Eagle River Auto Accident Lawyers

Eagle River Auto Accident Lawyers

Auto accidents can be overwhelming and lead to devastating injuries and expenses. Alaska’s terrain can also add a unique element that motorists must contend with and compensate for every day. With the impact that a collision can have on a victim’s life, it is important to hire an Eagle River auto accident lawyers who can help recover maximum compensation for your losses.

Farnsworth & Vance understand the challenges you are facing and are equipped to help you get the results and resources you need to recover from your injuries. An Anchorage personal injury lawyer from our team will walk beside you every step of the way and be a steadfast advocate. We provide you with the support and hope you need to get through the obstacles you are currently facing.

Auto Accidents in Alaska

Eagle River, Alaska, is a beautiful and scenic town just outside Anchorage, situated alongside its namesake river. Glenn Highway, considered one of Alaska’s most dangerous roads, runs right through the town’s western side. This area is prone to auto accidents due to its steep, mountainous terrain, potential for rockslides and avalanches, and winter weather conditions, which all make this area challenging for vehicles throughout the year.

Drivers must use caution when on Alaska’s roadways. Road conditions, animals, weather, and negligent behavior can all contribute to accidents between vehicles or those involving trucks, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Over the past few years, Alaska has witnessed several downward trends, according to the most recent State of Alaska Highway Safety Annual Report. The report noticed that there has been a sharp decline in serious injuries across the state while fatalities have increased slightly. Common causes of accidents, such as speeding, lack of seatbelts, and alcohol use, have also declined. While these numbers show a positive trajectory, these accidents still occur year-over-year and require drivers to remain alert and drive defensively.

Injuries Auto Accident Victims May Sustain in a Collision

Auto accidents can be responsible for causing significant harm to motorists. While a minor accident may leave a driver bruised and stiff from whiplash, others can leave individuals dealing with severe conditions that could have a long-term or permanent effect on their lives. Regardless of the type of accident, below are just a few of the injuries an auto accident victim may sustain:

  • Whiplash
  • Lacerations
  • Bruising
  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Strains and sprains
  • Tissue damage
  • Neurological damage
  • Internal bleeding and/or damage
  • Head injuries, including concussions or traumatic brain injuries
  • Abdominal injuries
  • Disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Paralysis
  • Wrongful death

To get an accurate picture of your injuries after an accident, it is important to receive prompt medical attention. The shock and adrenaline from the accident can mask your true condition. Internal injuries or head trauma may not be detectable without tests, and other injuries can take anywhere from hours to a couple of weeks to become evident. Continue to get the care you need as you heal and/or identify new injuries.

Proper Procedure Can Help Protect Your Insurance and Personal Injury Claims

Knowing what to do following a car crash can help you be prepared when you feel overwhelmed by the situation. By taking the right steps, you can navigate the aftermath of an accident and streamline the process toward recovery and compensation. In any car accident, it is important to do the following to the best extent possible:

  • Stay at the scene and protect it: Call 911 after a collision, and do not leave the scene of the accident. Wait for first responders to arrive and assess the situation. Use flares or hazard lights to make yourself visible and make it easier for first responders to find you. This also helps evidence from being contaminated while you wait.
  • File a police report: Request a police report documenting the accident and all relevant information pertaining to it. It is good to have an official record of the incident on file and to present it to insurance companies or a lawyer upon request.
  • Exchange information: Regardless of how many parties are involved, exchange information with each person involved. You should share contact, insurance, and vehicle registration information, as well as driver’s licenses.
  • Compile your own evidence: You have the right to take photos and videos of the accident to have additional evidence of what transpired. Your injuries, the accident, and any surrounding debris or damage relevant to the accident are important. Witness statements are also helpful if available.
    • Seek legal representation: Hire an auto accident attorney in Eagle River, AK, to represent you in the wake of an accident. They have the experience and knowledge to deal with insurance companies and the at-fault party. They will negotiate and advocate for you so you will be taken seriously and treated fairly.
  • Contact the insurance company: You must report the accident to your insurance company so they are aware of the collision. However, you will file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company to recover damages.

Each of these steps can help provide legal protection when you file a claim. By having sufficient evidence and taking the necessary actions, you can ensure you will be in the best position to receive the compensation you deserve. You can also minimize the chance that an insurance company will deny your claim based on a technicality or for failing to follow proper procedure.

Beware of Insurance Companies Following an Auto Accident

Navigating insurance claims after an auto accident can feel frustrating and fruitless. You need to recover compensation to ease your financial burden, and they need to pay you as little as they can. Insurance companies protect their bottom line and do not have your best interests in mind, which is why you should avoid speaking with insurance after a crash. They will often try to deny your claim on a technicality or outright. In their effort to resolve your case quickly, they will also try to give you a low settlement offer and close your case prematurely.

By hiring a legal team who has previous experience in the insurance industry and who is well-versed in their tactics, you can trust that your lawyer will take the necessary action to get you maximum results. They will also help you evaluate and negotiate auto insurance offers to ensure you do not accept one that will not sufficiently cover your losses. The first offer the insurance company provides will typically be low, and your lawyer will negotiate with them and demand a higher settlement based on the value of your losses

Negligence and Fault Are Taken Into Consideration When Determining the Outcome of Cases

Auto accidents are often the result of negligence and would otherwise be preventable with the use of extra caution. As such, it is the key focus of a personal injury claim and must be established prior to a determination for compensation. Your lawyer will show that the other driver was responsible for keeping you from harm. By engaging in behavior that put you at risk, they failed to keep you safe and were the direct cause of the accident and your injuries. Once it has been established that they were indeed negligent, they are required to pay for damages to compensate you for your losses.

In instances where multiple parties are responsible, or you may have been partially at fault, an extra step is taken to determine the outcome of the claim. According to AS 09.17.060, each party is assigned a percentage that represents their level of fault, and their maximum amount of compensation is reduced accordingly. Recovery is not barred even if individuals are partially at fault. However, your lawyer will work to ensure you have little to no fault so you are able to recover the maximum amount of damages.

The Impact of Compensation After an Auto Accident in Alaska

Damages can provide significant relief after an auto accident. As the cost of various expenses increases and begins to snowball, individuals may struggle under the weight of what it will take to recover. For some, these expenses may prohibit them from getting the care they need. As such, it is the at-fault driver’s responsibility to pay for damages. Depending on the harm they caused, you may be able to claim compensation for the following types of losses:

  • Economic damages are all of your losses that have a monetary value. Medical expenses are the most common examples of this, but this type of compensation also covers the value of the damage and repairs to your vehicle and personal belongings, as well as income that you may have lost if you have had to work in a reduced capacity or not at all.
  • Non-economic damages are losses based on the trauma, pain, and suffering you have experienced from the accident. While these losses are more intangible and subjective, they cover your emotional distress, diminished quality of life, loss of enjoyment, and loss of companionship or consortium.
  • Punitive damages are often reserved for cases of extreme negligence and injury. When you have suffered from beyond-reasonable harm, the negligent driver is punished and required to pay extra compensation for your additional losses.

When you have been in an accident that was no fault of your own, you should not have to pay for the losses caused by someone else. A lawyer can help ensure that you receive a fair settlement that sufficiently covers everything that you have lost. To determine the value of that settlement, they will help you evaluate all of your losses and calculate their sum total.

Limitations Apply for Seeking Damages in Personal Injury Cases

According to AS 09.10.070, victims of auto accident injuries typically have two years to file a claim for compensation to cover their losses. Once the statute of limitations expires, individuals may no longer be able to file a claim moving forward. If unsure about your options, you can consult with a lawyer to determine how much time you may have left to file, if any exceptions apply, and what your options are. The sooner you initiate the personal injury claim process, the better your chances of having a strong case and recovering the maximum amount you may be eligible to receive.

Receive Justice When You Work With an Auto Accident Law Firm

Auto accident attorneys can help you get justice after a vehicle accident. They can hold the other driver accountable for their actions and ensure they pay you for the damage they caused.

Based on the specifics of your case, your lawyer will provide counsel tailored to your needs and your case. They will help you investigate what happened and ensure you have all the evidence you need to support your claim and have a strong case.

Hiring a Lawyer is Feasible After an Auto Accident

The cost of hiring a lawyer is a big consideration for many when deciding whether or not to hire legal representation. Adding on another cost would often be prohibitive for many, and some may assume that legal services are outside the realm of possibility. However, contingency fees provide the solution for individuals who have been in a car accident.

A contingency fee model allows individuals to hire a lawyer without any upfront costs. Attorney fees are only paid once the lawyer wins their case. At that point, the agreed-upon rate is deducted from the final settlement amount. This option also allows individuals to be confident that they and their lawyer share the same goal.

Allows Farnsworth & Vance to Secure Results for You

Farnsworth & Vance are committed to getting you the maximum compensation for your losses. We provide you with compassionate service that cares for your needs while aggressively fighting for you and advocating for fair treatment. Our experienced Eagle River auto accident lawyers guide you through this challenging time and help you navigate the various legal requirements. To sit down with our team and learn how we can secure results for you, call our offices at (907) 416-9071 or contact us to schedule your free consultation today.