Anchorage Auto Accident Attorneys

A daily commute in and around Anchorage can be disrupted in an instant when an accident occurs. With the variety of dangers that drivers are exposed to, extra precautions are crucial for the safety of motorists. However, when a driver is negligent and fails to implement safe driving practices, an Anchorage auto accident lawyer can help you get justice for the injuries you suffered.

Farnsworth & Vance are ready to fight for you when you have suffered an accident in Anchorage. We provide compassionate and knowledgeable support and representation to secure the most favorable results possible. Our Anchorage auto accident attorneys work diligently to ensure you do not suffer because of another driver’s actions.

Local Hazards that Contribute to Auto Accidents in Anchorage, AK

Anchorage blends the best of nature and city life into a unique haven that many call home. It is also intersected by several of Alaska’s most dangerous roads. These include the Seward Highway, Glenn Highway, and Parks Highway. Each of these thoroughfares is subject to a number of challenges, including weather, decreased visibility, rough terrain, animals, and traffic volume. With an increased risk of accidents and road hazards, hiring a lawyer can help you navigate the unique circumstances of your case, and can help answer questions about car accident personal injury cases. They can also help you get the medical resources you need if you have sustained the following injuries:

Broken bones
Strains/sprains
Whiplash
Head and neck injuries
Spinal injuries
Internal bleeding and/or organ damages
Nerve and tissue damage
Catastrophic injuries
Death

Why You Need an Auto Accident Attorney in Anchorage

There are many reasons to hire a lawyer after an accident in Anchorage. Their local and legal knowledge and negotiation skills can provide you with the most effective results and help your case get resolved faster. They also provide valuable guidance through the claim process. However, one of the biggest reasons to hire an attorney is to have someone who can protect you and advocate for you with the insurance company.

Insurance companies often try to delay, deny, or lowball you when making offers, and a lawyer can help prepare you so you are in the best position to receive compensation from insurance companies. With prior experience in the insurance industry, Farnsworth & Vance knows the tactics they will use against you, as well as the language needed to get positive results. Your lawyer will also help you evaluate and negotiate auto insurance offers so you do not accept a settlement that does not sufficiently cover your losses.

Additional Accident Types a Lawyer Can Help You with

While accidents typically involve two or more cars, auto accidents can also involve and impact trucks, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle drivers. Each one of these cases has a unique set of considerations and legal ramifications, and a lawyer can provide trusted counsel in these situations so you do not have to navigate them alone. They are equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the law and requirements that apply to each type of case, and can help you regardless of what type of accident you have sustained.

Auto Accident Lawyers in Anchorage, AK Help Establish Negligence in Your Case

Car accidents are often the result of negligent actions, and this element must be demonstrated as part of the claim process before any compensation can be collected. Whether you are filing an insurance claim or a personal injury claim, the circumstances surrounding the cause of the accident must be investigated and established to ensure there is a clear picture of who was at fault and determine liability. To satisfy these requirements, you and your lawyer will need to show the following four elements of negligence:

Duty of care: As a licensed driver, the other driver was obligated to follow the rules of the road and avoid causing harm to you and others on the road.
Breach of duty: The other driver engaged in actions that were not in alignment with their responsibilities as a driver.
Causation: The consequences of the other driver’s reckless actions resulted in an accident that caused you injury and other losses.
Damages: As a liable party, the other driver or their insurance company is responsible for paying for damages for the losses they caused you.

Before entering into negotiations or building your case, your lawyer will first help ensure that you have sufficient evidence to support each of the elements above. They will discuss your options with you and make your case as strong as possible. Your lawyer may also help you collect additional evidence as needed.

What to do if You are Partially at Fault

In the event that you contributed to the accident in some small way, you are not automatically barred from recovering compensation. AS 09.17.060 outlines that each party is assigned a percentage to represent their liability. The compensation they may receive will be reduced in proportion to their level of fault. Auto accident attorneys will work diligently to ensure that you hold as little liability as possible so you can recover as much as possible.

Take the Right Steps to Protect Your Claim

It does not take much for an insurance company to claim a reason to not pay you. One misstep and they will latch on to it and turn it into a reason to delay or deny your claim, or pay you the bare minimum. To avoid making a mistake that could cost you the compensation you need, it is important to follow certain steps after an accident. These can streamline your case and also ensure you are protected in more ways than one. As much as possible, follow these steps to get the most out of your claim:

Receive medical treatment: This is essential to ensuring your safety. You should always prioritize treating your injuries and ruling out any unseen or life-threatening conditions. Additionally, accepting treatment and maintaining the resulting records and bills is essential to demonstrating what you suffered in the accident and the cost of your care. Not taking these steps is not looked kindly upon by the insurance company.
Request a police report: You should always request that a police report be filed to record the details of the accident, any additional factors involved, witness statements, and the injuries that you suffered. Once the report has been completed, it is important to obtain a collision report for your records. There is also a good chance the insurance company will ask you to provide a copy for their adjusters to review. Your lawyer may want to review it as well.
Exchange information: By law, Alaska drivers are required to exchange information after an accident, per A.S. § 28.35.060. They must provide each other with names, addresses, and license plate information. Exchanging insurance information is also important to streamline the claim process.
Collect evidence: While a police report contains a significant amount of information and evidence, it is always good to collect your own. It gives you easy access to evidence and supports your claim by showing what you have suffered and the results of the other driver’s actions. If possible, take photos and videos of the scene of the accident, damage to your vehicle, and surrounding environment if it is relevant to the accident. You should also photograph your initial injuries along with any that develop in the days or weeks after the accident. Ask witnesses for statements if possible.
Hire an Auto accident attorney in Anchorage, AK: There are many complex aspects of car accident cases, and it is critical to always hire an attorney for your car accident case. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can help you get better results, streamline the process, and protect you from the insurance company’s underhanded tactics. By hiring a lawyer, you can focus less on the claim process and more on healing from your injuries.
File a claim: With the help of your lawyer, file a car accident claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure the insurance company does not take advantage of you. In the event that your claim cannot be settled, you may be able to proceed with a personal injury claim to recover your losses.

Calculating the Value Of Your Case

How much you can recover in your case likely weighs heavily on your mind. As the medical expenses begin to snowball and the insurance company puts up a fight, recovering your losses can feel overwhelming and make you question how much you may be able to receive. However, an experienced lawyer knows how to negotiate with the parties involved to ensure you receive a fair settlement as swiftly as possible. They will help you recover the following types of damages in your case:

Special damages: This form of compensation allows you to recover what you have lost financially because of the accident. This is most likely to include various medical expenses, lost wages, and damages to your vehicle and personal belongings. Special damages can also cover funeral and burial expenses if the accident resulted in a fatality.
General damages: This form of compensation allows you to get the help you need when pain and suffering have overtaken your life. This can look like mental and emotional distress, loss of companionship and/or consortium, and being unable to enjoy the same quality of life and activities you used to participate in.

The exact losses you can recover will be dependent on your situation. The severity of your injuries and extent of your losses can affect the outcome of your case. Your lawyer can help you calculate the value of each loss and what your case is worth overall. While every settlement is different, you can be confident that your lawyer will work diligently to get the most favorable outcome for you.

File Your Claim before Time Runs Out

If you want to pursue a claim to recover compensation for your injuries, it is crucial you do so as soon as possible. Individuals are generally allowed two years to file a claim before they may be barred from recovery altogether, according to AS 09.10.070. The longer you wait to file a claim, though, the more you risk an expired statute of limitations and the strength of your case. Evidence can deteriorate over time, and can hurt your options and the strength of your case, so reaching out to a lawyer soon after the accident is in your best interest.

You Can Afford to Hire A Lawyer After an Auto Accident in Anchorage, AK

Farnsworth & Vance understands that you may be hesitant to hire a lawyer because you want to avoid another expense. We get that, and that is why we work on contingency fees. This means that you do not pay us anything unless we win your case and you receive a settlement or verdict. Only then do we collect our fees, and only from the compensation you have been awarded. With this approach you never have to figure out how to pay us.

We believe that legal representation should be accessible. When you are in a vulnerable position, you need someone to represent you, and the cost should not add to your stress. You can be confident you will have an ally in this fight and that we are aligned to your goals and keep them front and center in all we do.

Farnsworth & Vance Never Stop Advocating for You

Farnsworth & Vance fearlessly advocate for you after an accident to minimize the impact it has on your life and maximize your settlement offer. Our team of experienced and highly-skilled lawyers will fiercely fight for you to ensure that your rights are protected and you can also get the justice you deserve. Regardless of how your case is resolved, we will be by your side every step of the way. To take the first steps toward a better future, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our firm.