Anchorage Car Accident Lawyers

Who Is Liable For Your Injuries & Other Damages?

Most car accidents are the result of negligent or wrongful actions. In fact, distracted driving and drunk driving are two of the leading causes of car accidents, including fatal car accidents, in the United States. When another driver causes an accident that leaves you injured, you have the right to pursue compensation from that driver’s auto insurance provider.

You may be able to seek compensation in a personal injury claim if you were injured in a car accident caused by any of the following:

• Another motorist driving while distracted or texting while driving
• A drunk and/or drugged driver
• A fatigued driver or a driver that fell asleep at the wheel
• Another motorist who was engaging in “road rage” or aggressive driving behaviors
• Someone who was speeding
• Another motorist who failed to follow the rules of the road
• A truck driver or motorcyclist who was acting careless or driving recklessly

In some instances, car accidents occur not as a result of another motorist but due to other factors, such as poor weather conditions, faulty vehicles, or defective road design. You may still be able to recover compensation in such cases, depending on whether a manufacturer, government entity, or another party is at fault. In this type of case, it is especially wise to enlist the help of an Anchorage car accident lawyer who has the skills you need to fight for a favorable outcome.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents in Anchorage

The force of a car accident can cause injury to nearly every part of the body, especially when high speeds are involved or there is a considerable weight difference between the involved vehicles. While some injuries such as bruises and soft tissue injuries can be mild, others can be catastrophic and potentially require a lifetime of medical care. These injuries can extend past the physical and can manifest themselves mentally, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which causes victims to constantly relive the collision in the aftermath. In any case, it is urgent you seek medical care as soon as possible after a collision to protect your health.

Some of the most common types of injuries suffered in car accidents in Anchorage include:

• Whiplash
• Cuts And Lacerations
• Concussions
• Broken And Fractured bones
• Broken Ribs
• Internal Bleeding
• Herniated Discs
• Knee Trauma
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries

What Is Comparative Negligence?

The state of Alaska follows what is known as the rule of “comparative negligence.” Under this law, you are able to recover compensation if you are injured in an accident even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, your recovery amount will be reduced by the percentage of fault you are determined to have.

For example, if you are hit by someone who sped through a red light, but you were reading a text message at the time of the collision, a jury might find you 20 percent at-fault for the accident, as texting and driving is illegal in Alaska. If the total cost of your damages (including the cost of your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering) amounts to $10,000, you will only be able to recover up to $8,000 (the total amount minus 20 percent, or $2,000).

The Alaska Car Accident Statute Of Limitations

If you have been injured in any kind of auto accident in Anchorage, you need to act fast if you wish to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver in pursuit of compensation for your damages. Under the statute of limitations established in Alaska Statutes section .09.10.070, drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians who are injured in a motor vehicle accident have two years from the date of the collision to file an injury lawsuit in the state’s civil court system. This deadline also applies to wrongful death and property damage lawsuits related to car accidents. If you file a claim after this deadline expires, your case will likely be dismissed and you will effectively be barred from pursuing compensation.

It is important to note that this two-year deadline only applies to car accident lawsuits; insurance claims have a much tighter deadline and generally must be filed within a few days of the crash to be eligible for coverage. Since complying with these deadlines can ultimately make or break your case, it is important to consult with a skilled Anchorage auto accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your interests.

What To Do After A Car Accident In Anchorage

A car accident can be a jarring experience that can make ordinarily calm and collected people lose their composure. If you are involved in a collision, it is important to keep focused and have a plan in place to protect both your health and rights.

Involved in a crash in Anchorage? Be sure to do the following:

• Stay at the scene and render aid: Never flee the scene of an accident. If anyone is seriously injured, call for an ambulance.
• Call the police: Alaska law requires you to report a crash to police if it results in injury, death, or more than $2,000 worth of property damage. The police will get the accident scene under control, help you with your immediate next steps, and establish a written report of the collision. Be sure to tell the police your version of what happened. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation.
• Take photographs: Take photographs of the damage to all involved vehicles, their positioning in relation to each other, skid marks on the roadway, weather conditions, traffic patterns, and any other details that paint a picture of the accident scene. If you can, get photographs of any injuries you may have suffered before they are treated.
• Exchange information: Get the contact information of all individuals involved as well as any witnesses to the crash for future reference. Be sure to get names, phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance policy information. Be respectful during this time and focus on the task at hand. Do not blame the other driver or discuss the collision.
• Seek medical help: Once the responding police officer clears you to leave the accident scene, get to a doctor as soon as possible for a full medical evaluation, even if you feel fine. Many car accident injuries have delayed symptoms which may take hours or even days to surface. Tell the doctor you were in a crash and tell them about any pain you may be feeling. Follow their after-care instructions closely and keep all documents related to your treatment.
• Seek legal advice: You’ll need to inform your insurance company you were involved in a crash within a few days. Before you talk to an insurance adjuster, it is highly recommended you speak to an attorney experienced in handling car accident cases to determine the best way to proceed. A lawyer can help you understand your full legal options and handle all communication with the insurance company so you can focus on your recovery with peace of mind.

What Not To Do After A Car Accident

Along with knowing what to do after a car accident, it is important to avoid certain actions or statements that can potentially harm your subsequent insurance claim or lawsuit.

Involved in a crash in Anchorage? Be sure to do the following:

• Avoid saying “sorry”: It can sometimes feel instinctual to say, “I’m sorry” when you see someone hurting or not at their best. Avoid this phrase when talking with the insurance company or the other party in a car accident. Saying “sorry” can be interpreted as admitting fault, even if the accident was caused by the other party.
• Avoid speaking with the insurance company alone: Everything you say to the insurance company can be used against you in a court of law. You make yourself less vulnerable in your claim if you decline to make a recorded statement with the insurance company, or if you request that someone else speak on your behalf. Information provided from a third party, such as your lawyer or sibling, cannot be upheld to the same legal standards as information provided directly from you.
• Avoid posting conflicting photos on social media: Social media is a great tool to get information into the world and should be handled with great care, especially regarding legal matters. Anything you post on social media can be used against you in a court of law. To be safe, it is best to wait until your claim is closed before posting anything about your accident to social media. That way, nothing is misconstrued or taken out of context.

Reasons To Hire An Anchorage Car Accident Lawyer

The last thing you need after being seriously injured in an auto accident is to be stonewalled by an uncooperative insurance company. You can be sure that the opposing party’s representation will be fighting to limit their financial liability, making it essential that you retain strong representation of your own to level the playing field. A skilled car accident attorney in Anchorage can take this burden off your shoulders and maximize your chances of securing the compensation you need.

A car accident attorney can bring several benefits to your case, including:

• An intimate understanding of Alaska’s car accident laws and how they apply to your case
• Resources to investigate the cause of your crash and build a strong case on your behalf
• Assistance getting your vehicle repaired or replaced
• Assistance negotiating with insurance companies in pursuit of a fair settlement
• An objective approach to your case during this emotional time
• Assistance acquiring the medical care you need to recover from your injuries
• The resources to pursue litigation if an out-of-court settlement cannot be reached

Contact An Experienced Anchorage Car Accident Attorney

Car accident cases tend to be complex, as there are numerous factors involved that make each case unique. Additionally, the liable party’s insurance provider will often deny culpability or offer a lowball settlement. At Farnsworth & Vance, we understand how these insurance companies work, and we know how to aggressively negotiate with adjusters in order to secure the maximum compensation you are owed. When a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to represent you in trial.

Contact the team of Farnsworth & Vance today at (907) 416-9071 for a free consultation with one of our dedicated Anchorage car accident attorneys.