Car accidents can be very traumatic, stressful, and difficult situations to endure. There’s a lot involved in recovering the damages done to your property and your body.
Keep reading for the answers to your questions about car accident and personal injury cases.
Your Questions, Answered
What are some of the most common types of injuries sustained in car accidents?
The following are some of the most common types of injuries sustained in car accidents:
- 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?
Alaska follows the rule of “comparative negligence,” which states that you’re able to recover compensation if you’re injured in an accident, even if you are partially to blame for the crash. However, your recovery amount will be deducted by the percentage of fault you are determined to be responsible for.
What is the statute of limitations for car accident personal injury cases?
Under the statute of limitations established in the 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 a lawsuit.
How long will it take to settle my claim?
The length of your case will depend on several factors, such as:
- The extent of your injuries
- The amount of treatment you’ll need to fully heal
- The quality of your legal representation
- The cooperation of the insurance companies involved
- Whether or not your case goes to trial
Depending on the aforementioned factors, your case could take anywhere from just a few months to settle or it could take more than a year.
My car insurance has medical payments coverage; should I use it to pay for my treatment?
While this may be a viable option, it might not be the best choice. Allowing your policy to cover the costs of your treatment may be an easier process, but you may not receive the amount you expect to take home from your injury claim. It’s best to let our firm handle your medical payments coverage. We can negotiate your medical bills lower before applying your medical payments coverage so that you get the most value out of your benefits.
Am I required to accept the settlement the insurance company offers?
No. In fact, it’s wise to speak with an experienced attorney before you accept any settlement from the insurance company. You don’t want to accept a settlement that’s significantly lower than the amount you deserve. Don’t make a decision without first speaking with an attorney.
Can my car accident injury settlement be taxed?
If the settlement you’re awarded covers your out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, your settlement will most likely not be taxed. However, each situation is different, so the tax implications of your settlement may vary.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident attorney?
Farnsworth & Vance operates like most personal injury firms in the sense that we work on a contingency fee basis. That means we don’t charge you any out of pocket expenses if we agree to take your case. Instead, we only get paid if we successfully secure a financial award or settlement on your behalf.
What should I do if the insurance company contacts me?
Once you report the accident to the insurance company, a representative will contact you soon after. Don’t speak to the representative about the collision, and instead direct them to speak with your attorney.
We’re Here to Support You
If you’ve been involved in an injury-sustaining accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys here at Farnsworth & Vance are highly experienced in car accident personal injury cases. Don’t hesitate to contact our office with your case right away.
Call Farnsworth & Vance today at (907) 290-2576 to speak with an attorney about your potential case.