To file a car accident claim in Alaska, you must report the accident, find fault, and negotiate compensation with insurers. Get legal advice so your rights are protected during this.
However, if you have been in an Alaska car accident, you must know what steps to take to file a claim. Following the correct legal procedures means you will get the compensation you are entitled to for your damages and injuries.
Who to Call After You Are Involved in an Alaska Car Accident
After a car accident in Alaska, call 911 to report it immediately so law enforcement is on the scene. After you have secured safety, find Anchorage, Alaska attorneys to consult with. Legal representation protects your interests, whether you’re talking to insurance companies or potential legal action.
You’ll also have to inform your insurance provider about the accident so that they can process your claim promptly. If there is anything else, you might experience delays or even denial in processing your claim.
What if the Alaska Car Accident Was My Fault?
As the state of Alaska follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to recover compensation even if the accident was partially your fault. But your compensation will be scaled back by the percentage of fault you were found to be responsible for.
For example, if your fault was 20%, you could recover 80% of your damages. Fault determination is critical since the compensation you can receive is directly related to consulting a lawyer.
Notifying the Alaska DMV of Your Involvement in a Car Accident
If your car accident causes injury, death, or property damage over $2,000, you are required by Alaska law to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days.
Failure to tell the DMV could result in penalties like your driver’s license being suspended. The DMV can complete this notification through their online platform, or you can mail in a formal accident report.
Length of Time Before You Can Recover Damages for Car Accident Injuries
The recovery of damages for a car accident has a timeline. The main factors determining how long it takes are how lengthy negotiations with insurers take and how complicated your case is. Settlements, on average, occur in several weeks to months, but in more complex cases, it can take longer.
An Alaska personal injury lawyer can also take care of this process by filing all necessary paperwork and negotiating with insurance companies to get you the total amount of your damages, including medical costs, lost wages, and emotional suffering, as quickly as possible.
The Process for Settling a Vehicle Accident Claim in Alaska
Being Assigned to an Adjuster
When you file a claim with your insurance company, an adjuster will be assigned to assess the damage, review the accident report, and determine liability. Throughout the process, you will have one primary point of contact, who will be your adjuster.
The Initial Settlement Offer
After they’ve evaluated your claim, the adjuster will usually offer you an initial settlement offer. This is usually the lowest figure an insurance company thinks you would accept. Generally, you should not take any offer without consulting a lawyer because the first offer may not include all your damages.
Receiving Your Settlement Sum
Once you’ve agreed to terms, you’ll get your settlement payment as a lump sum or in a structured settlement. Depending on the case specifics, the time frame for proceeding with the payout is typically between six and eight weeks following the agreement between both parties.
If you’ve been in a car accident and have been injured, hiring a lawyer can protect your rights and get you the most money possible. Don’t wait; call a local attorney today regarding your case.
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