Auto Accident Injury in Alaska

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Alaska? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in AK that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Alaska

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. According to the Alaska Highway Safety Office, the state had 78 fatal auto accidents in 2014. These crashes resulted in 84 deaths. There were 265 serious injury crashes and 3,135 minor injury crashes, where  total number of people with serious accident injuries was 301. Minor injury victims numbered 4,315. The same year, the state had 7,473 accidents that resulted in only property damage.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities explains that drivers must report any accident involving death, injuries or property damage of at least $2,000 to law enforcement immediately. If there was not a requirement to report to law enforcement, then the driver must submit a driver report within 10 days after the accident.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatal accidents in Alaska in 2018 cost around $1 million in medical costs. These accidents also led to $104 million in work loss costs. The majority of the expenses, 53%, were for young adults ages 20 to 34.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Alaska

Liability Laws for AK

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

Alaska follows the tort system when dealing with liability in motor vehicle crashes. In general, the at-fault driver will pay the damages from the accident. The state uses comparative negligence, which means a driver can get damages based on fault. For example, a driver who is 30% at fault can claim 70% of the damages.

Statute of Limitations in AK

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. The Alaska State Legislature explains the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years. This includes claims for injuries and property damage resulting from an auto accident. It also includes any actions for wrongful death due to the loss of a loved one in a fatal auto accident.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer In Alaska

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in AK!

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