Anchorage Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Being hit by a drunk driver is a sudden, violent, and unfair event. One moment, you’re driving home from work on the Glenn Highway or heading out for a weekend trip, and the next, your life is turned upside down. The physical pain is only the beginning. You’re also left with medical bills, a damaged vehicle, and the emotional weight of what happened.
If you are in this difficult situation, an Anchorage drunk driving accident lawyer at Crowson Law Group can help you hold the responsible driver accountable and seek the financial stability you need to recover.
At Crowson Law Group, we understand the challenges you face. We are a team of dedicated people focused on helping Alaskans who have been hurt through no fault of their own. We will stand by your side, handle the complexities of your claim, and work to get you full and fair compensation.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation
Anchorage Drunk Driving Accident Guide
- Why Choose Crowson Law Group for Your Anchorage Drunk Driving Accident Case?
- The Devastating Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents in Anchorage
- Understanding Your Rights After a DUI Collision
- How a Criminal DUI Case Affects Your Civil Claim
- What Compensation Can You Recover?
- How an Anchorage Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Fights for You
- Alaska’s Laws on Drunk Driving and Personal Injury Claims
- Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
- Anchorage, Alaska Drunk Driving Accident FAQs
- Crowson Law Group: Trusted Anchorage Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Why Choose Crowson Law Group for Your Anchorage Drunk Driving Accident Case?
When you’re choosing a law firm, you want a team that is not only capable but also genuinely cares about your well-being. At Crowson Law Group, our entire practice is built around providing a better experience for our clients during a difficult time. Our founder, James Crowson, once defended insurance companies, which gives us a unique perspective on how they operate and the tactics they use to pay as little as possible. Now, we use that knowledge to benefit you.
Here is what sets us apart:
- Unmatched Client Access: We are the only personal injury firm in Alaska that offers a proprietary client portal called My Crowson Case. This gives you 24/7 online access to your complete case file, so you are always informed.
- Constant Availability: Accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We have someone available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We were also one of the first firms in Alaska to use text messaging for client communication because we want to be easy to reach.
- A Focus on You: We are responsive, available, and easy to talk to. If you can’t come to our offices in Anchorage or Wasilla, we will come to you—whether you’re at home or in the hospital.
- No Upfront Costs: We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us no fees unless we win your case.
We believe that an educated client is a happy client. Our team is committed to answering your questions promptly and explaining your rights in plain English, so you can feel confident in the decisions you make for your future.
The Devastating Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents in Anchorage
Driving in Alaska presents its own set of challenges. From the icy conditions on the Seward Highway in winter to the blinding midnight sun in summer, drivers must always be alert. When a driver gets behind the wheel after drinking, they turn their vehicle into a weapon, making our already challenging roads far more dangerous.
In Anchorage, collisions caused by impaired drivers often happen on major roads like Minnesota Drive, Tudor Road, or the Glenn Highway connecting us to Wasilla and the Mat-Su Valley. A drunk driver’s slowed reaction time is especially hazardous at busy intersections or during the frantic pace of tourist season.
According to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, impaired driving is a significant factor in serious and fatal crashes across the state. These are not just statistics; they represent real families in our community whose lives have been permanently altered.
The consequences of these accidents extend far beyond the crash scene. Victims often suffer from serious injuries that require long-term medical care, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns or lacerations
Recovering from these injuries takes time, patience, and resources. Crowson Law Group is here to help you secure those resources so you can focus on healing.
Understanding Your Rights After a DUI Collision
After being hit by a drunk driver, it’s important to understand that there are two separate legal cases that may proceed:
- The Criminal Case: The State of Alaska will prosecute the drunk driver for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). This case is about punishing the driver with fines, license suspension, or jail time. You may be called as a witness, but this case is not about compensating you for your injuries.
- The Civil Case: This is your personal injury claim, which you file against the drunk driver to recover money for your losses. This is where we come in. The goal of the civil case is to make you whole again financially.
To win a personal injury claim, we must prove that the other driver was negligent. Negligence is a legal term that simply means someone failed to act with reasonable care, and their carelessness caused you harm. Driving while intoxicated is a clear and direct violation of a driver’s duty to keep others on the road safe.
How a Criminal DUI Case Affects Your Civil Claim
While the two cases are separate, the criminal DUI case can be very helpful for your civil claim. A conviction for DUI can serve as powerful proof of negligence. Even without a conviction, evidence from the police report—like a failed breathalyzer test—can strengthen your case. This makes it much harder for their insurance company to argue that their driver wasn’t at fault.
You do not have to wait for the criminal case to finish before starting your personal injury claim. In fact, it is often best to get started right away. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer at our firm can begin investigating immediately, gathering crucial evidence to build a strong foundation for your case.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
The money you can recover in a personal injury claim is called damages. The purpose of damages is to compensate you for everything you have lost because of the accident. In Alaska, you can seek compensation for several types of damages, which are generally grouped into two categories.
- Economic Damages: These are the losses that have a specific dollar amount attached. They are meant to repay you for all the money you have lost or had to spend. This includes medical bills, lost wages from being unable to work, the cost of future medical treatment, and property damage to your vehicle.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are losses that don’t have a clear price tag but are just as real and serious. This includes your physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. For example, if your injuries prevent you from fishing, hiking, or playing with your children, you should be compensated for that loss.
In some rare cases involving extreme recklessness, you may also be able to pursue punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future.
Calculating the full and fair value of your claim requires a careful analysis of your current and future needs. Insurance companies often make quick, low settlement offers that don’t account for the long-term impact of your injuries. We seek a settlement or verdict that covers all of your losses.
How an Anchorage Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Fights for You
Hiring a lawyer from Crowson Law Group does more than just give you a guide; it gives you an advocate who will fight for your best interests. It signals to the insurance company that you are serious about your claim and will not be pushed into an unfair settlement.
Investigating the Accident
A successful claim starts with a thorough investigation. Our team moves quickly to gather and preserve all available evidence. This may involve:
- Obtaining the official police report and any field sobriety test results.
- Interviewing witnesses who saw the collision.
- Collecting photos and videos from the scene, dash cams, or nearby security cameras.
- Working with accident reconstructionists to prove how the crash happened.
This evidence helps us build an undeniable case showing the other driver’s fault.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators whose job is to protect their company’s bottom line by paying out as little as possible. They may try to get you to give a recorded statement to twist your words or offer you a fast settlement before you know the true extent of your injuries.
When you hire us, we take over all communications with the insurance companies. We handle the paperwork, the phone calls, and the negotiations so you can focus on your health. Our experience gives us insight into their strategies, allowing us to counter their tactics effectively.
Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim
We work with you and your doctors to understand the full impact of your injuries on your life. We consider future medical needs, potential lost earning capacity, and the deep personal toll of your pain and suffering. We will not let an insurance company rush you into accepting less than you deserve for your future.
Alaska’s Laws on Drunk Driving and Personal Injury Claims
Several state laws can affect your drunk driving accident claim. Understanding them is key to protecting your right to compensation.
The Statute of Limitations
In Alaska, you have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. In Alaska, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file your claim. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever. It is crucial to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Alaska’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule
Alaska follows a pure comparative negligence rule. In simple terms, this means that you can still recover damages even if you are found to be partially at fault for an accident. However, your compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were awarded $100,000 but found to be 10% at fault, your award would be reduced by $10,000, and you would receive $90,000.
While it is very unlikely for the victim to be found at fault in a drunk driving accident, the other driver’s insurance company may still try to shift blame to reduce their payout. We are prepared to fight back against these baseless accusations.
Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
After you have received emergency medical attention and are safely back home, the things you do in the following days and weeks can have a big impact on your health and your potential legal claim.
- Document Everything. Keep a simple journal to track your pain levels, medical appointments, and any challenges you face in your daily life. Note how your injuries prevent you from doing things you used to enjoy, whether it’s walking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or simply doing chores around the house.
- Keep All Your Paperwork. Create a folder for all accident-related documents. This includes medical bills, receipts, letters from insurance companies, and your own notes. Staying organized will be very helpful as your case progresses.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan. It is essential to attend all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions. If you don’t, an insurance company might argue that you weren’t truly hurt or that you made your injuries worse.
- Be Cautious on Social Media. Avoid posting details about your accident or physical activities online. Insurance companies will look at your social media profiles for anything they can use to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
- Talk to a Lawyer Before Giving a Recorded Statement. The other driver’s insurance company will likely call you and ask for a recorded statement. You are not required to provide one. These calls are designed to get you to say something that could hurt your claim. It is always best to speak with an attorney first.
Taking these steps can help protect your rights while you focus on the most important thing—your recovery.
Anchorage, Alaska Drunk Driving Accident FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions we hear from people who have been injured by a drunk driver.
What if the drunk driver was uninsured or didn’t have enough insurance?
This is a very common concern. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or their policy limits are too low to cover your damages, you may be able to file a claim under your own insurance policy’s Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. We can review your policy to see what options are available.
Can I sue the bar that over-served the drunk driver?
In some situations, yes. Alaska has dram shop laws that can hold a bar, restaurant, or liquor store liable if they serve alcohol to a person who is already clearly intoxicated, and that person then causes an accident. These can be difficult cases to prove, but we can investigate to see if a third party also shares responsibility.
How much does it cost to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer?
At Crowson Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We cover all the costs of building and pursuing your case. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you, either through a settlement or a court verdict.
Will my case have to go to court?
The vast majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court. A fair settlement is often the best outcome, as it provides a timely resolution. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer, we are always prepared to take your case to trial to fight for your rights.
The insurance company already offered me a settlement. Why shouldn’t I take it?
Initial settlement offers are almost always far less than what a claim is actually worth. Insurance companies make these quick offers, hoping you will take the money before you understand the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs. It is always wise to have any offer reviewed by an experienced attorney before you sign anything.
Crowson Law Group: Trusted Anchorage Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
You did not ask to be in this situation, but you do not have to go through it without support. The team at Crowson Law Group, trusted Anchorage, AK, personal injury lawyers, is here to help you get your life back on track. We will handle the legal process so that you can focus on what matters most: your health and your family.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Anchorage, Wasilla, or anywhere in Alaska, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us listen to your story and explain how we can help. Call us now at (907) 418-3116 or fill out our online form on our contact page.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation
Crowson Law Group – Anchorage Office Location
Address: 637 A Street Anchorage, AK 99501
Contact No: (907) 777-7777
