Alaska Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Serving all of Alaska · Free consultation · Contingency fee — no fee unless we win

Quick answer

If you were hurt while cycling in Alaska, you generally have two years to file (AS 09.10.070), and Alaska's pure comparative fault rule (AS 09.17.060) lets you recover even if you were partly at fault. In Alaska, a bicyclist on the road has the same rights and duties as the driver of a vehicle (13 AAC 02.385) — so a driver who hits a cyclist can be liable just as in any crash. Choate Law Firm has represented injured Alaskans since 1980. Consultations are free and we are paid only if we recover for you. Call (907) 586-4490.

Cyclists have the rights of the road

Under Alaska's traffic regulations, a person riding a bicycle on a roadway has all the rights and is subject to all the duties that apply to any other driver (13 AAC 02.385). That means motorists must share the road, yield where required, and pass safely. When a driver fails to do so — turning across a bike lane, opening a door, or failing to look — they can be responsible for the injuries.

Why bicycle claims matter

A cyclist has little protection, so crashes often cause fractures, road rash, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Insurers sometimes argue the cyclist was at fault; independent investigation, video, and witness statements help establish what really happened. Alaska's road conditions — gravel shoulders, ice, and low winter light — add risk.

Damages and cost

You may recover medical expenses, lost income, bicycle damage, and noneconomic damages such as pain and loss of enjoyment of life; only noneconomic damages are capped (AS 09.17.010). We work on a contingency fee — no fee unless we recover for you.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have the same rights as a car on the road? Yes — on the roadway a bicyclist generally has the same rights and duties as a driver (13 AAC 02.385).

The driver says I wasn't visible — can I still recover? Likely yes, reduced only by your share of fault under pure comparative fault (AS 09.17.060).

How long do I have to file? Generally two years (AS 09.10.070).

What does it cost? Nothing up front — contingency fee.

Sources

13 AAC 02.385 (bicycles — rights and duties): https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/alaska/13-AAC-02.385
AS 09.10.070 (statute of limitations): https://codes.findlaw.com/ak/title-9-code-of-civil-procedure/ak-st-sect-09-10-070/
AS 09.17.060 (comparative fault): https://codes.findlaw.com/ak/title-9-code-of-civil-procedure/ak-st-sect-09-17-060/

Disclaimer

This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case. Attorneys at Choate Law Firm LLC are licensed in Alaska, California, Hawaii, New York, and Washington (specific jurisdiction varies by attorney).