Auto Accident Injury in Knik-Fairview, AK
According to the NSC, even car accidents without injuries can cost $4,700 to $12,800. But when someone gets hurt, the expenses jump to tens of thousands of dollars.
Regardless of fault, the parties involved in a collision deserve representation. This guide will help Knik-Fairview residents decide what is in their best interest.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Knik-Fairview, 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 U.S. Department of Transportation reports Alaska has missed its targets for highway safety. For instance, the rate of fatal incidents in 2022 was slightly above average. Moreover, there was a significantly higher rate of serious injuries in the same year. As a result, the data suggests that Knik-Fairview residents should take extra precautions on the road.
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
The first concern for anyone in an auto accident is to seek medical treatment for injuries. It does not matter if you believe your suffering is minor. A comprehensive exam could find internal injuries and other concerns you need to treat.
File a Police Report
Even if no injuries are apparent, you should call 911 and request assistance. When the officer arrives, note their name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but avoid sharing unnecessary details or speculating about fault. Be sure to ask how to obtain a copy of the police report before leaving the scene.
There is an additional reporting requirement for accidents that should cost more than $2,000. Motorists involved in such an event must report it to the Alaska Highway Safety Commission. If you need help, you can call (907) 269-5551.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
Use the time before the police arrive to collect as many details as you can. For starters, get the following information from other drivers involved in the incident:
- Driver’s license and plate numbers
- Auto insurance companies and policy numbers
- Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses
Additionally, use your cell phone to document the facts you collect. Pictures of your vehicle and any other cars involved will be crucial to have on hand.
Generally, you do not want to rely on verbal communication. You will want as much evidence as possible to boost your case. Keep each exchange as civil and friendly as you can manage. But you do not want to incriminate yourself for any level of fault you believe you may have.
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
The emotional and financial toll of a car accident can be overwhelming. You become forced to deal with the mental anguish and the physical harm you suffered.
Some of the most common injuries associated with these crashes are:
- Burns
- Back and neck injuries (i.e., whiplash)
- Brain and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
According to the CDC, the financial damages from auto accidents in Knik-Fairview can be astronomical. The total cost of traffic deaths for different types of motorists reached these numbers:
- $74 million for motor vehicle occupants
- $12 million for motorcyclists
- $25 million for pedestrians
Hiring a car accident lawyer can help you recover financial losses from the crash. They can even take care of the paperwork for insurance companies to limit their opportunities to contest the claim.
Auto Accident Laws in Alaska
Liability Laws for Knik-Fairview
Fault in a car accident is central to deciding who must pay for the damages and medical bills. This judgment can affect everything from your insurance claim to your level of liability in a lawsuit.
At a minimum, motorists in Knik-Fairview should have policies with the following coverage amounts:
- Individual – $50,000
- Death or Injury – $100,000
- Property Damage – $25,000
Statute of Limitations in Knik-Fairview
Each state has tort laws that assign a statute of limitations on civil claims. Some may allow for a year, while others may go up to six. Under Alaska law, Knik-Fairview residents have up to two years from an accident to file a lawsuit.
This fact makes it even more vital to meet with an attorney as soon as possible. You do not want to risk waiting too long or rushing through preparation for litigation.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Knik-Fairview, 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 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 speak with an attorney in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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