Understanding Your Rights After an Accident
An unexpected injury can turn your life upside down, bringing a wave of physical pain, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty. For residents of Point MacKenzie and across Alaska, understanding the steps to take after an accident is crucial for protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. The moments following an injury are often confusing, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. A knowledgeable injury claims lawyer can provide the clarity and support needed to guide you through the complex legal process.
The First Steps in Your Personal Injury Claim
The actions you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact the outcome of your personal injury claim. While the circumstances of every incident are unique, certain steps are universally important.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, may not present symptoms immediately. Seeing a doctor creates a medical record that officially documents your injuries, linking them directly to the accident. This documentation is vital evidence for your claim.
2. Report the Incident
Whether it’s a car accident, a workplace incident, or a slip and fall, make sure an official report is filed. For traffic accidents, this means calling the police. For workplace injuries, inform your supervisor. For injuries on someone else’s property, notify the owner or manager. An official report provides an unbiased account of the events.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are able, collect as much evidence as possible. Take photos and videos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Note down details like the time of day, weather conditions, and anything else that seems relevant.
4. Be Cautious with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after the accident. While they may seem friendly, their goal is to minimize the amount the insurance company has to pay. Avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting a quick settlement offer before speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney. An early offer is almost always less than what your claim is truly worth.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Alaska
Alaska’s unique environment and industries lead to specific types of personal injury cases. With over two decades of experience, Jason Skala provides compassionate, personalized representation for a wide range of incidents.
Vehicle Accidents
From collisions on the Glenn Highway to incidents involving large commercial trucks, our firm handles claims for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. This includes truck accidents, motorcycle collisions, and pedestrian incidents.
Workplace & Industrial Injuries
Alaska’s demanding industries, such as oil and gas, can be hazardous. We represent workers who have suffered oil field and rig injuries, as well as those harmed in maritime and aviation accidents.
Premises Liability
Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident due to icy sidewalks or unmarked hazards, you may have a claim. This category also includes incidents like dog bites.
Catastrophic Injuries & Wrongful Death
When negligence leads to life-altering or fatal injuries, the stakes are incredibly high. We provide compassionate counsel for families pursuing wrongful death claims and individuals facing catastrophic injuries.
Understanding Alaska’s Statute of Limitations
In Alaska, there is a legal time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. For most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation through the court system.
This two-year window makes it imperative to contact an injury claims lawyer as soon as possible. Building a strong case takes time. Your attorney will need to investigate the accident, gather evidence, consult with experts, and negotiate with insurance companies. Waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to build a successful claim.
Did You Know?
Alaska follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This 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% responsible for an accident, your total compensation award would be reduced by 20%. An attorney can help argue against unfair allocations of fault.
The Point MacKenzie Connection: Local Knowledge Matters
For residents of Point MacKenzie, having an attorney who understands the local landscape is invaluable. Whether your commute takes you across the Knik Arm or you work in the region’s unique industries, local knowledge matters. An attorney familiar with the specific roadways, major employers, and local court systems in the Mat-Su Borough and Anchorage is better equipped to handle your case.
Jason Skala is a lifelong Alaskan who has dedicated his career to serving his community. He understands the challenges Alaskans face and has established relationships with local medical providers and experts. This deep-rooted connection ensures that your case is handled with a level of insight and dedication that only a local attorney can provide.
Don’t Wait to Protect Your Rights
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, the time to act is now. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
At the Law Office of Jason Skala, we operate on a “no win, no fee” basis, also known as a contingency fee. This means you owe us nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the final settlement or verdict, so our interests are directly aligned with yours.
How long will my personal injury case take?
The timeline for a personal injury case varies greatly depending on its complexity. A straightforward settlement might be resolved in a few months, while a complex case that goes to trial can take a year or more. We prioritize efficient resolution without sacrificing the value of your claim.
What kind of compensation can I receive?
Compensation, or “damages,” can cover a wide range of losses. This includes economic damages like medical bills (past and future), lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. It also includes non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
It is generally not advisable to accept the first offer from an insurance company. These initial offers are often significantly lower than the true value of your claim. Always consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement to ensure it is fair and covers all your present and future needs.
Glossary of Legal Terms
Negligence: The failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would have exercised under the same circumstances. This is the legal foundation for most personal injury claims.
Statute of Limitations: The deadline set by law for filing a lawsuit. In Alaska, this is generally two years for personal injury claims.
Comparative Negligence: A legal rule used to assign fault and determine damages. In Alaska, a plaintiff’s compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
Damages: The monetary compensation awarded to a plaintiff in a lawsuit for losses or injuries suffered.
Contingency Fee: A fee arrangement where the attorney’s payment is contingent upon winning the case. The fee is typically a percentage of the final recovery amount.