Auto Accident Injury in Anchorage, AK

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Anchorage? 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 and around Anchorage, AK that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Anchorage, 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. Alaska roads, which can be treacherous due to adverse weather conditions a good portion of the year, accounted for 80 driving-related fatalities in 2018, down from 84 in 2016 but up by 29 from 2013, the decade’s all-time low. Approximately 36%, or 29 fatalities, involved alcohol. In 2016, automobile accidents resulted in 431 serious injuries, nearly 100 more than 2013’s 347. There is very little data regarding recent minor injury crashes. However, in 2014, there were 4,315 collisions that fell into this category.

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.

As of October 1, 2012, Anchorage residents can file an accident report online if the damages sustained in an accident total less than $500 or if an officer directs them to do so. If you choose to file a report online, you must do so within 10 days of the incident, and you must mail your Certificate of Insurance within 15 days of 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

In 2018, accident-related fatalities cost the State of Alaska $105 million dollars — $1 million of which were spent on medical expenses and $104 million of which were due to work loss costs. At $74 million, the majority of spending went to vehicle occupants. Accounting for $25 million in spending, pedestrians were the second-most expensive type of road user, while motorcyclists were the least expensive, accounting for $12 million in spending.

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 Anchorage

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.

As a fault state, Alaska has strict insurance requirements for vehicle owners and drivers. Either must carry at least $25,000 in property damage insurance and $50,000/$100,000 in coverage for bodily injury or death.  Failure to carry insurance may result in vehicle impoundment and driver’s license suspension.

The state does provide coverage exceptions for certain jurisdictions that do not require vehicle registration. Anchorage is not one of them.

Statute of Limitations in Anchorage

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. In Alaska, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit.

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 Near Anchorage, AK

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 Alaska!