When Alaskans go out for fun on their snow machines, they need to keep in mind they are out in the elements. If they get into trouble, things can turn deadly in the cold snow and harsh weather conditions.
In one case, a quick-thinking boy saved his father from certain death after a serious snow machine accident.
The boy and his father were far out in the Utah back-country, when the dad lost control of his snow machine and crashed. Injured with broken bones, the dad was unable to get up on his own. Furthermore, there was no cellphone service, so he sent his 9-year-old boy on his snow machine to find help.
The boy rode 20 minutes and found a tour group. The tour guide radioed for assistance and the local sheriff’s department dispatched its search and rescue unit, along with some firefighters. The boy led the rescue team to his father, who at that point was looking weak and in serious pain. An hour later, the father had been helicoptered out of the area and was in surgery to repair his broken leg and resolve internal bleeding.
According to the boy’s mother, her son’s responsible actions led her to trust his judgment more. It certainly is fortunate that he was so resourceful for his age and was there to help his father.
According to the father, the snow machine accident happened when a twig was lodged in the engine’s throttle. Whenever something like this happens with a snow machine in Alaska, it is important to look at potential design defects. Was the snow machine defective in its manufacture or design, which led to it being vulnerable to the problem that led to the crash? If it can be proven that design or manufacturing defects cased a crash, then injured parties may be able to seek financial restitution in court.
The Merdes Law Office has helped injured Alaskans for more than 30 years, it’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
Source: Reader’s Digest, “This Quick-Thinking Kid Saved His Dad After a Snowmobile Accident,” Meera Jagannathan
