You’ve Been Injured. What’s Next?
An unexpected injury can turn your life upside down in an instant. One moment you’re driving down the Glenn Highway, the next you’re dealing with the aftermath of a collision. For residents of Palmer and the Mat-Su Valley, the moments following an accident are often filled with confusion, pain, and uncertainty. Whether it’s from a car accident, a workplace incident, or a fall on icy pavement, the path to recovery can seem overwhelming. You may be facing mounting medical bills, lost time from work, and the stress of navigating a complex legal system. Knowing what to do next is crucial for protecting your health and your right to fair compensation.
This guide provides clear, practical steps to take after suffering a personal injury in Palmer, Alaska. By understanding this process, you can regain a sense of control and make informed decisions that will support your physical and financial recovery.
Your Step-by-Step Guide After an Injury
The actions you take immediately after an accident are critical. Follow these essential steps to ensure your well-being and strengthen any potential legal claim.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health is the absolute priority. Even if you feel your injuries are minor, it’s vital to get a professional medical evaluation. Some serious conditions, such as internal injuries or traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Seeking prompt medical care creates an official record that connects your injuries directly to the accident—a crucial piece of evidence for your claim. Be sure to follow all prescribed treatments and attend follow-up appointments.
2. Document Everything at the Scene
If you’re able, gather as much evidence as possible. Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident site, damage to all vehicles or property, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect the names, contact information, and insurance details of everyone involved. If there were witnesses, get their contact information as well. Whether it was a slip and fall accident or a collision, detailed documentation is invaluable.
3. File an Official Report
Always report the incident. For vehicle accidents, call the police to ensure an official report is filed. An officer’s report provides an objective account of the scene, which can be critical for establishing fault. If your injury occurred on someone’s property, notify the manager or owner immediately. For workplace incidents, such as those that can happen during oil field injuries, report it to your supervisor as required by company policy.
4. Be Cautious with Insurance Companies
You will likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster from the at-fault party’s insurance company. Be polite, but brief. It is advisable not to give a recorded statement or sign any documents without first speaking to an attorney. Their goal is often to minimize the value of your claim or get you to settle for less than you deserve. Anything you say can be used against you later.
5. Understand Your Rights Under Alaska Law
Alaska has specific laws that will affect your claim. One of the most important is the statute of limitations, which gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Another key concept is “pure comparative negligence.” This rule means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your final award will be reduced by 20%.
Common Personal Injury Cases in the Mat-Su Valley
Life in Palmer and the surrounding Mat-Su Valley presents unique risks. Heavy traffic on the Parks and Glenn Highways contributes to numerous car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents. Our state’s vital industries also come with inherent dangers, leading to serious occupational injuries. Furthermore, Alaska’s reliance on aviation means that small airplane accidents are a tragic reality. An experienced personal injury attorney familiar with these local issues is essential for navigating such complex claims.
Did You Know?
- In Alaska, you generally have just two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation forever.
- Under Alaska’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can seek damages even if you are 99% at fault for an accident. Your final compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Transportation incidents are the most frequent cause of fatal work injuries in Alaska, accounting for a significantly higher percentage than the national average.
Why a Local Palmer-Area Attorney Makes a Difference
When you’re dealing with a personal injury, having a lawyer who understands the local landscape is a significant advantage. An attorney with deep Alaskan roots, like Jason Skala, is familiar with the Mat-Su Valley’s courts, knows the local medical providers, and understands the unique challenges residents face. This local expertise translates into a stronger, more effective case strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. A dedicated personal injuries lawyer will handle the legal burdens, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your recovery.
Get the Experienced Guidance You Deserve
Don’t navigate the complexities of a personal injury claim alone. Jason Skala has over 20 years of experience fighting for injured Alaskans. We offer personalized, compassionate representation to help you secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
At the Law Office of Jason Skala, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or award we obtain on your behalf. There is no financial risk to you.
What is my personal injury case worth?
The value of a case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the total of your medical bills and lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. An experienced attorney can evaluate these factors to determine the full extent of your damages, which can include both economic (medical bills, lost income) and non-economic (pain and suffering) losses.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Thanks to Alaska’s pure comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. Your total compensation will be reduced by your assigned percentage of fault. An attorney can work to minimize your attributed fault to protect your recovery.
Will I have to go to court?
The majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are always prepared to take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Glossary of Terms
Statute of Limitations: The legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. In Alaska, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of injury.
Negligence: The failure to use reasonable care, resulting in harm or injury to another person. Proving negligence is a key element in a personal injury claim.
Pure Comparative Negligence: The legal rule in Alaska that allows an injured party to recover damages even if they are partially at fault. The final award is reduced by their percentage of fault.
Contingency Fee: A payment arrangement where a lawyer’s fee is contingent upon winning the case. The attorney receives a percentage of the final recovery, and the client pays nothing in attorney fees if the case is not successful.