Top-Rated Auto Accident Lawyer
Anchorage Car Accident Lawyer
When you need one of the best Anchorage car accident claims attorneys
Anchorage Car Accident Attorney
We are the car accident injury lawyers more people choose when they want maximum compensation for their injuries in Anchorage, AK.
For over 30+ years Goldberg & Loren have been fighting on the behalf of those injured in accidents collecting over $500 million in damages through verdicts and settlements.
Our doors are open right now, and we’re available to assist you every hour of every day, all year round. Conveniently, our office is located just off Tudor Road and C Street in the heart of Downtown Anchorage.
In need of a free legal consultation? You can schedule an online appointment or simply call us at (907) 560-0426.
Goldberg & Loren We Fight for Maximum Compensation
Pay Nothing, Unless We Win
Why Choose Goldberg & Loren for Your Traffic Collision Injury?
We fight for maximum compensation in every accident case. We have a track record for getting the highest payouts possible through negotiating settlements with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Our legal team is also known for the following:
- Over 2,000 5 Star Reviews
- 98% Success Rate
- Over 20,000 Cases Handled
- Contingency Fee Based
- Award Winning Trial Experience
- Aggressive Personal Injury Litigation
James Loren
John Periman
Important Car Accident Laws in Anchorage
Car accidents can pose a legal challenge, usually of varying kinds. Much like any other state, Alaska also has specific laws that outline the process to follow after getting involved in a car accident. These laws also protect the rights of drivers while they are on the road.
Some of the most important laws related to car accidents are as follows:
Duty to Stop: Every driver in Alaska is bound by the laws that require them to stay at the scene. This is particularly strict in cases involving accidents that result in injury, property damage, or death. Therefore, drivers must provide their name, address, and vehicle license number. Alaska Stat. § 28.35.60
Immediate Notification: If an accident involves injury, death, or property damage exceeding $2,000, then the drivers involved must notify law enforcement. This includes the local police or the state troopers. Alaska Stat. § 28.35.80(a)
Minimum Auto Insurance: Alaska requires drivers to have an insurance of $50,000 for bodily injury per person and $100,0000 per accident. The laws also require $25,000 property damage insurance for each driver. Since Alaska is an at-fault state, it means the driver who causes the accident will pay for the damages. Alaska Stat. § 28.20.010
Written Accident Report: If the law enforcement was not called to the scene, then the driver must file a written accident report within 10 days. Failing to report will result in penalties. Alaska Stat. § 28.35.80(b)
If any driver violates such laws, they can be tried in a court of law. If you were a victim of another driver’s neglect, you can take legal action against them. Let our Anchorage car accident attorneys help you through the process.
Common Injuries in Anchorage Car Accident Claims?
Automobile collisions often result in numerous kinds of injuries and trauma, ranging from minor bruises to more serious conditions like broken bones or head injuries or even catastrophic injuries and death.
The nature and extent of these injuries you suffer due to such accidents significantly influence the potential value of your legal claim for compensation. It’s crucial that your accident reports and medical documentation accurately depict the injuries sustained, as these records will play an essential role in validating your claim and securing just compensation.
That being said, the most common types of injuries in accidents claims include the following:
- Burn Injuries
- Catastrophic Injuries
- Death
- Facial Injuries
- Fractures
- Head Trauma
- Knee Injuries
- Lacerations
- Neck Injuries
- Shoulder Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Whiplash
We understand the difficulties you encounter after experiencing such injuries, and our traffic accident lawyers are committed to supporting you throughout the entire process.
Our dedicated Anchorage personal injury attorneys will advocate tirelessly on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Anchorage
Accidents vary in type and severity, ranging from minor fender benders to major collisions. While some accidents may seem less significant, they often lead to serious injuries or trauma, necessitating medical attention and legal intervention.
Understanding the particular circumstances of the accident you were involved in is crucial, as it can significantly influence the legal steps required to seek compensation or address liability.
Knowing the specifics helps determine the most appropriate legal process to follow, ensuring that your rights are protected and justice is served.
That being said, the most common types of car accidents are as follows:
Head-On Collisions: This is the most devastating type of car collision, as it happens when two vehicles collide head-on, hence the name. This usually happens due to unsafe passing or failure to yield at intersections.
Multi-Vehicle Pile-ups: These happen when two or more vehicles crash in succession, usually after a rear-end accident. As the name suggests, the vehicles pile up after one or two vehicles collide and cause the oncoming traffic to crash into them.
Rear-End Collisions: These are usually common when one vehicle hits the back of another, or if the vehicle in the front makes a sudden brake. In legal claims, this is the most common type of car accident.
Rollover Accidents: When a vehicle flips onto its side or roof, usually due to a sharp turn or loss of control, it is known as a rollover accident. This type of accident can be particularly dangerous, as it can result in crush injuries to the car occupants.
Sideswipe Crashes: When two vehicles pass by as their sides touch, it is called a sideswipe collision. These usually happen during lane changes or merging maneuvers. These are common at turns or intersections, when one or both drivers fail to yield the right of way.
T-Bone (Side-Impact) Accidents: When one vehicle crashes into the side of another, it is called a side-impact or T-Bone accident. These accidents are particularly dangerous for anyone on the side of the impact, be it a passenger or driver.
The reports, witness statements, etc., must reflect the specific type of accident in which you were injured. This makes the legal process easier. Do not worry about the details, as our accident lawyers will interview witnesses, review the reports, and build a strong case for you.
Common Causes of Car Collisions in Anchorage
Car collisions happen due to specific causes. Analyzing the specific cause of your accident can help determine the driver or party at fault for the collision. This can assist in establishing liability in your case and in pursuing legal action against the responsible party.
The most common causes of car collisions include the following:
Distracted Driving: Drivers distracted by texting, eating, or talking to passengers can lead to various types of accidents. Taking the eyes off the road can result in drivers losing control of the vehicle, which can crash into other vehicles or pedestrians.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Drunk drivers are everywhere, especially when you least expect it. When drivers are under the influence, that is when most accidents happen. In such cases, accidents are quite common as the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair judgment, reaction time, and vehicle control.
In 2021, Anchorage police arrested around 664 drivers, who were driving under the influence. [1]
Fatigued Driving: Drivers who work long hours can be prone to accidents, as fatigue and tiredness can impair their judgment. This is usually common in cases involving commercial drivers of vans, trucks, or buses.
Poor Weather and Road Conditions: Anchorage can have rough weather, which can result in icy roads, snow accumulation, rain, and sleet. It can be unsuitable for driving, and accidents can usually occur under such conditions.
Reckless and Aggressive Driving: When drivers are reckless or generally avoid following traffic laws, it can lead to accidents. This occurs when drivers are speeding, tailgating, or making unsafe lane changes.
In 2022, Anchorage police cited 4,157 drivers for driving over the speed limit. During 2022, the city also saw 22 speeding-related traffic fatalities. [2]
Analyzing proof is one of the key parts of determining liability, as it can outline the cause of the accident. Our accident attorneys will thoroughly review the evidence and establish the responsibility for your accident.
Recoverable Damages in Alaska Car Accident Claims
Injuries from an accident or the damages you sustained can make you eligible for various types of compensation. These recoverable damages are categorized by the economic and non-economic impact of the accident.
This might entitle you to the following compensation:
Understanding Economic Compensation in Car Accidents
- Cost of medical treatment, including current, past, and future medical costs
- Lost wages or inability to work due to injuries
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Physical or mental rehab expenses
Understanding Non-Economic Compensation in Car Accidents
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Pain and suffering
Goldberg & Loren recognize the critical importance of ensuring that you receive fair and just compensation following a traffic accident with injuries. Our team of dedicated Anchorage car accident attorneys is committed to working tirelessly on your behalf, using all of our resources and expertise to ensure that you secure the maximum compensation available to you under the law.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident in Alaska?
Alaska follows the pure comparative negligence doctrine which means that each party involved in an accident can be held responsible for their respective share of the fault.
Under this doctrine, you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by that amount.
Parties That May Be Liable in an Alaska Accident
Understanding who may be held liable in a accident is crucial for pursuing your claim. Potential parties include:
- The At-Fault Driver: Often, the most direct party responsible for causing an accident due to negligence or reckless behavior.
- Employers of Commercial Drivers: If a commercial driver was on the job at the time of the accident, their employer might be held liable under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability.
- Vehicle Owners: Sometimes, the owner of the vehicle might be held accountable if they allowed an unfit driver to operate their vehicle.
- Automobile Manufacturers: If a defect in the car or its parts contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be partially responsible.
Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads,
The liability of a accident usually falls upon the driver, but it all comes down to whose direct or indirect negligence played a role in the accident. This means other parties, besides the driver, can also be held liable.
These usually include, but are not limited to, the following:
Driver: The primary party held liable in accident cases is the driver at fault. Alaska is an at-fault state, which means establishing the driver at fault can make the legal process easier. In such cases, the driver will also be liable to pay for the accident.
Employer of a Driver: When commercial drivers cause an accident, the employer can be liable. This particularly applies to cases where drivers work long hours or if their hiring was negligent. In other words, employers can also be liable for using untrained drivers.
Manufacturer: If the collision occurs due to faults in a car, it can make the car manufacturer liable. This usually applies to cases where brake failures, airbag defects, or safety system failures result in an accident. These cases can usually fall under product liability claims.
Other Motorists: In multi-vehicle accidents, such as pile-ups, various drivers can share liability. In Alaska, such cases are judged based on “pure comparative fault,” which can make multiple drivers responsible for an accident.
Owner of the Vehicle: Though not directly responsible for the accident, the owners of the at-fault driver’s vehicle can be liable under various conditions. This applies if they handed their vehicle to an untrained, unlicensed, or a minor driver.
Determining the liability of a car crash can be challenging, but you are not alone. Our Anchorage accident lawyers will thoroughly examine your case, enlist experts, and establish the party liable for your case.
How Do You Prove Liability In Car Accident Claims In Alaska?
Proving liability in a car accident claim requires admissible evidence. This includes accident reports to establish facts and medical records to connect the injuries with the accident. Once the key evidence is acquired, it is about demonstrating the negligence of the liable party.
The following is how our Anchorage car accident attorneys will demonstrate liability:
Duty of Care: We must show the duty of care owed to you by the liable party. In car accident claims, we need to show the responsibility of the other driver and how they should have ensured safe conduct while on the road.
Breach of Duty: We will demonstrate that a breach of duty took place and was the main cause of the accident. This involves providing evidence of the at-fault driver’s negligence. In this instance, examples of breach of duty include driving recklessly, being distracted, or operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Causation: This requires showing that the accident was the reason behind your injuries. We will use medical reports and accident reports, or expert testimonies, to verify that the injuries you sustained were due to the car accident.
Damages: We will demonstrate that you suffered losses due to the injuries and the car accident itself. This will require showing economic damages, such as medical bills, property damage, etc. Moreover, we will also show the non-economic damages you suffered, such as pain and suffering.
Most Dangerous Roads In Anchorage
Anchorage is the most populous city in Alaska. On top of it, it gets a fair share of tourism and visitors each year. The local population and the people coming in from various cities rely on the complex road network, which usually leads them through Anchorage and nearby areas.
From 2007 until 2016, 1,279 traffic-related injuries occurred, making up 37.3% of all recorded injury-related hospitalization in that period. During the same time, around 70 fatalities occurred due to traffic accidents. [3]
This also means it has some of the most dangerous roads in the 49th state. This also means these dangerous roads are more prone to accidents than others.
Here are the few most dangerous roads
in the city and what makes them hazardous:
|
Road Name |
Danger Factors |
|
Seward Highway |
Winding, two lanes, heavy tourist traffic |
|
Glenn Highway |
Tight curves, variable speed limits |
|
Minnesota Drive / Hickel Pkwy |
High vehicle speeds, pedestrian crash hotspot |
|
Gambell Street |
High injury corridor, pedestrian safety issues |
|
Lake Otis Parkway |
High crash rates, vulnerable road user incidents |
Important Steps to Take After an Auto Accident in Anchorage
After getting in a car collision, you might not be able to do anything, except for help to arrive. However, if the accident has not gravely injured you, you must take a few necessary actions.
These include the following:
- Move to Safety & Call 911: The first thing you should do is move to safety to avoid further collisions, if you can. Once you have ensured safety, call 911 and seek paramedics if anyone is seriously injured. Also, seek the police, as their initial report of the accident can be key in legal matters.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you are not visibly injured, you must get checked. Some injuries, like whiplash, can manifest later. Therefore, you must get checked and generate a medical report and diagnosis for your injury.
- Document the Accident: Begin documenting your accident right away, at the accident scene, if you can. This requires taking photos of the accident scene, injuries, damage to the vehicle, etc. Procure surveillance or dashcam videos. Also, gather witness contact information.
- Notify Insurance Provider: Notify your insurance provider within the required time limit from the insurer. However, do not speak to an insurance adjuster or agent without having your law firm present.
- Consult Our Injury Attorneys: Consult our Anchorage personal injury lawyers as soon as you can. We will help you through this difficult time and help you with the legal matters.
Statute of Limitations For Auto Accidents in Alaska
The Statutes of Limitations give you a limited time to file a legal claim. In Alaska, this stipulation can vary, depending on the severity of the case, such as whether it’s a personal injury case or wrongful death claim.
That being said, the following are the key Statutes of Limitations in Alaska:
Personal Injury: For any personal injury claims, including those from car accidents, you will have two years from the day of the injury to file a lawsuit. Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070
Wrongful Death: If someone has passed away because of a car accident, the family of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim. In this case, the time limit will be two years from the person’s passing. Alaska Stat. § 09.55.580
Accidents Involving Minors: If the injured person is a minor at the time of the car accident, they can file a legal claim within two years from the day they turn 18. Alaska Stat. § 09.10.140(a)
Get a FREE Consultation From The Anchorage Car Accident Attorneys of Goldberg & Loren
The aftermath of an accident can be challenging, but you are not alone. We are here to help you, as our capable Anchorage injury lawyers are open now and ready to fight for you. Goldberg & Loren understands your suffering, and we will provide all the help you need.
Here is what we will do for you:
- Communicate the basics of your case and lay out the options you have
- Compassionate and caring counsel throughout your case
- Communicate with the insurance or liable parties for you
- Accident Reconstruction
- Investigate your case and gather evidence
- Interview witnesses or experts to gather testimonies
- Litigate or negotiate on your behalf
- Pursue maximum compensation for your damages and pain
Call our local Anchorage attorneys at (907) 560-0426 to book a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should you notify the insurance after a car accident in Anchorage?
If you have suffered an accident with losses worth $2,000 or more, then you must notify the local police or state troopers right away. A written report must be submitted within 10 days.
However, you should notify the insurance provider according to your insurer’s policy. Alaska Stat. § 28.35.080
What steps should I take immediately after a car accident in Anchorage to protect my legal rights?
Start by taking photos of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicle, skid marks, road conditions, and any potential hazards. Take pictures of any visible injuries as well. If you can, gather any witness contact information, besides exchanging information with the involved driver, if any.
How do I properly document my car accident case for legal purposes?
Document the accident by securing the accident report made by the local police. Also, gather your medical records to verify that your injuries were due to the car accident. Other than that, document the economic losses and non-economic impact of the injury on your life.
What types of evidence are most important to gather after a car crash in Anchorage?
The most important evidence includes any visual evidence of the accident, such as photos or videos of the accident. Moreover, accident reports and medical records are key in proving the injury caused by the accident. Other than that, witness statements and testimonies from experts can also be admissible.
How can an Anchorage car accident lawyer help with gathering and preserving evidence?
An experienced car accident attorney will provide assistance in collecting and organizing evidence. They will gather key evidence like surveillance footage from traffic cameras, interview witnesses, and compile accurate and complete documentation.
Goldberg & Loren
Address: 4300 B St #215b, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 560-0426
Sources:
[1] Page 3 – Kramer, T. L., Downey, D., Lavale, L., Hinckle, S., The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, & Alaska Highway Safety Office. (2021). State of Alaska Highway Safety Annual Report. In State of Alaska Highway Safety Annual Report (p. vii). Alaska Highway Safety Office. https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2022-05/AK_FY2021_AR.pdf
[2] Page 3 – State of Alaska Highway Safety Annual Report (2023). In State of Alaska Highway Safety Annual Report. https://dot.alaska.gov/stwdplng/hwysafety/assets/pdf/FFY2023-Alaska-Highway-Safety-Annual-Report.pdf
Table of Contents
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Anchorage Car Accident Attorney
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Why Choose Goldberg & Loren for Your Traffic Collision Injury?
-
Important Car Accident Laws in Anchorage
-
Common Injuries in Anchorage Car Accident Claims?
-
Common Types of Car Accidents in Anchorage
-
Common Causes of Car Collisions in Anchorage
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Recoverable Damages in Alaska Car Accident Claims
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Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident in Alaska?
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Parties That May Be Liable in an Alaska Accident
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How Do You Prove Liability In Car Accident Claims In Alaska?
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Most Dangerous Roads In Anchorage
-
Important Steps to Take After an Auto Accident in Anchorage
-
Statute of Limitations For Auto Accidents in Alaska
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Get a FREE Consultation From The Anchorage Car Accident Attorneys of Goldberg & Loren
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Frequently Asked Questions