Although there was a 6% decrease in fatalities and 4% decrease in fatal crashes from 2016, In 2017, Alaska experienced 79 fatalities in 75 fatal crashes. This number is too high and means many people are getting hurt in the 250-300 serious crashes and approximately 3,000 minor collisions in Alaska each year. Even if you believe you may have only suffered a minor injury, contact Anchorage Law Firms to protect your rights if and when your injuries get worse. The Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles sets forth many rules. Did you know that per the Anchorage, Alaska laws you are required to assess the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicles involved? Did you know you are required to exchange information with the other driver(s) including, the other driver’s name, phone number, address, license plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance company name? Did you know you are required to submit a Certificate of Insurance within 15 days of the incident? Did you know you are required to contact the local police department (or Alaska State Troopers, if appropriate)? Did you know that you are required to mail in an Alaska Motor Vehicle Crash Form to the Alaska DMV? Competent Anchorage Law Firms know and they will help you through this process. And the above are just a few examples of the basic steps you must take to protect your rights when you are injured in an automobile accident. It is also imperative that you consult a vehicle accident law firm with lawyers who are familiar with Alaska’s relevant laws. Then you will be protected from violations of time limitations including, but not limited to, when certain insurance and other forms must be filed and the two-year statute of limitations by which you must file your claim. Such attorneys will also inform you about—and consider when strategizing—the comparative negligence issue, where a Court may limit any award you receive based on any amount it deems you are responsible for. There is so much more to know. This is why successful Anchorage Law Firms are able to get their clients more money. They know the rules and how best to posture case for the greatest recovery. In order to make sure you are taking all the right steps, complying with relevant Anchorage, Alaska laws and regulations, and creating a paper trail with all relevant information, use an attorney. When that check comes in, you will be happy you did.
