In Alaska, ATVs, snowmachines, and boats are not just for recreation — they are a way of life. They are also how many Alaskans get to work, to hunting and fishing grounds, and to remote villages. But these vehicles can be extremely dangerous. They offer little to no protection, can flip or roll quickly, and often travel at high speeds.

If you or a loved one was injured in an ATV, snowmachine, or boating accident, our office can help. We have decades of experience and have recovered millions of dollars for individuals injured in these types of accidents.

35 Years of Experience Fighting for Injured Alaskans — Over $100 Million Collected

Our office has been fighting for injured Alaskans for over 35 years. We have collected over 100 million dollars for thousands of Alaskans who were hurt, disabled, or lost loved ones. We know how insurance companies work. We know how to fight them. And we know how to win. See Case Results and Testimonials.

An In-House Physician and Attorney—A Powerful Advantage for Our Clients

When difficult medical questions arise in your case, most law firms have to hire outside medical consultants and wait for their opinion. At Schlehofer Law Offices, we have that medical knowledge in-house. Frank Michael Schlehofer is both an attorney and a licensed physician. When you are hurt, the insurance company has doctors and lawyers working to reduce what they pay you. Now you have both on your side. In serious and complex cases, insurance companies hire their own medical experts to fight your claim. Frank Michael can read your medical records the way a doctor does, speak the same language as their experts, and challenge their opinions — because he is a licensed physician himself.

Insurance Coverage for ATVs, Snowmachines, and Boats

Many people assume there is no insurance coverage available after an ATV, snowmachine, or boating accident. This is often not true.

As a former licensed insurance agent, Frank J. Schlehofer is very familiar with insurance law in this area. In the last ten years or so, ATVs, snowmachines, and boats have become much more expensive. Because of this, more people finance these purchases with a loan. Lenders require insurance coverage on the property as a condition of the loan, in case it is damaged in an accident. When someone purchases this insurance, they almost always get liability coverage which covers injury accidents.

This means that today, it is much more common for there to be insurance coverage available, especially if you were injured by a newer ATV, snowmachine, or boat. As a former licensed insurance agent, Frank is experienced in reading these policies closely — identifying the clauses that grant coverage, any exceptions or exclusions that may apply, and how to fight back if an insurance company tries to use those exceptions to avoid paying what you are owed.

What You May Be Owed

If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you may have a right to compensation for:

• Medical bills — past and future
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Property damage and repairs

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my case worth?

Every case is different. The value depends on your injuries, your medical bills, lost wages, and how the accident has affected your life. Call us. There is no charge to talk to us, and we will discuss the details of your case. See Case Results and Testimonials.

Is there a charge to talk to you, and how does your attorney fee work?

There is no charge to talk to us. We do not charge by the hour. We only get paid if you get paid. Our attorney fee is a contingency fee, which is a percentage of the total amount we recover for you, plus reimbursement of our out-of-pocket costs, such as the cost of ordering your medical records. Usually, our attorney fee is 1/3 of the total recovery. Since our fee is a percentage of what we get for you, we are both on the same team trying to get as much as we reasonably can. If we do not get anything for you, then our attorney fee is zero.

Do I have to go to court?

Most cases settle before trial. When the insurance company knows you hired an experienced attorney, they are more likely to settle because it will cost them money to go to court. The decision to settle or go to trial is yours. We are always prepared to go to trial to get you the money you deserve.

What if the accident happened on someone else’s property or vehicle?

You may still have a claim. Liability can fall on the operator or the owner of the vehicle or boat. Call us and we will investigate who may be responsible.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In Alaska, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in court against the responsible parties. Do not wait. Call us right away.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

You may still be able to recover compensation. Alaska follows pure comparative negligence. This means your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault — but it is not eliminated. Do not assume you have no case.