Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Anchorage

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Anchorage, Alaska?

  You may call 311 for non-emergency situations in Anchorage.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Anchorage, Alaska?

  You can request a police report in Anchorage through the online portal of the Anchorage Police Department Public Records Center. A case or incident number is required per request. You may also call the Records Department at 907-786-8600.

• What is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Anchorage, Alaska?

  In Anchorage, personal injury cases must be brought within two years of the date of the injury. This is based on the Alaska personal injury statute of limitations. If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations begins when the victim reaches the age of 18. Alaska has a discovery rule that impacts the statute of limitations. Regardless of whether the discovery rule is applied, all actions must be filed within ten years of the date of the incident.

• How do Anchorage personal injury lawyers help victims?

  Anchorage personal injury attorneys can file personal injury claims on behalf of victims and assist in obtaining reasonable compensation for pain and suffering, medical costs, and other losses incurred throughout their recovery process. A lawyer will call the police, gather reports, interview witnesses, and help determine the facts of the case. In rare circumstances, the attorneys may even investigate whether the parties involved took reasonable measures before the incident.

• What are the common types of personal injury cases Anchorage attorneys handle?

  Accidents involving cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians are among the typical personal injury lawsuits Anchorage attorneys handle. They also deal with cases involving medical malpractice, wrongful death, slips and falls, and workplace accidents. A personal injury is any injury in which a person suffers bodily harm due to another person's negligence or misconduct.

• Who pays the compensation in an Anchorage personal injury claim if the negligent party has no insurance?

  Since Alaska is a fault state, it is generally the responsibility of the at-fault party to pay for the victim's injuries. If you have been injured by an uninsured driver, you can file a claim with your insurance company to recover damages if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. You can also file a civil action against the negligent party. It is advisable to seek the advice of an Anchorage personal injury lawyer who can assist you in taking proper legal action.

• How much do Anchorage attorneys typically charge for personal injury cases?

  Most Anchorage personal injury attorneys generally charge a one-third contingency fee for the recovery. The fees may vary based on the nature and severity of the matter and whether or not the representation includes managing potential appeals. In other words, if they settle before filing a lawsuit, personal injury attorneys usually charge 33 percent of whatever they can obtain from insurance companies and 40 percent after filing a case. The usual medical malpractice case in Alaska is negotiated at a 40 percent contingency fee and 50 percent if filed.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.