Alaska Snowmachine & ATV Accident Lawyers

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

Quick answer

Snowmachines (snowmobiles) and ATVs are part of daily life across Alaska — and they cause serious injuries every year. If you were hurt, you generally have two years to file a claim (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. Alaska law requires snowmobiles to be registered to operate in the state (AS 28.39). Claims can involve other operators, property owners, rental companies, or defective equipment. 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.

Common snowmachine and ATV injury situations

These vehicles are fast, heavy, and often used on rough terrain far from help, which makes crashes especially dangerous. Frequent situations include collisions with other machines or vehicles, rollovers, striking hidden hazards or wildlife, defective or poorly maintained equipment, and crashes involving inexperienced or impaired operators. Remote locations can delay rescue and complicate evidence-gathering.

Who may be responsible

Depending on the facts, responsibility may fall on another operator, a landowner, a rental or tour company, or the maker of defective equipment. Alaska requires snowmobiles to be registered (AS 28.39), and where a machine is operated on or near roadways is regulated by state traffic rules. We investigate the terrain, the equipment, and every party who may share fault.

Damages and cost

You may recover medical bills, lost income, and noneconomic damages; only noneconomic damages are capped (AS 09.17.010), with a higher limit for severe permanent injuries. We work on a contingency fee — no fee unless we recover for you.

Frequently asked questions

Who can be at fault in a snowmachine or ATV crash? Another operator, a property owner, a rental/tour company, or an equipment manufacturer — sometimes more than one.

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

What if I was partly at fault? You can still recover, reduced by your share of fault (AS 09.17.060).

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

Sources

AS 28.39 (snowmobiles — registration): https://codes.findlaw.com/ak/title-28-motor-vehicles/ak-st-sect-28-39-010/
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).