Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage Personal Injury Lawyer

Accidents in Anchorage, Alaska – including motor vehicle collisions and slip-and-falls – can happen when others behave negligently. If you sustained injuries in one of these occurrences, you may be eligible to recover compensation.

The experienced legal team at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers can swiftly investigate your accident circumstances, go over your options with you, and set you on course to recover the fair compensation you deserve.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Anchorage personal injury attorney, please call us at (206) 350-6629 or contact us online for more information.

Why Choose Us?

In an Anchorage personal injury claim or lawsuit, you want an experienced legal team in your corner throughout every stage of your case. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers, we have a strong track record of success when it comes to maximizing compensation for personal injury claims and lawsuits. Over the years, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our injured clients, and we are prepared to help you secure the financial recovery you need right away. You can view our most recent client testimonials here.

How Much is an Anchorage Personal Injury Case Worth?

The value of an Anchorage personal injury case can vary widely depending on several factors. These include the severity of your injuries, the effect of those injuries on your daily life, the amount of your medical expenses, and the degree of the at-fault party’s negligence or recklessness. Generally, personal injury cases aim to compensate victims for both economic and non-economic losses.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are intended to cover financial losses directly related to your injury. These can include medical expenses, such as hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy. If your injuries have left you unable to work, you can also recover lost income. In some cases, if your ability to earn a living is permanently affected, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of earning capacity. Additionally, if your injuries have caused you to require ongoing care, you can be compensated for your anticipated medical costs.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more subjective and cover losses that are not as easily quantified. These include pain and suffering, which accounts for the physical pain and discomfort you have endured as a result of your injuries. Emotional distress is another form of non-economic damage and compensates you for the mental anguish, anxiety, or depression resulting from the accident and its aftermath. Loss of enjoyment of life may also be considered – particularly if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, you may also be awarded punitive damages. These are designed to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or malicious behavior and are meant to serve as a deterrent to others.

The total worth of your Anchorage personal injury case will depend on how well these damages are documented and proven. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers, we can gather the necessary evidence for you, calculate the full extent of your losses, and negotiate with insurance companies (or represent you in court) to maximize your compensation.

Types of Occurrences in Anchorage that Lead to Personal Injuries

In Anchorage, various types of occurrences due to others’ negligence can lead to personal injuries. These incidents often happen in everyday situations, and the consequences can be severe:

Motor Vehicle Accidents – Car and truck accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries in Anchorage. Negligent behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, running red lights, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are common factors. When a driver fails to exercise reasonable care on the road, they can cause accidents that result in significant injuries to other drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Slip and Fall Accidents – Slip and fall accidents are another common occurrence in Anchorage, often resulting from unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. Icy sidewalks, wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting can all contribute to these incidents. Property owners and managers have a responsibility to keep their premises safe. When they neglect this duty, and someone suffers an injury as a result, they may be held liable for the injuries. 

Workplace Accidents – Workplace accidents in Anchorage are also a frequent source of personal injuries, especially in industries like construction, fishing, and oil extraction. Employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment, which includes proper training, adequate safety equipment, and following safety regulations. When these responsibilities are neglected, workers can suffer injuries from falls, machinery accidents, or exposure to hazardous materials. These injuries can be life-altering, leading to long-term disability or even death.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents – Bicycle and pedestrian accidents often occur due to negligent driving. In Anchorage, cyclists and pedestrians are at risk when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way, are distracted, or drive recklessly. 

In all of these situations, the negligence of another party creates dangerous conditions that can lead to personal injuries, affecting victims’ lives physically, emotionally, and financially.

Elements of Proof in an Anchorage Personal Injury Case

In an Alaska personal injury case, proving that someone else is responsible for your injuries requires establishing certain legal elements. These elements form the foundation of your case and must be proven for you to recover compensation. Here are the key legal elements of proof in a personal injury case.

• Duty of Care – The first element you must prove is that the at-fault party (the defendant) owed you a duty of care. This means that the person or entity had a legal obligation to act in a reasonably careful manner to avoid causing harm. For example, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and drive safely to protect others on the road. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions on their premises to prevent injuries to visitors.
• Breach of Duty – Next, you must show that the defendant breached their duty of care. A breach occurs when the defendant fails to act as a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. This can include actions like texting while driving, failing to clean up a spill, or not providing proper safety equipment at work. The breach of duty is central to proving negligence in a personal injury case.
• Causation – Causation is the link between the defendant’s breach of duty and your injuries. You must demonstrate that the defendant’s actions directly caused your injuries. There are two types of causation: actual cause and proximate cause. Actual cause means that the injury would not have occurred without the defendant’s actions. Proximate cause refers to whether the injuries were a foreseeable result of the defendant’s conduct.
• Damages – Finally, you must prove that you suffered damages as a result of the defendant’s breach of duty. Damages can include physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. Without proof of damages, even if the other elements are established, there may be no basis for compensation.

Common Injuries that Individuals in Anchorage May Suffer Due to Others’ Negligence

In Anchorage, accidents resulting from others’ negligence can lead to a wide range of injuries, varying in severity. These injuries can occur in car accidents, slip and falls, construction site accidents, and other situations where someone fails to exercise proper care. Here are some of the most common injuries individuals in Anchorage may suffer due to negligence.

• Broken Bones – Broken bones are a frequent result of accidents. They can occur in car crashes, slip and falls, and other traumatic events. Fractures can range from simple breaks, which may only require a cast, to more complicated breaks that need surgery and long-term rehabilitation. Broken bones can severely affect a person’s ability to work and carry out daily activities. 
• Head Injuries – Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), are serious and can have long-lasting effects. These injuries often occur in car accidents, falls, and sports-related incidents. A concussion may cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and memory problems, while a TBI can lead to more severe cognitive impairments, personality changes, and, in some cases, permanent disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating injuries someone can suffer. These injuries can result from severe car or truck accidents, falls from heights, or pedestrian accidents. Depending on the severity, a spinal cord injury can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical care and lifelong support.
• Soft Tissue Injuries – Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and whiplash, are also common in accidents – especially car crashes. While they may not be as immediately apparent as broken bones, these injuries can cause significant pain and discomfort. Recovery often involves physical therapy, pain management, and, in some cases, surgery.
• Cuts and Lacerations – Cuts and lacerations can occur in various types of accidents, including car crashes, workplace incidents, and slip-and-falls. These injuries can range from minor cuts that require little treatment to deep lacerations that necessitate stitches or surgery. Severe lacerations can also lead to nerve damage or infections.

In addition to physical injuries, accidents can also lead to emotional and psychological trauma. This can include conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health issues can be as debilitating as physical injuries and often require therapy and long-term care.

Fighting the Insurance Company in an Anchorage Personal Injury Case

When you’re involved in a personal injury case in Anchorage, dealing with the insurance company can be a daunting task. Insurance companies are often focused on minimizing payouts – not on ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. This is where we at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers can step in to help you fight the insurance company and protect your rights.

• Handling Communication – One of the first ways we can assist you is by handling all communication with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Insurers may try to get you to say something that weakens your case. We ensure that your words aren’t twisted and that you’re not pressured into accepting a low settlement. By taking over these communications, we relieve you of the stress and allow you to focus on your recovery.
• Gathering and Presenting Evidence – We can gather all of the necessary evidence to build a strong case. This includes collecting medical records, police reports, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation. We can also work with experts to reconstruct the accident or evaluate your injuries. Presenting a well-organized and compelling case increases your chances of receiving fair compensation.
• Negotiating a Fair Settlement – Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements, hoping you will accept less than what you deserve. We are skilled negotiators who know how to push back against these tactics. By understanding the full value of your case, including both economic and non-economic damages, we can negotiate a settlement that truly reflects your losses.
• Taking the Case to Court – If the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. We will represent your case in front of a judge or jury and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take After an Accident in Anchorage that Causes You Injuries

If you’re injured in an accident that takes place in Anchorage, it’s crucial to take the right steps to protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

• Seek Ongoing Medical Attention – Follow all treatment plans and finish your medical care completely. This ensures that your injuries are properly documented, which is vital for any personal injury claim.
• Gather and Retain Important Documentation – Keep detailed records of everything related to your accident. This includes medical bills, doctor’s notes, prescriptions, and any communication with insurance companies. Also, take photos of your injuries and the accident scene, and get a copy of the police report if applicable. This documentation will be crucial if you decide to pursue legal action.
• Speak with an Experienced Anchorage Personal Injury Lawyer – The experienced Anchorage personal injury attorneys at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and deal with the insurance companies. We can also guide you through the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Speak with an Experienced Anchorage Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you suffered injuries in an Anchorage accident that resulted from someone else’s negligent behavior, the legal team at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers is ready to fight for your rights. We can aggressively advocate for you and pursue the settlement or litigation compensation you deserve.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Anchorage, please call us at (206) 350-6629 or contact us online.