Snow Machine Accidents Attorney in Anchorage, Alaska

Snow machines and snowmobiles offer an amazing way to explore the vast backcountry and picturesque landscape across Alaska during the winter season. Unfortunately, these snow machines are not completely safe from accidents and road mishaps and may result in injuries or deaths. According to available statistics, snowmobile accidents are responsible for nearly 14,000 injuries and 200 fatalities in North America every year.  

If you or someone close to you were injured in a snow machine accident caused by another person’s negligence, you may be eligible to seek fair financial compensation. At the Law Office of Jason Skala, LLC, I have the understanding and experience to help you after a snow machine accident.  

As a practiced Alaska personal injury attorney, I have the strong ability to assess the elements of your specific situation and help you understand your possible options to recover damages. Also, I am enthused to fight compassionately for your legal rights and help you pursue fair compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other possible damages.  

My firm – the Law Office of Jason Skala, LLC – is proud to serve clients across Anchorage, Alaska, and the surrounding areas of Kotzebue, Bethel, and Barrow (Utqiagvik).

Common Types of Snow Machine Accidents 

Some of the most common types of snowmobile accidents include: 

• Accidents caused by the snow machine driver or passenger’s negligence 

• Crashes caused by the negligence or carelessness of another snow machine driver 

• Accidents or injuries due to a defect with the snow machine 

• Snow machine accidents due to improper maintenance 

Common Causes of Snow Machine Accidents 

Here are some of the most common causes of snow machine accidents: 

• Speeding 

• Negligent operation or reckless driving 

• Driving a snow machine while impaired by alcohol or drugs 

• Poor weather conditions 

• Defective repairs on the snow machine 

• Improperly maintained snow machine or equipment 

• Lack of safety gear 

• Defective equipment and components 

• Mishandling 

• Allowing a minor to operate the snow machine 

• Other forms of premises liability, such as hidden hazards and poorly maintained trails 

Common Snow Machine Injuries 

Some of the common injuries from snow machine accidents include: 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) 

• Head or neck injuries 

• Disfigurement or scarring 

• Back injuries 

• Spinal cord injuries 

• Chronic pain 

• Concussions 

• Multiple broken bones or severe fractures 

• Wrongful death 

If you or a family member were involved in a snow machine accident caused by a negligent party, you must speak with a personal injury attorney that can help. Your legal counsel can explain some Alaska laws addressing snow machines and analyze your options to seek damages.   

Laws Addressing Snow Machines in Alaska  

Here are some Alaska laws addressing the use, operation, or driving of snow machines and snowmobiles in the state: 

• Snow machines driven on public property must be registered with the Alaska DMV. 

• All persons operating a snow machine must have a valid Alaska state driver’s license 

• Snow machines may not make excessive noise. 

• The operation of snow machines and hovercraft is prohibited on state roads. 

• All snow machines must be equipped with a white headlight, red taillight, one stop-signal light, and one red reflector. The lights must be visible from at least 1000 feet. 

• Operating a snow machine while under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. 

• No person below 16 years shall operate an ATV or snow machine unless under the supervision of a competent/responsible adult. 

• Operators of snow machines must yield the right of way to pedestrians, vehicles drawn by animals, and pack and saddle animals. 

• All snow machine accidents involving an injury, property damage, or death must be reported within 24 hours. 

• Also, the unsafe operation of snowmobiles in Alaska is prohibited. 

A strategic Alaska snow machine accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and determine who may be liable for your injuries. 

Who is Liable?  

When a snow machine accident occurs, liability may be attributed to any of the following: 

Someone Else’s Negligence: If another person’s negligence caused the snow machine accident, the at-fault party may be held liable. 

Defective Product: If the snowmobile accident occurred as a result of defective equipment or component, the producer or manufacturer may be held accountable. 

Your Own Recklessness: However, if your carelessness, oversight, or lack of proper control, caused the snow machine accident, the Alaska court might blame it on your own recklessness or negligence. In a situation like this, seeking damages for your injuries may be quite difficult. 

Filing a Claim in Alaska 

Additionally, Alaska is an "at-fault" state. According to the system, the person responsible for your injuries or snow machine crash (the at-fault party) will be held liable for medical expenses, property damages, and other losses suffered by the injured person. To recover damages, you can proceed by: 

• Filing an injury claim with your own insurance carrier. 

• Filing a third-party claim directly with the at-fault party's insurance provider. 

• Filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault party. 

A reliable personal injury attorney can walk you through the claims process and help you recover the financial justice you deserve. 

Discover Your Options for Compensation

Being involved in a negligent snow machine accident can be a difficult and traumatizing experience. Such an unfortunate incident can affect your physical, financial, and mental health. However, you don't have to suffer the challenges all by yourself. Therefore, it is vital that you act quickly and hire an experienced personal injury attorney to help protect your legal rights and pursue your deserved compensation.   

At the Law Office of Jason Skala, LLC, I intend to provide compassionate representation and clear legal advice to clients in their snow machine accident claims. With my broad knowledge of Alaska laws and rules addressing liability in snow machine accident cases, I can direct you toward a brighter future.