Alaska Auto Accidents

If you suffer from personal injuries in Alaska due to an automobile collision that was caused by another party, you may be able to receive compensation for these types of damages, losses, and injuries:

• Past, present, and future medical bills related to your injuries
• Permanent disability and disfigurement damages stemming from the accident
• Emotional distress damages stemming from the accident
• Lost wages for time missed from employment due to your personal injury, including doctor's appointments, physical therapy, and court appearances
• Cost of hiring help to do chores you can no longer perform, such as cleaning, lawn care, cooking, shopping and childcare
• Lost future earnings due to injuries sustained in the accident
• Repair or replacement of your vehicle and other property damaged or destroyed in the accident
• Other costs or out-of-pocket expenses such as towing and storage fees

Collisions Involving Driver Intoxication or Resulting in Death

If anyone was killed in the car accident, or if the driver involved in the accident was intoxicated at the time of the crash, Alaska will likely criminally prosecute the driver who was at fault. Driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated are serious criminal traffic offenses that are strictly penalized in Alaska.

In the case of automobile accidents involving nonfatal injuries, you may have to file civil litigation related to the collision in the Alaska court system. It is prudent to consult with an Alaska auto accident attorney to learn your rights and how best to protect and prosecute them in a timely, effective, and efficient manner.

What Role Does Negligence Play in Auto Claims?

To collect damages stemming from an auto accident personal injury claim, Alaska law requires you to prove the other driver's conduct was negligent. To prevail in your claim, you must demonstrate that:

• The driver who caused your injuries had a legal duty not to injure you and failed in that duty
• There is a direct connection between the driver's responsibility and your resulting personal injury
• You suffered damages or financial losses as a result of the accident

Under Alaska civil law, the total amount of damages that you can recover will be reduced if a jury or judge decides that your own carelessness, recklessness, or negligence contributed to the injuries. This is known as the theory of comparative negligence.

What Is the Deadline for Filing Accident Claims?

Under Alaska’s statute of limitations for auto accident claims you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim against the driver at fault. Because time is of the essence in making your personal injury and property claims, it is prudent to seek the counsel of an experienced Alaska auto accident attorney as soon as possible.

If you are not able to negotiate an acceptable monetary settlement with the other driver, or the driver's insurance company, consider filing a civil lawsuit for damages. The lawsuit must commence before the applicable statute of limitations, or time limit in which to bring your claim, expires.

How Do Attorneys Help After a Car Accident?

Auto insurance companies are supposed to pay reasonable and fair compensation for injuries resulting from collisions to their insureds and other covered injured parties. However, this may not happen in all situations. Alaska attorneys who have experience negotiating and litigating auto accidents can maximize the amount of recovery for their clients. They are familiar with Alaska auto injury laws, the seatbelt defense, the concept of comparative fault, how insurance coverage operates, and how to effectively and persuasively use accident reconstruction, biomechanics, and medical testimony in the litigation process.

Locate an Alaska Car Accident Attorney

An Alaska auto accident attorney can represent you in court proceedings; evaluate your case, and assess the potential for recovery and probable damages stemming from your auto accident. Your attorney can highlight the strengths and weaknesses of your case, outline a likely timeline for negotiating or litigating your claim, and assist you in navigating the state court system at every stage to best position you for the maximum recovery. Call now to speak with an auto accident attorney in Alaska at 877-913-7222.