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Alaska Local Accident Resources

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Charities That Local Accident Reports Supports

Texas Health and Human Services Crisis Services

Offers 24/7 crisis support and mental health intervention services, including access to emergency counselors.

Crisis Text Line

This nonprofit provides confidential support via text for individuals in crisis, available 24/7 for immediate mental health and emotional support.

Metrocare Services (Dallas)

Offers outpatient counseling and therapy services for individuals dealing with trauma and loss.

Catholic Charities of Texas

Provides mental health counseling and trauma support for families coping with loss and personal injury.

These resources support individuals facing emotional challenges, offering safe spaces and professional guidance for processing grief.

At Local Accident Reports, we are committed to supporting Texas families affected by wrongful death, providing guidance and advocacy as you seek justice. Please reach out for additional information, assistance with accident reports, or compassionate legal support. We’re here to help you take steps toward recovery and peace.

Alaska Local Accident Resources

Was Someone in Your Family Involved in a Fatal Car Accident in Alaska Yesterday?

Has someone close to you recently passed away in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence? If so, contact our team to schedule a free consultation with an Alaska wrongful death lawyer to begin your path toward justice.

If a loved one is involved in a fatal motor vehicle collision, we understand how devastating it can be. While Alaska is a beautiful state, its terrain can also be treacherous, and it can be a major reason behind many motor vehicle accidents. These accidents are a huge source of injury and death. They can also lead to major financial burdens such as time off of work, medical bills, and loss of income.

We want you to know there are many legal options you can explore in these types of circumstances. Opting for legal help or consultation can help you navigate much of the difficulty you may face. You can also seek many statewide resources for help. 

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What to Do if You Have Lost Income After an Accident

If your family has lost income due to a wrongful death after an accident, or you have been severely injured in a car accident, you can receive monetary support or compensation for the time you spend healing or recovering. Utilizing a wrongful death attorney allows you to navigate insurance claims and receive the correct amount of money you are entitled to. There are also some state-sponsored resources for help you should look into. 

  • Social Security Disability– Statewide resources available to individuals who cannot work due to severe impairment or potentially life-threatening injuries.
  • Supplemental Security Income– Resources for those who may not be able to get adequate financial aid in times of need.
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Need help with requesting an official copy of the incident police report?

It’s important for those who sustained injuries or had someone close die in a car accident to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death suit against negligent parties. To do so, you will need a copy of the police report. It’s possible to retrieve a copy of a traffic accident police report online, or one of our local personal injury lawyers can provide one to you at no cost. 

After a collision is reported, you are entitled to a transcript of the accident. The Alaska DMV has created this resource to walk you through the steps after an accident, which include filing an incident report. To obtain a copy, you must request it from the Alaska DMV or through an approved partner site. You can complete and submit a form to obtain your file.

If you or a loved one was involved in an Alaska car accident, contact us today if you need help retrieving a copy of your police report. We are here to help all accident victims.

Emotional Support

After your wrongful death accident, you or a loved one may experience emotional shock or disturbance. If left untreated, this can severely impact your well-being over time. It is important to seek emotional support after an accident to prevent this. For those in the Alaska region, the following links can be of use in identifying aid:

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Financial Hardship Assistance for Crime Vitims

Alcohol or Drug related Collisions or MVAs

The CDC has prepared an excellent infographic on the statistics behind state and nationwide drunk or impaired driving. A blood alcohol concentration of .08% or more is driving under the influence, .04% if you are in a commercial vehicle, or .02% or more if you are under the age of 21 If there is any insinuation of drug use or alcohol consumption, police will administer a blood test or breathalyzer to confirm the suspicion.  Below is a resource that can help you find support or legal provisions if a drunk or influenced driver is the reason for your accident:

  • MADD Alaska– This acronym stands for “Mothers Against Drunk Driving” and is an organization of passionate individuals who aid those who are victims of drunk driving. They have established the organization to bring attention to cases of drunk driving and also to prevent underage drinking in teens and young adults. They have a 24-hour helpline for those in crisis or who have experienced a drug or alcohol-related collision; it is 877. MADD.HELP.

Charities Supported by Local Accident Reports

  • Access Alaska: Access Alaska promotes and encourages integrating disabled citizens into the communities of their choice. We work on empowering disabled persons and seniors and advocating for them in order to help them become active and engaged in the community.
  • Arrive Alive Tour: The Arrive Alive Tour visits schools and colleges across the country and spreads awareness concerning the dangers of negligent driving. They also promote safe driving habits through educational programs.
  • The Compassionate Friends: This organization exists to provide understanding, friendship, and hope to people experiencing loss in their family.
  • The Healing Tree: The Healing Tree advocates healing from abuse rather than coping with the symptoms in order to change lives and, ultimately, society as a whole.
  • Providence: A website to get help from healthcare providers virtually or in person. You can find a doctor, pay medical bills, and more.
  • Stop Distractions: An organization dedicated to helping individuals who have lost loved ones due to distracted driving accidents.

About Wrongful Death in Alaska

Defining Wrongful Death

In Alaska, wrongful death refers to a legal claim that develops when an individual loses their life due to the intentional or negligent acts of another person. Alaska Statutes, specifically AS 09.55.580, demonstrate the provisions associated with wrongful death.

Under Alaska law, wrongful death may occur due to various situations, including:

  1. Negligent actions, such as reckless driving, medical malpractice, or failure to maintain safe premises.
  2. Intentional acts, criminal acts, assault, or murder.
  3. Defective products that result in fatal injuries.
  4. Workplace accidents or occupational hazards.

A wrongful death claim’s purpose is to provide surviving family members with compensation for the losses and damages they have suffered due to the death of their loved one.

In Alaska, only certain people are able to file a wrongful death lawsuit, generally immediate family members or representatives of the deceased individual’s estate. It is vital to consult with a skilled lawyer who can help guide and represent you throughout the legal process.

What damages are available in an Alaska wrongful death claim?

In Alaska, damages that can be compensated for in a wrongful death claim generally include economic and non-economic damages. The main damages that can be awarded vary depending on the case details and the losses the surviving family members have suffered. Some of the common types of damages available in Alaska wrongful death claims include:

  1. Economic Damages:
    • Medical expenses incurred before death
    • Funeral and burial costs
    • Loss of financial support, including benefits and income the deceased may have provided to surviving family
    • Loss of services provided by the deceased, such as household chores/childcare
    • Loss of prospective inheritance
  2. Non-Economic Damages:
    • Pain and suffering the deceased victim experienced before their passing
    • Loss of companionship, guidance, care, and consortium (the support and companionship of the deceased)
    • Emotional distress surviving family members suffer due to losing their loved one
    • Loss of enjoyment of life or activities that the deceased victim may have shared with their family

Punitive damages may be awarded in some cases if the actions of the defendant were particularly reckless or egregious. However, punitive damages are not automatically granted and are generally reserved for cases where intentional misconduct or extreme negligence are involved.

It’s vital to remember that determining the extent of damages in a wrongful death claim may be complicated, and it usually requires the expertise of skilled lawyers, financial experts, and other professionals who can accurately assess and figure out the losses suffered by the surviving loved ones of the deceased victim.

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Alaska?

In Alaska, the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit is usually granted to a personal representative of the deceased individual’s estate. This person is usually appointed by the court or may be named by the deceased person in their will. If there is no will, the representative may be determined by Alaska’s laws of intestate succession. The personal representative acts on behalf of the surviving family of the deceased, such as their children, parents, spouse, or siblings, in order to pursue the wrongful death claim.

The role of the personal representative is to bring the lawsuit on behalf of the surviving family members in order to seek financial compensation for the losses and damages they have suffered due to the wrongful death of their loved one.

It’s important to remember that specific requirements and procedures for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Alaska may vary, and it is smart to work with a skilled wrongful death lawyer who can provide assistance and guidance throughout the legal process.

Is there a time limit for filing a wrongful death claim in Alaska?

There is a statute of limitations in Alaska for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Typically, the lawsuit has to be filed within two years from the day your loved one passed away. This time limit is specified in Alaska Statutes Section 09.10.070.

It’s vital to adhere to the statute of limitations because failing to do so within the time frame may result in the case being dismissed by the court, and surviving family members may lose the legal right to seek financial compensation for their damages.

However, if there are circumstances or exceptions that affect the deadline, it is vital to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible if you believe you have a true wrongful death claim. a lawyer can help you determine the applicable time limits and help ensure that you are able to preserve and protect your legal rights.

How are damages distributed in a wrongful death case?

Damages are awarded in an Alaska wrongful death case by distributing them among surviving family members according to the laws of intestate succession unless otherwise specified in the deceased individual’s will. The particular distribution of damages may vary depending on the case’s circumstances and how the surviving family members are related to the deceased person.

Damages commonly awarded in a wrongful death case may be dispersed among surviving loved ones, such as children, parents, or spouses, based on their specific losses. These losses may include guidance, companionship, financial support, or other damages that resulted from the death.

The personal representative of the deceased individual’s estate will be responsible for dispersing the damages in accordance with the laws in Alaska and any court orders. If a dispute exists among surviving family members regarding how to distribute the damages, the court may intervene to help resolve the matter. If there is a dispute among the surviving family members regarding the distribution of damages, the court may intervene to resolve the matter.

Should I hire an attorney to file a wrongful death claim in Alaska?

While it’s not illegal to file a wrongful death claim without a lawyer, it is highly advisable to seek help from a skilled attorney. Wrongful death cases can be legally complex and emotionally challenging, and having legal representation can greatly benefit you in several ways:

  1. Legal Expertise: A lawyer who is proficient in wrongful death cases will have the expertise and knowledge to properly navigate the complexities of the laws in Alaska and the legal process. A lawyer can ensure that your rights are preserved while they efficiently handle your case in order to get you the best possible outcome.
  2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: An experienced lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances around the passing of your family member. They will interview witnesses, gather evidence, and work alongside experts to build a strong case for you.
  3. Negotiation and Advocacy: A wrongful death lawyer will aggressively negotiate with insurance companies and other attorneys to help you seek a fair and just settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, they will advocate for you and effectively present your case to a jury and judge.
  4. Emotional Support: Facing the loss of a loved one is emotionally difficult, and attempting to navigate the legal process properly can be even more stressful. A lawyer can compassionately provide you with guidance and support throughout the process, assisting in alleviating the burden.
  5. Maximize Compensation: A skilled lawyer will work to maximize the financial compensation you receive, including economic and non-economic damages. They will help you to fully understand the extent of your damages and make sure you are able to receive financial compensation for your injuries and losses.

Overall, while technically, it is possible to pursue a wrongful death claim without the help of a skilled lawyer, it is not advisable. Proper legal representation will substantially increase your chances of success and ensure that your rights are preserved and protected during this trying time.

What evidence is needed to prove wrongful death in Alaska?

To successfully prove wrongful death in Alaska, you generally need to gather various forms of evidence that show the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of the party responsible for your loved one’s accident. While the required evidence may vary depending on the case and its circumstances, here are some common types of evidence that may be needed:

  1. Medical Records: Records of the deceased individual’s injuries, medical care, and manner of death can be vital evidence in a wrongful death claim. This may include medical bills, autopsy reports, or hospital records.
  2. Eyewitness Testimony: Witness statements from people who saw the events that led up to the death or who may possess relevant information concerning the circumstances of the incident may provide vital testimony in order to support your case successfully.
  3. Expert Opinions: Statements from medical experts, crash reconstruction specialists, or other applicable experts may help to establish the actual cause of death and show how the responsible party’s actions directly contributed to the death.
  4. Photographs and Videos: Visual evidence like photos or videos of the crash scene, injuries sustained by the victim, or any property damage may help demonstrate the circumstances that surrounded the death.
  5. Police Reports and Accident Reports: Official police reports can help to provide pertinent details concerning the incident, including witness statements and preliminary findings regarding liability or fault.
  6. Documentation of Financial Losses: Evidence of the financial effect of the death, such as funeral expenses, lost income, and other financial losses, can help quantify the damages in the case.

Alaska Vehicle and Collision Statistics

In 2022, the state of Alaska saw 81 deaths related to car accidents. According to injuryfacts.nsc.org, there was a 31% decrease in motor-vehicle fatalities through December 2023, which is 25 less than in 2022. 

The Alaska Highway Safety Office (AHSO) reports that there are approximately 12,500 total car accidents statewide every year in Alaska.

According to the 2021 Alaska State Highway Safety Report, the rate of fatalities in the state from 2017 to 2021 was 1.280, while the number of deaths was 71.4. The report also says the rate of serious injuries from 2017 to 2021 was 5.426, while the number of serious injuries was 302.4.

Over 4,800 people suffer injuries in Alaska car crashes every year.

Common Causes of Car Crashes in Alaska

Car accidents happen in Alaska for numerous reasons. However, the most common reasons these wrecks usually occur include:

  • Speeding
  • Following too closely
  • Distracted driving
  • Failure to yield

Negligent Driving Statistics

Negligence is defined as careless conduct that eventually causes harm to another individual. In a car crash scenario, an individual may be negligent by:

  • doing something that they should not be doing (for example, running a red light or speeding), or
  • failing to do something that they should be doing (for example, not stopping for a pedestrian, failing to yield the right of way, or not using headlights while traveling at night.)

Negligent driving has become a serious problem in Alaska and across the United States. Each year, over 94% of reported car crashes happen due to the actions and/or errors of drivers, according to information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some facts related to driver negligence in the United States include:

  • Driver distraction causes over 400,000 traffic accidents per year and more than 3,000 fatalities.
  • Fatigued driving is behind around 100,000 traffic accidents per year and about 1,500 deaths.
  • Intoxicated driving causes over 12,000 people to lose their lives per year.
  • Speeding takes the lives of more than 11,000 individuals yearly.

In 2020, the leading cause of car accidents was intoxicated driving, speeding, and distracted driving. Drunk driving caused over 11,600 fatal accidents, while speeding caused more than 11,200, and distracted driving caused approximately 2,900.

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Alaska Grief & Trauma Resources

Resources by State

Contact Local Accident Reports Today

Whether you are attempting to connect with local resources or seeking help from a lawyer due to wanting to file a wrongful death claim, talking to one of our skilled lawyers is free and always a wise choice during a trying time like this. An experienced attorney can help you by thoroughly investigating your claim, building a strong case, aggressively negotiating with insurance companies to get you the financial compensation you need and deserve, and more. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us so we can help you through this troubling time. No one should face situations like this alone, which is why we are here to help.

Contact us to request a police report and learn how we can help you and your family during this difficult time. If an attorney represents you, they will do so on a contingency fee basis, so you will never have to pay upfront. 

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Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths by Road User Type and State

Car Occupants

Car Occupants

22

Pickup and SUV Occupants

Pickup and SUV Occupants

25

Large Truck Occupants

Large Truck Occupants

00

Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists

6

Pedestrians

Pedestrians

14

Bicyclists

Bicyclists

1

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