Unfortunately, there is no way to make yourself completely safe against the threat of a motor vehicle crash. The most common causes of injurious car crashes include distracted drivers, drunk drivers, and unlawful drivers.

Distracted Driving and Motor Vehicle Crashes

Distracting driving is an issue worsening in the age of modern technology. Smartphone use or texting while driving is rampant on our nation’s roadways. Some believe that texting while driving — and statistics seem to support this — is even more dangerous than drunk driving. Either way, taking your eyes off the road to manipulate an electronic device is never a good idea. Drivers are also distracted during activities such as applying makeup or changing radio stations. These distractions cause drivers to operate their vehicles blindly and cause serious car crashes.

Drunk Drivers

Annually, Drunk drivers cause many motor vehicle crashes. Drunk Drivers have slower reaction times and cannot accurately see what is happening on the road. The altered state causes drivers to make poor decisions — like choosing to drive too fast instead of following the posted speed limit or changing lanes uncontrollably. As you can imagine, not following the rules of the road and driving while under the influence is a recipe for disaster, which is why so many DUI car crashes involve very serious injuries and death.

Unlawful Drivers and Car Crashes

Finally, unlawful drivers come in all varieties. The rules of the road were created for a very important reason: to keep us safe. When a driver fails to follow traffic, other drivers will be caught off guard because unlawful drivers act unexpectedly. Suffice it to say, most car crashes are due to one or more driver’s failure to adhere to the law.

If you suffer injuries in a motor vehicle crash due to another person’s negligence, you need to hold that person responsible. Holding people responsible for their actions encourages more drivers to follow the rules of the road, making the roads safer for everyone.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.

Contact Johnson Law, P.C.: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Secondary Sources: NHTSA, RGA;

Image Source: Adobe Stock

Alaska’s Road Conditions Ranked

The Reason Foundation’s Annual Highway Report placed Alaska’s roads at or near the bottom of their rankings for over 10 years. Alaska was last in 2013, moving up slightly to 49th in 2014. Alaska’s roads reached 48th in 2018 and remains stagnant. The rankings are based upon the quality of the roads and the cost-effectiveness of the road system.

In addition to the conditions on rural roads, the report found an increase in bad conditions on interstates. Alaska is one of five states in the entire country that has almost fifty percent of its rural interstates considered to be in poor condition. The study also found many deficient bridges in the state. Alaska’s worst rankings are in rural arterial pavement condition (50) and rural Interstate pavement condition (48).

Alaska officials take issue with the report. They say the existing roads require high costs to maintain and the ranking doesn’t take newly built roads into account. The state transportation department points out improvements like underpasses and overpasses on rural roads infrequently traveled can’t be justified due to the expense. But the person who compiles the report says just the opposite is true. There are so many rural areas in Alaska that require travel to major cities. Those citizens have no choice but to use those roads.

Road Maintenance Reduces Car Accidents on Alaska’s Roads

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities provides Alaskans with its scheduling priorities for Alaska’s roads. Because winter conditions vary, response times are dependent upon the severity and length of each winter storm. Priority levels at a glance are listed below:

Priority Level 1

High-volume, high-speed highways, expressways, minor highways, all safety corridors and other major urban and community routes. Maintenance on Level 1 routes may take up to 12 hours to clear after a winter storm.

Priority Level 2

Routes of lesser priority based on traffic volume, speeds and uses. Typically, these are major highways and arterials connecting communities. Maintenance on Level 2 routes may take up to 18 hours to clear after a winter storm.

Priority Level 3

Major local roads or collector roads located in larger urban communities. Maintenance on Level 3 routes may take up to 24 hours to clear after a winter storm.

Priority Level 4

Minor local roads that provide residential or recreational access. Maintenance on Level 4 routes may take up to 30 hours to clear after a winter storm.

Priority Level 5

Roadways that are designated as “No Winter Maintenance” routes, e.g. Denali Highway or Taylor Highway. Level 5 routes are generally cleared only in spring to open road for summer traffic.

Auto Accidents On Alaska’s Roads

While human error and mechanical problems are the main causes of auto accidents on Alaska’s roads, poorly maintained roads can certainly be a contributing factor. If you think poor road conditions were the cause of an auto accident on Alaska’s roads, contact a reputable and experienced personal injury attorney in Alaska who can help you determine who should take responsibility for your pain and suffering.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping injured Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do.

Contact Johnson Law, P.C.: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Material Sources: Reason Foundation, Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

Image Source: NBC News

Why is winter driving more dangerous?

1. On clear sunny days, the low angle of the sun can affect visibility. It’s imperative to ensure that windscreens are kept clean in winter, especially during wet weather conditions leading to mud and water on the roads.
2. Ice and snow cause obvious problems, affecting our ability to steer and brake as needed. It can take 10 times longer to stop when braking in ice and snow.
3. Decreased visibility: our ability to judge distance decreases, and our eyes take time to adjust from bright lights to darker roads. This is particularly an issue for older drivers, whose eyes take longer to adjust. Between the ages of 15 and 65, the speed at which our eyes are able to adjust from light to dark conditions increases from 1 second to 9 seconds.
4. It’s more difficult to see other road users in the dark months. Pedestrians are often not aware of this, meaning that they behave in a manner that puts them more at risk.
5. Young drivers can be particularly vulnerable due to a lack of experience of driving in the dark.

The good news is that you can prepare for Alaska winter driving conditions. Knowing what to do to prepare your vehicle and yourself for snow, ice and sleet can help you prevent accidents and injuries.

What should you do before you drive in hazardous winter conditions?

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance

Get your vehicle inspected regularly and perform regular maintenance. Your tires should have at least 2/32″ of tread remaining. If the tread measures 2/32″, it’s time to replace them. Poor tread leads to slipping and skidding, which is not what you want in winter-weather conditions.

Take a winter driving course to reduce winter driving hazards

Knowing what your vehicle can and cannot do, along with what you are capable of when driving, helps you make better decisions about when you should drive and when it’s better to stay home. Learn to handle your vehicle on ice and in the snow, so you stay in control. Regardless of how safely we drive ourselves, we can’t assume other drivers will do the same. It’s important to control the things that we can control.

Plan more time for the drive

Finally, set aside more time to drive. If you have to be somewhere and it normally takes you a half-hour, plan for an hour in poor weather conditions to reduce Alaska winter driving hazards. Being able to slow down and take your time helps prevent crashes.

These are just a few tips to help you stay safe out there. Slow down, prepare your vehicle, and you’ll be safer.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping injured Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do.

Contact Johnson Law, P.C.: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Secondary Material Source: MiMsafe, “The dangers of winter driving“

Image Source: Alaska Car Transport

Prepare For Alaska Winter Driving Hazards

Check with National Weather Service before traveling. The National Weather Service issues winter weather warnings, watches and advisories.

A few major highways are not maintained during the winter months. Travel is strongly discouraged for your safety. Please abide by these warnings as roads are impassable due to extreme weather conditions and may be life threatening. Emergency services and travel assistance are not available. These warnings are noted under Urgent Reports on the 511.Alaska.gov.

Prepare Your Vehicle For Alaska Winter Driving

Aside from annual maintenance, there are many ways to enhance the safety of your vehicle for Alaska Winter Driving.

• Test your battery; battery power drops as the temperature drops
• Make sure the cooling system is in good working order
• Have winter tires with a deeper, more flexible tread put on your car
• If using all-season tires, check the tread and replace if less than 2/32 of an inch
• Check the tire pressure, which drops as the temperature drops
• Check your wiper blades and replace if needed
• Add wiper fluid rated for -30 degrees Fahrenheit
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze

Before driving in snowy weather, removing all snow and ice from your car’s windows, roof and lights is crucial to ensure visibility and prevent accidents. Drive with your headlights on. This will help you see and be seen by other drivers. 

Prepare Yourself For Alaska Winter Driving

It’s extremely important to be cold weather prepared in the event of an accident or your car breaking down. In Alaska, there can be many miles of highway between towns, some with very little traffic.

Having a cold weather kit prepacked and ready in your car can be the difference of whether or not you are warm while you wait for help. Pack a full set of winter gear including warm socks, boots, snow pants, a jacket, gloves or mittens, and a hat. Using disposable hand-warmers and a space blanket can also help to maintain warmth. Always have first aid and emergency response kits readily available in your car.

Drive Safely

Remember to give yourself extra travel time for less-than-ideal weather conditions of Alaska Winter Driving. Avoid using cruise control in wintry conditions and remember to accelerate and decelerate slowly. If you slide, steer in the direction of a skid, so when your wheels regain traction, you don’t have to over-correct to stay in your lane.

Increase your following distance to 8 to 10 seconds to allow you more time to avoid potential accidents. If possible, don’t stop when going uphill, as this can lead to being stuck on an icy patch, or worse, losing control and sliding backwards, downhill.

Avoid sudden stops or sharp turns that can cause you to lose control of your car. Abrupt changes in speed or direction can cause your vehicle to skid or slide. When accelerating or decelerating, do so slowly and smoothly.

For nearly 30 years, Johnson Law, P.C. has helped injured Alaskans navigate challenging times. And while you hope you never need us, we’re here if you do. Contact Johnson Law, P.C.: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Secondary Material Sources: National Safety Council; Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; Alaska 511

Image Source: Adobe Stock

When disagreements with a spouse go over-the-line … it is time to call a family attorney. When the District Attorney’s office charges you (or a loved one) with a crime … it is time to call a criminal defense attorney. These example are relatively obvious. Yet, who do you call if you are wronged in other ways? What if you are injured, or lose a loved one in an accident? How do you know if the law will help you?

What is a Personal Injury Attorney?

I am an Alaskan Personal Injury lawyer. Most folks know that I help people hurt (and the families of those killed) by another person’s bad conduct (“negligence”).

In the case of an automobile crash, the negligence is usually poor choices while driving – ignoring the Rules of the Road. People call me when they were hurt in an accident – caused by somebody else. For example: a Drunk Driver crossed the center-line, or ran a Stop sign … and crashed into them. When this happens, it may not seem too difficult to conclude that the Drunk Driver engaged was wrong or negligent. We all agree that accountability is good. The law should help injured people. The law must help families of a person killed by someone else’s wrongful misconduct. Holding Drunk Drivers fully accountable for their misconduct makes society better.

What about situations when an individual suffers serious injuries (or is killed) by products and machinery that have been poorly designed, built, or maintained? Was it because a manufacturer or vendor was negligent in their duties to the public and allowed a defective product to reach the market? In order to recover the highest amount of compensation for a defective product injury, you must be able to prove the following:

• The manufacturer (or vendor) had a duty
• The manufacturer (or vendor) breached that duty
• The breach caused the accident and resulted in the injuries

When to Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

Imagine this situation. You are badly injured or a loved one is killed. Whether there is bad conduct or not is unclear. How is a person like you to learn whether another person engaged in the type of bad conduct giving rise to a tort claim for injury or death?

Or, what about situations where an insurance company tells you “there is no claim here,” “there is no coverage for that loss,” or “there is nothing we can do for you”? What should you do then?

The answer is simple: You can either: (1) Wilt away and let it drop; or (2) Find a good Personal Injury Attorney to investigate for you.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help?

A good Personal Injury Lawyer will educate you about your rights, the legal bases of your claim, and the damages you may be able to recover. A good Personal Injury attorney should also advise you throughout the recovery process, helping you know what to expect. Finally, a good Personal Injury lawyer should be an effective and honest representative for you.

A good Personal Injury attorney is willing to expend the time and resources necessary to fully investigate potential injury and death claims. We hire investigators, collect the records, do the legal, engineering, and medical research to determine whether a claim exists. It is part of our job. You have nothing to lose by asking a good Personal Injury attorney to investigate an injury or death claim. Nothing. The worst that can happen is you spend 30 minutes explaining the situation to the attorney – who sees no merit, and declines to further investigate. On the other hand, the attorney may discover that a potential claim exists … and be willing to work with you.

For nearly 30 years, Johnson Law, P.C. has helped injured Alaskans navigate challenging times. And while you hope you never need us, we’re here if you do. Contact Johnson Law, P.C.: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Image Source: Adobe Stock

Dedicated to Recovering Fair Compensation for You

I’m Doug Johnson. I have been fighting for severe injury and wrongful death victims’ rights in Alaska since 1995. Johnson Law, P.C. have nearly 30 years of experience fighting insurance companies and large corporations to recover compensation for injured Alaskans and the families of Alaskans killed in accidents caused by another person’s mistake. Our firm has earned its reputation in the legal community as a committed and powerful legal team.

Johnson Law, P.C. knows Alaskan law and how to build strong cases for clients. We focus on the details of every severe injury and wrongful death case, leaving no stone unturned or matter unaddressed. Johnson Law, P.C. knows what you need to win your case, giving 110%, and employing the necessary resources for achieving successful recoveries in injury and death cases. We are a team of lawyers, paralegals and support staff who put our experience to work seeking justice for clients like you every day.

We work, litigate, and travel all over Alaska for our clients. No matter how far out you may live in Alaska, we will help you fight for fair compensation. Johnson Law, P.C. will go the distance to see you are treated fairly. We also know Alaska.

Severe Injury and Wrongful Death Claims

When you or someone you love is injured or killed because of another person’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for what you have lost. The process of personal injury or wrongful death claims can be complicated and overwhelming. Especially if you are unfamiliar with how insurance works and Alaska’s laws. Keeping track of the details involved in a personal injury or wrongful death claim is the last thing you have time for when you should be focused on recovering from injuries or healing after the loss of a loved one.

Hiring an experienced Alaskan personal injury attorney is the best decision in helping ensure you are treated fairly for your damages. At Johnson Law, P.C., we have the experience and resources to help you move forward successfully in making a demand, filing a lawsuit, negotiating settlements, or going to trial. We focus on showing all of your damages and losses after an accident. Our dedication to your success and obtaining just compensation for your injuries and losses will give you peace of mind while you focus on healing and taking care of your family.

Car Accidents

Almost all car crashes happen because a driver failed to act reasonably for road and vehicle conditions. Alaska law requires that every driver use reasonable care to avoid hitting other vehicles or people. Every driver is responsible for driving safely. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed because another driver did not drive safely, you are entitled to be compensated for all your expenses and losses. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling car accident cases.

Motorcycle Accidents

Part of a driver’s responsibility includes keeping a sharp lookout for other vehicles, including motorcycles. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to serious injuries and death in a crash caused by another driver’s failure to drive safely. When a collision occurs between a car and a motorcycle, the insurance company will often try to blame the motorcycle driver for the accident. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling motorcycle accident cases.

Trucking Accidents

Crashes involving large commercial trucks often cause catastrophic injuries and deaths. These collisions may be caused by the truck driver’s unsafe driving. They may be caused by the trucking company’s, truck owner’s, or dispatcher’s unsafe actions and decisions. Faulty equipment might cause a crash. A trucking accident might result from a combination of some or all these things. Sometimes, trucking companies may be held responsible for injuries and deaths caused by their failure to hire a safe driver, to professionally train, or to enforce strong policies and procedures to protect others on the Alaskan roads. Trucking companies are sometimes responsible for the employee’s actions. Insurance companies for large commercial vehicles defend claims against trucking companies very aggressively. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling truck accident cases.

Maritime Injuries

Commercial fishing is a dangerous job. Special laws protect injured maritime workers and seamen. When a commercial fisherman is injured, their employer and the vessel interests are required to pay for medical treatment, room and board during treatment, and the wages the injured worker or seaman would have earned without the maritime injury. If the injuries are caused by someone else’s mistake, anything faulty on the boat, or other equipment, the seaman is entitled to make a claim for pain and suffering, as well as other lost income, including future lost income. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling maritime injury cases.

Cruise Ship Injuries

Injured cruise ship passengers are entitled to compensation if they are injured due to unreasonable actions or mistakes made by the cruise company, its employees, or representatives. These claims also arise if the injuries are caused by faulty equipment or facilities. Cruise ship injuries claims are subject to different laws than those laws governing claims for injuries on land. Cruise ship passengers must be aware that there are VERY STRICT, SHORT DEADLINES FOR GIVING NOTICE OF CLAIMS AND FOR FILING SUIT against a cruise line or a cruise line contractor.

These short deadlines may apply to claims against tours, activities, transportation and concessions on land, when the activities were booked or scheduled through the cruise lines or connected with the cruise line. If you or a loved one has been injured on a cruise or any excursion or activity relating to a cruise, you need to contact an attorney experienced in such claims right away. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling cruise ship injury cases.

Boating Accidents

Alaska is famous for its beautiful oceans and lakes. During the summer, Alaskans and visitors to Alaska are on the water. For many Alaskans and tourists, boating is the main form of transportation. Whether transportation or recreation, accidents involving boats happen just the same as car accidents. When someone injures or kills someone because of unsafe operation of a boat or other watercraft, this person needs to be held responsible for the harm they cause. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling boating accident cases.

Plane Crashes

Alaska is a rural state with many towns and communities that are best accessed by small planes. The state also depends on aviation for commerce and tourism. Injury and death claims arising from plane crashes require a law firm with aviation accident experience and resources needed for proper investigation, analysis, and pursuit of the claim. Johnson Law, P.C. offers what clients need to successfully pursue injury and wrongful death claims a private or commercial plane accident. Claims should be asserted as soon as possible following a plane crash. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling aviation accident cases.

Dog Bites

Nationwide, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year. Unfortunately, children seem to be the most common victims. Dog attacks can cause terrible physical and emotional injuries. A dog’s owner is responsible for keeping their dog under control and protecting others from being injured by an aggressive dog. When an owner does not protect others from their dog, the owner is liable for all the resulting injuries and losses. These loses include past and future medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling dog bite cases.

Defective Products and Machinery

Injuries and death can result from many diverse kinds of defects in products and machinery, ranging from defective aircraft or heavy machinery parts to children’s car seats or even common household items. Product manufacturers must extensively test products before making them available to the public. Designers, manufacturers and retailers may be held responsible for the harm caused by a defective product. When pursuing a claim against a defective product or piece of machinery, it is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling a defective products case.

Severe Injury or Wrongful Death Caused by Drunk Drivers

Drunk drivers cause way too many injuries and deaths every year in our state. Johnson Law, P.C. will aggressively pursue claims for injuries and deaths caused by motorists who choose to drink and drive. We prosecute those cases as hard as we can to obtain fair and full compensation for our clients. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling claims against a drunk driver under Alaska’s DUI laws.

Wrongful Death

Claims for deaths caused by another person’s mistakes or unreasonable actions are called wrongful death claims. While most Alaska injury laws apply, claims for wrongful death in Alaska also have unique laws and rules. For example: Who can bring the claims and how the claim must be prosecuted. How the claim can be resolved, and who can receive compensation for the loss. Johnson Law, P.C. know how to properly assert and pursue wrongful death claim cases. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling wrongful death claims.

The Results You Need to Move on With Your Life after Severe Injury or Wrongful Death

We fight for justice for our severe injury and wrongful death clients. For their own personal injuries and their losses from the wrongful deaths of loved ones. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident, let Alaskan personal injury lawyer Douglas G. Johnson and his team guide you. Johnson Law, P.C. has recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients. It will be our goal to get you full compensation. We offer free consultations and will travel where needed to take care of our clients.

For nearly 30 years, Johnson Law, P.C. has helped Alaskans navigate challenging times. And while you hope you never need us, we’re here if you do. Contact Johnson Law, P.C.: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Image Source: Adobe Stock