Dangers Of The Seward Highway

• Road layout: The Seward Highway is filled with sharp curves, steep grades, and areas of limited visibility, particularly along the Turnagain Arm where the road is squeezed between mountains and the ocean. In some places, there are steep drop-offs with no guardrails.
• Weather: Weather changes quickly and dramatically, even during summer months. Unexpected weather, freezing temperatures, ice, hail, and snow make driving the Seward Highway hazardous. In winter months, avalanches often close the highway for extended periods.
• Traffic: A popular tourist route, the Seward Highway sees heavy traffic during the summer, including large commercial trucks and RVs. Distracted drivers stopping to look at scenery or wildlife often congest traffic, causing accidents. Impatient drivers also cause head-on collisions while passing other vehicles.
• Wildlife: Encounters with animals such as moose, bears, and Dahl sheep are common, especially at dawn and dusk. Striking an animal may cause a serious accident and injuries.
• Natural hazards: Rockfalls and ice near areas like Beluga Point pose serious threats for drivers.

Safety Tips For Alaska’s Drivers

• Watch for wildlife: Slow down and be vigilant in areas with wildlife crossing signs, especially while driving in the dawn and dusk hours. 
• Be patient: Avoid passing slower vehicles along the Seward Highway, especially on blind curves. Only stop using designated pull-outs.
• Stay alert: Pay close attention to the road, maintain awareness of your surroundings, and avoid distractions
• Check conditions in advance: Always check the latest road and weather conditions along the Seward Highway via the 511.alaska.gov traveler information system before you leave.
• Be prepared: Consider carrying extra water, blankets, and gas, especially during winter travel.

Consult An Alaska Personal Injury Attorney After An Accident

After a serious auto accident on the Seward Highway, some insurance adjusters will make a policy limits settlement offer but only under one layer of coverage, when multiple layers may be available. I have found this to be true in too many situations. Clients approach me to discuss initial policy limits settlement offers. When, in reality, a thorough facts and insurance policy review, reveals additional coverage and better financial recovery for the victims and their families.

Another consideration, semi-trucks involvement in Seward Highway accidents, may open up product liability and/or maintenance liability claims associated with the truck or its manufacturer. This claims expose additional sources of compensation for victims and families of those injured in vehicle collisions.

If you are considering a serious injury claim after a Seward Highway accident, speak to the experienced Anchorage, Alaska personal injury attorneys at Johnson Law, P.C. We know Alaska and Alaskan Law.

If you or a loved one is the victim of a Seward Highway auto accident, do not hesitate to contact Johnson Law for a free case evaluation and find out how we can help. Johnson Law has been serving Alaska auto injury victims for 30 years. It’s who we are.

Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your serious injury case. We are here to serve you.

No matter where you’re driving this weekend, please drive safely this weekend

Image Source: Travel Alaska

Unfortunately, it appears Alaska pedestrian injuries are also on the rise. While numbers are preliminary, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities reports at least 25 pedestrians were killed in vehicle collisions in a 12 month period under review from 2022 to 2023. According to the Anchorage Police Department 16 deaths arose from pedestrian versus vehicle collisions in the 12 months leading to June 2025. 

Insurance Coverage For Alaska Pedestrian Injuries

Auto insurance potentially covers Alaska pedestrian injuries caused by an auto. In addition, the at-fault driver’s insurance is only be the first step of plausible financial recovery for an auto injury victim. There is also the possibility for compensation through the pedestrian’s own Medical Payments (MedPay); Uninsured or Underinsured (U/UIM) coverages. The amounts available through these different auto insurance coverages combine – or “stack” in a particular order to cover Alaska pedestrian injuries – or the family of the deceased person.

Personal Injury Claims

While many laws protect the rights of Alaskans on foot. Alaska law gives pedestrians the right-of-way in safety zones. For example: If a pedestrian is crossing the street in a safety zone – such as a school zone – cars must yield. Pedestrians also have the right to finish crossing a street if the light changes while they are still crossing. Unfortunately, drivers routinely ignore these laws for the sake of convenience. Thus, a leading cause for increased Alaska pedestrian injuries.

While laws prohibit pedestrians from jaywalking or crossing the road when the light indicates “Don’t Walk,” many opt to take a chance. Another key factor of increases in Alaska pedestrian injuries. In these instances, the pedestrian and the driver may ultimately split the fault. It is in your best interest to consult with an Alaska personal injury attorney after a pedestrian versus auto accident. The attorney will help you determine the best course of action.

The Advice You Need To Understand Your Right To Compensation

Finally, it’s worth noting that not all pedestrian injuries are due to accidents with vehicles. Poorly maintained roads and walkways or unmarked hazard zones contribute to thousands of injuries every year. The property owner, the city or the state is often the accountable party for Alaska pedestrian injuries in these cases. Professional counsel and representation is essential when dealing with the aftermath of Alaska pedestrian injuries.

If you are considering a personal injury claim, speak to the experienced Alaska personal injury attorneys at Johnson Law, P.C. We know Alaska and Alaskan Law.

If you or a loved one is the victim of an Alaska auto injury in Alaska, do not hesitate to contact Johnson Law for a free case evaluation and find out how we can help. Johnson Law has been serving Alaska pedestrian versus auto injury victims for 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your serious injury case. We are here to serve you.

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

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; and Alaska’s News Source

Image Source: Anchorage Daily News (Loren Holmes / ADN 2024)