Anchorage Personal Injury FAQ
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of an accident or injury, legal issues can seem overwhelming. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about personal injury claims to help you better understand your rights and options.
What Is a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case arises when someone suffers harm due to another party’s negligence or intentional misconduct. These cases can involve motor vehicle accidents, slips and falls, defective products, medical malpractice, and more.
The goal of a personal injury claim is to seek compensation for the losses the injured party has suffered. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages.
How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim?
You may have a valid claim if:
- You suffered a physical or emotional injury;
- The injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing; and
- There is evidence to support the claim (e.g., accident reports, medical records, witness statements)
If you’re unsure, it’s best to speak with a personal injury lawyer who can assess your situation and provide legal guidance.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
Here are the key steps to take after an accident:
- Seek medical attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, get evaluated by a doctor.
- Report the incident: Call the police or file an incident report with the property owner or manager if applicable.
- Document everything: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, and any relevant conditions (e.g., a wet floor).
- Gather witness information: Get names and contact details of anyone who saw the incident.
- Avoid making statements: Do not admit fault or give recorded statements to insurers without legal advice.
You should also contact a personal injury lawyer who can help protect your rights and handle communication with insurance companies.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
The value of a personal injury case depends on many factors, including:
- The severity and nature of your injuries
- The cost of medical treatment (past and future)
- Time missed from work and loss of earning capacity
- The emotional and psychological impact of the injury
- Whether there is clear liability (fault)
- The amount of available insurance coverage
While no lawyer can promise a specific amount, an experienced attorney can provide a reasonable estimate after reviewing the facts of your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Alaska?
In Alaska, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. If you fail to file within this time, your claim may be permanently barred.
There are exceptions—for example, if the injured person is a minor, the clock may not begin to run until they reach the age of 18. Claims against government entities may also have shorter notice requirements.
What if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Alaska follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were 30% at fault and your damages totaled $100,000, you could still recover $70,000.
Will I Have to Go to Court?
Most personal injury cases settle out of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit and going to trial.
Even after a lawsuit is filed, many cases resolve through mediation or negotiation before a trial is necessary.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- No upfront costs.
- No legal fees unless they win your case.
- The typical fee ranges from 33% to 40% of your recovery, depending on the case.
Make sure to discuss the fee agreement in detail during your consultation.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?
Accident victims in Alaska may be able to recover economic damages and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or disability
- Property damage
A skilled personal injury attorney can assess the full extent of your damages and pursue all available compensation on your behalf.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
The legal process can be daunting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The right attorney can help protect your rights, fight for fair compensation, and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in Alaska and need legal guidance, the experienced team at Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Anchorage personal injury attorney at (907) 290-8980.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Firm
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Anchorage
2525 Gambell St #410,
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 290-8980
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Eagle River
13135 Old Glenn Hwy, Suite 101
Eagle River, AK 99577
(907) 802-4097
