Anchorage Car Accident Attorney - Farnsworth & Vance

A car accident can change your life in an instant and can leave you with devastating injuries and mounting expenses. In Alaska, our unique terrain adds another layer of complexity for drivers. If you have been injured in a collision, you need our experienced anchorage car accident attorney law firm on your side, advocating for you to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.

At Farnsworth & Vance, we understand the challenges you are facing, and our dedicated team is here to provide the resources and support you need to heal and rebuild your life. We will be your fearless advocates every step of the way, working to help you recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

Car Accidents in Anchorage, Alaska

The harsh Alaskan environment, with its long, cold winters and limited daylight, can make travel difficult and potentially hazardous. During the long winter months, snowmobiles and ATVs are commonly used for travel within communities and to nearby areas. These modes of transportation require skill and caution, as weather conditions can change rapidly, and visibility can be limited. Drivers and travelers in Alaska must be prepared for the unique challenges of its remote location and the harsh Alaskan environment. Weather conditions, wildlife encounters, and limited infrastructure require vigilance and preparedness.

Driving in Alaska presents unique challenges, from wildlife encounters to unpredictable weather. Though thankfully lower than many states, Alaska’s traffic fatality rate still contributes to the national toll (82 of the 42,514 US fatalities in the last year of reporting data, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Even non-fatal crashes can result in devastating injuries. Understanding the common causes of accidents in Alaska is crucial for all drivers.

Causes of car accidents in Alaska

According to the most recent Highway Safety Report, speeding, lack of seatbelts, and alcohol use are common causes of accidents in Alaska. While these statewide figures may show some positive trends, drivers in all regions, including those traveling to and from communities like Anchorage, must remain alert and drive defensively. Conditions vary drastically across the state, from mountainous terrain to unpredictable weather, wildlife threats, and limited visibility.

Wildlife Encounters: Moose, caribou, and other animals pose a significant risk to Alaskan drivers, unexpectedly darting into roadways, especially during dawn and dusk. While moose-vehicle collisions are often more prevalent in winter due to snow removal pushing animals closer to roads, wildlife can be a hazard year-round as they are attracted to roadside vegetation.
Distracted Driving: Anything that takes a driver’s attention off the road can lead to a crash, including texting, adjusting the radio, eating, or engaging with passengers. In remote areas, getting distracted from the road can be tempting, but the dangers of distracted driving are not worth the risk.
Impaired Driving: Driving drunk or impaired due to drugs is a serious offense and a leading cause of accidents in Alaska. Impairment slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and significantly increases the risk of a crash, especially in the cases of pedestrian or bicycle accidents.
Aggressive Driving: Behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, running red lights, and road rage create dangerous situations for all road users. These actions often stem from a disregard for the safety of others and can quickly escalate into serious collisions.
Speeding: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding has been a significant contributing factor to fatal crashes nationwide, accounting for roughly one-third of all fatalities for over two decades. Exceeding posted speed limits reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards, increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle, and intensifies the severity of injuries in a crash.
Inclement Weather: Alaska’s weather can change rapidly and drastically, creating hazardous driving conditions. Driving in bad weather, such as driving rain, whiteout snow storms, ice, fog, and strong winds, can reduce visibility, make roads slick, and impact vehicle handling.
Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads are common in remote areas. Potholes, frost heaves, faded markings, and lack of signage can contribute to highway accidents. Road conditions can be especially challenging in some areas, particularly in remote regions.

If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you should consult with a car accident lawyer. Hiring an attorney for your car accident case can help you work towards recovering compensation for your losses, including medical bills and damage to your vehicle. Contact Farnsworth & Vance to discuss your case.

Establishing Liability in Alaska Car and Truck Accidents

When you are in a car accident with another driver, it is vital to establish who was at fault. Alaska operates under a fault-based car accident system, meaning the at-fault party compensates the injured party. To establish liability, you must collect evidence such as reports from law enforcement, witness statements, photos, and other methods. Building a robust case requires a thorough understanding of traffic laws and how to present evidence effectively. A car accident law firm can help you create a strong case of proof against the at-fault party.

Under Alaska Statute (AS) 09.17.060, the state operates under the pure comparative negligence rule. This rule allows partial recovery of compensation, even if you are partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by whatever percentage of fault the court deems you to be. For instance, if a court determines that an injured driver was 20% at fault for the crash, their total compensation will be reduced by 20%. This makes establishing fault essential to the outcome of your settlement or case.

Working with an experienced Alaskan car accident attorney can help you maximize your chances of higher recovery by building a strong case of evidence behind the at-fault party. They meticulously analyze all evidence, argue against excessive assignment of fault to their client, and work to maximize the recoverable damages. Their experience and knowledge of Alaska laws can change the outcome of your case, ensuring a more equitable settlement or judgment. Beyond simply collecting evidence, a lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies, handle complex legal procedures, and advocate fiercely for their client’s rights, leveling the playing field against often well-resourced insurance companies. At Farnsworth & Vance, we strive to provide fearless advocacy for injured car accident victims.

Common Injuries in Alaska Car Accidents

Car and motorcycle accidents inflict a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering. Even seemingly minor collisions can cause whiplash, bruising, and soft tissue injuries that may not be immediately apparent. More severe crashes can result in broken bones, lacerations, internal bleeding, neurological damage, head trauma (including concussions and traumatic brain injuries), and abdominal injuries. Long-term disabilities, disfigurement, paralysis, or even wrongful death can also occur, changing lives forever.

Seek medical attention immediately following a car crash. The shock and adrenaline following an accident can mask the true extent of your injuries. Internal injuries, head trauma, and other conditions may not be immediately noticeable without a professional medical evaluation. Getting records of your injuries can also help establish proof of the connection between your injuries and the accident, which may be vital later on in your car accident settlement or trial.

Statute of Limitations in Anchorage, AK

There is a deadline for filing car accident injury claims after a crash known as the statute of limitations. In Alaska, this time limit is typically two years from the date of the accident, as outlined in AS 09.10.070. Failing to file an injury claim with insurance or a personal injury lawsuit within this two-year window typically bars the injured party from pursuing legal action. Therefore, prompt action is crucial.

While the two-year statute of limitations is the general rule, certain circumstances can alter or extend this deadline. Because these exceptions exist, even if you believe you have passed the deadline, you should consult with experienced car accident lawyers who understand Alaskan Law. An attorney can assess the case’s specific details and determine whether any exceptions apply, ensuring the potential claimant does not inadvertently lose their right to seek compensation.

Starting a personal injury claim sooner rather than later offers significant advantages. Early action allows for fresher evidence, more accurate recollections of the events, and a stronger foundation for building a successful case, ultimately increasing the chances of getting the most compensation for your injuries and losses. If you are unsure about how much time you have left or if any exceptions apply to your situation, speak with an attorney at Farnsworth & Vance.

Our Car and Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Help You Negotiate with Insurance

After being injured in a car accident, you may have to work with insurance companies, which can get complicated quickly. While you need fair compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, insurance companies are just businesses focused on minimizing payouts. Their priorities are often at odds with your best interests, making it crucial to approach insurance interactions with caution and informed strategy.

Insurance adjusters may employ various tactics, from denying claims based on technicalities to offering quick, lowball settlements in hopes of closing cases prematurely. They may also attempt to record statements that can later be used to undermine your claim. Because of this, it is generally advisable to avoid speaking directly with insurance after a crash without first consulting with an attorney.

Engaging an experienced legal team established in your area can be invaluable. As a law firm based in Alaska over 20 years ago, our attorneys are familiar with standard insurance industry practices, understand the strategies adjusters may use, and can effectively counter them. We act as your advocate, protecting your rights and working to maximize your recovery. We will look at the full extent of your damages (past, present, and future) and negotiate with insurance by presenting a well-supported demand for a fair settlement to make up for your losses.

If negotiations stall or the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your car accident attorney can prepare and pursue a lawsuit to seek justice through the courts. We will manage communications with the insurance company, shielding you from potentially damaging interactions and allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Types of Compensation You May Receive

After a car accident, medical bills, repair estimates, and out-of-pocket expenses can threaten to overwhelm you. Several types of compensation may be available to those injured due to another driver’s negligence under Alaskan Law. These damages are designed to cover the losses and hardships that result from an accident, such as:

Economic Damages: Medical expenses past, present, and future, lost paychecks, damage to property, and other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to your car accident.
Non-Economic Damages: These damages are more subjective and are intended to compensate you for the intangible losses you have suffered due to the accident. This can include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, disfigurement, and scarring.
Punitive Damages: While not intended to compensate the victim of an accident, sometimes punitive damages may be awarded as a punishment for the at-fault driver. This is awarded by the court in situations of particularly egregious conduct, such as drunk driving or malicious intent, and requires a high level of proof.

If you have further questions about the specific types and amounts of compensation you may qualify to receive, contact our car accident law firm to discuss your unique situation. Every case is different, so starting with a free, no-obligation case consultation is a great place to start.

Work With Trusted Car Accident Attorneys in Anchorage, AK

At Farnsworth & Vance, we are dedicated to securing the maximum compensation you deserve for your car accident injuries. Our experienced Anchorage, AK, auto accident attorneys provide compassionate support and will fearlessly fight for your rights to a fair recovery. Do not delay in getting started and lose the opportunity to claim compensation. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our knowledgeable lawyers.