A Grave Look into Auto Accidents in Alaska

Traversing Alaskan roads is not the simplest of tasks. Auto accidents caused by cars, trucks, and other vehicles are the primary cause of preventable death in the state. Statistics give an insight into the staggering numbers of car accidents over the years due to risky road conditions during various times of the year.

The nature of the auto accident plays into the seriousness of the injury and possible resulting fatalities. There are a number of categories that become reasons for resulting auto crashes in Alaska. As an inhabitant of this state, it is important to know the frequency and ramifications of these accidents in order to have an auto accident lawyer in Alaska at standby for a crisis can strike uninvited.

Traffic Fatalities in Alaska by Type of Person

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Speed-Related Accidents

In 2016, 84 people lost their lives to car accidents out of which 36 alone were involved in speeding-related accidents. A further breakdown showed that speeding accidents were most common during the early morning or in the evening.

Moreover, these accidents were more frequent during the months of June, August, and October, probably owing to weather conditions.

Pickup trucks were the most frequently involved in speeding accidents, followed by cars, SUVs, and motorcycles.

Apart from vehicles, gender and age group also plays a part in speeding accidents as displayed below.

Drunk Driving Accidents

After speeding, drunk driving is the second major cause of auto accidents. In 2018, out of 80 traffic fatalities, 29 were due to alcohol-impaired driving, amounting to about 36% of all traffic-related accidents. Drunk driving accidents were most common during the night, starting from 9 pm up to 3 am.

Seeking Damages for Auto Accidents

Next time you are driving on the Alaskan roads, be mindful that you could be a victim of these auto accidents too. The thing is, even if you’re cautious, another driver’s fault could harm you as well. If you or a loved one has been involved in a speeding or drunk driving accident due to no fault of your own, it is important that you do not let the perpetrator get away scot-free. Even if serious injury or wrongful death cannot be revoked, a lawsuit could help you cope with the emotional and financial ramifications of the loss.

Finding a Car Accident Lawyer in Alaska

If your loved one’s life was cut short because of someone else, you could get justice and compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. To find out more, call 907.276.5858 or you can reach us via email info@alaskainjury.com.

Monetary Damages

The economic damages can be plenty. First off, a collision can damage the vehicle and you may ask for reparation in such an event. With the help of a personal injury attorney in Alaska, you are also liable to receive any medical expenses incurred due to injury, or future medical expenses due to the injury. Moreover, you can also receive compensation for loss of income resulting from being off from work due to personal injuries following the accident.

Noneconomic Damages

Under Alaskan law, you are liable to receive noneconomic damages such as severe disfigurement and impairment.  These are, in layman’s terms ‘pain and suffering’ damages. Your injury attorney in Alaska will make you aware of the terms included in noneconomic damages according to Alaskan State Law. These include:

  • Pain & Suffering
  • Loss of Consortium
  • Loss of Enjoyment
  • Physical Impairment
  • Inconvenience
  • Disfigurement

However, multiple injuries suffered by one person will be counted for as a single injury.

Punitive Damages

While there is a lot of ambiguity regarding punitive damages to their misperception, they are a reasonable avenue for victims to seek damages in certain cases. Punitive damages, as the name suggests, are to punish the perpetrator and deter similar behavior in the future.

Alaska is very strict in awarding punitive damages only under 2 circumstances:

  • Evidence of malice or ill motives by the defendant
  • Evidence of reckless behavior by the defendant

These are high standards to prove in personal injury cases. But, with the help of Barber & Associates, hire a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Alaska and get the justice you deserve.

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