Call Us atCar accidents have the potential to lead to devastating personal losses. In addition to any property damage to your car, you may be seriously injured, forcing you to miss work and contend with large hospital bills. Your best bet at receiving a fair outcome is to enlist an Anchorage car accident lawyer to help with your case. A qualified personal injury attorney could gather the evidence, interview witnesses, negotiate with insurance companies, and build your case. If you have been injured through the fault of another individual, you should not have to pay the costs associated with it.
Common Types of Car Accident Cases
Car accidents can happen in any number of ways and range from minor fender-benders to catastrophic crashes, but there are certain types that tend to lead to lawsuits more than others. Some common car accident cases include:
- Road rage-induced accidents
- Tailgating
- Impaired driving
- Sleepy driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving far above or far below the speed limit
Some accidents are clearly the fault of the other driver, while others may require an investigation to determine fault. In cases of drunk driving and reckless driving, there could also be criminal charges to consider. In addition to the cause of accidents, there are numerous ways that a crash can happen, from front-end, rear-end, and T-bone collisions, to rollover wrecks. An Anchorage car accident lawyer could provide legal advice for any type of crash.
Types of Damages in a Car Accident Case
Compensation that is awarded in a legal case is often referred to as “damages.” Car accident claims can have two types of damages—economic and non-economic. They are calculated in different ways.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are awarded based on the actual costs of a car accident injury. Lost wages, medical bills, durable medical equipment costs, prescription charges, and other types of compensation that can be accurately and objectively measured are economic damages. If the only harm was some small scratches and bruises, legal action is generally not warranted.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are designed as compensation for less visible and more subjective personal losses. A person will never get a measured bill for their pain and suffering, but they may still be entitled to monetary compensation for it. Loss of limb function, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and other related losses are considered non-economic. A car crash attorney in Anchorage could provide insight as to what could be included in these damages.
Comparative Fault in Alaska
Even if the injured party in a car accident is partially at fault, they may still be entitled to compensation under the legal idea of comparative negligence. The law in Alaska is that if the plaintiff is deemed partially at fault for the accident, they may still receive compensation.
An Anchorage auto accident lawyer could provide guidance on how a plaintiff’s own liability might affect their claim, since the defendant’s insurance company will attempt to absolve their insured of liability. Agreeing to a settlement usually bars someone from filing any further lawsuit, but a car accident attorney could discuss further options if the injured person has already agreed to one.
Alaska generally allows a window of two years from the date of the accident in which to file a lawsuit, so a person must act quickly. This time period can be shorter in some situations.
Discuss Your Options with an Anchorage Car Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a vehicle accident, you should reach out to an Anchorage car accident lawyer today. Personal injury cases often have a limited window of time in which you can bring a claim, and you have the best chance of a positive outcome with a seasoned attorney on your side. Reach out today for a private consultation with an attorney near you.
