Auto Accident Injury in Fairbanks, AK
Auto accidents have become all too common, and Fairbanks residents are not free from this occurrence. Auto accidents can affect your life in ways that you can’t begin to imagine. If you have been injured in an auto accident, it may be in your best interest to contact an experienced attorney in fairbanks. He or she can help you fight for your legal rights as you recover.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Fairbanks, 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. The Alaska Highway Safety Office records that in 2017 there were 75 fatal crashes. These crashes resulted in a total of 79 fatalities. However, this is a 6% decrease in fatalities from 2016.
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.
According to the Fairbanks Police Department you are not permitted to flee the scene of an accident. Doing so is a crime. You must await an officer at the scene of an auto accident. You can file a police report in person, or online.
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
The CDC states that in 2018, the total cost of auto accidents in Alaska was over $105 million. A small amount of this was made up by medical costs, but the majority is constituted by loss of wages due to missed work.
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 Fairbanks
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. WalletHub states that drivers in Fairbanks that are involved in auto accidents are under a comparative negligence system. This means that you can be held liable for the part you played, if any, in the accident. For instance if another driver was responsible for 80% of the crash, you are still liable for the other 20%.
Statute of Limitations in Fairbanks
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. There is a 2 year statute of limitations for filing an auto claim in Fairbanks. This is according to the Alaska State Legislature. It may be in your best interest to have an experienced Fairbanks attorney help you file your claim.
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 Fairbanks, 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. We can even help you connect with legal help across Alaska state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!
