for general damages, aggravated damages, past and future loss of housekeeping capacity and future care expenses.

The claim asserts Motekalem failed to keep himself under control,  failed to adhere to the Alpine Responsibility Code or Skier Responsibility Code, failed to yield right of way, snowboarded without due care and attention, snowboarded too fast, failed to warn the plaintiff and failed to keep proper lookout.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

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