• You crash because your airbag suddenly deploys, therefore you may have a claim against the manufacturer.
• A pothole blows your tire, consequently you may need to file a claim with the local state government or other authorities.

In these cases, appropriate legal advice is crucial in successfully pursuing civil justice in cases which were not caused by driver negligence.

Automobile Defects

When a crash is related to a defective automobile or car part, the lawsuit may be against the manufacturer of the automobile or part. Defective automobiles, defective automobile parts and faulty safety apparatuses are examples that may warrant a product liability lawsuit. Furthermore, when injuries are caused by a faulty auto part, a negligent automobile manufacturer may also be liable for damages.

Most often, these cases are very hard fought, by teams of attorneys hired by the company being sued. Those who bring a claim against a designer, manufacturer, or retailer of a defective product must find a law firm with the experience and resources to fight for them and ensure the injured person or persons receive fair compensation for their losses.

Roadway Defects

Getting hurt on the road isn’t anyone’s idea of a good day. One of the problems you could run into is a damaged or faulty road. For instance, if you reported deepening potholes on the highway on the way to your workplace and never saw them repaired before your crash. Hence, the authorities in charge of maintaining the roads could be held accountable for your accident.

If the crash is caused by a poorly maintained roadway, problematic road sign or government’s failure to clear away snow or cut down a tree, the city or government body in charge of the roadway or sign may be responsible. In these kinds of cases, different rules apply in a lawsuit seeking to hold a government entity accountable.

After a Crash – Which was Not Caused by Driver Negligence.

After a crash, stay at the scene. If you’re able to do so, take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any injuries you have. Seek immediate medical attention. Exchange information with anyone else at the scene. No matter what happens, never admit fault, even if you think you may be partially to blame. It’s up to the police and insurance carriers to determine what happened and who to hold accountable for the accident. Finally, remember to look into your legal options. You need to take steps quickly to file a claim. Get help if you or a family member is hurt in a car accident.

An experienced Alaska personal injury attorney analyzes negligence in every case.

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.

Please call Johnson Law, P.C. to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Secondary Source: FindLaw, “Car Accident Basics“

Image Source: Adobe Stock

For example, many people suffer injuries in an automobile accident. However, not all injuries are apparent immediately after a crash. Shock and adrenaline often hide an injury for days or even weeks. Car crash victims should seek medical care, even if an injury appears minor.

When To File Damages Claims

Automobile accident damages may create hospital bills, medical expenses and physical therapy. These bills often lead to financial stress as frightening as physical pain.

Many injury victims ask a personal injury attorney for help after incurring car accident damages. The attorney will research the facts of an accident; help the injured victim hold the person responsible for the accident accountable; and assist the injured victim to recover economic damages, expenses and lost wages suffered from their accident.

Even worse than the automobile accident damages themselves, is to be in a position of not having health insurance or affording necessary medical care. In cases where a crash is the fault of another party, victims may seek compensation from the person or business causing the crash.

What Are Automobile Accident Damages?

Medical care is normally the first car accident damage following an auto accident. Car accident victims with serious injuries immediately go to the emergency room, where they may require expensive surgeries. Victims with less serious injuries may undergo lengthy treatment to resolve injuries. Costs of medical treatment quickly adds up, including staying in the hospital, doctor bills, rehabilitation services and medications.

For this reason, medical costs tend to represent a large percentage of automobile accident damages that victims pursue in injury claims. If you have medical payments coverage on your policy, it can also help pay related medical bills so you can receive necessary treatment.

While claims relating to medical costs tend to be primary in personal injury claims, victims can seek other car accident damages too. For example, victims may be entitled to payment for pain and suffering and compensation for lost quality of life. If you find that you are not able to do things after the accident that you once enjoyed, you may be able to seek compensation.

Another form of automobile accident damages includes costs of replacing property destroyed in the crash, including your vehicle. Finally, wages lost while recovering from injuries for missing work may be recovered in a personal injury lawsuit. Keep records of all work you miss as a result of the accident.

In cases of extreme negligence, or willful negligence, parties might also secure compensation for punitive damages. Courts sometimes award punitive damages as a way of punishing an at-fault party.

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 Material Sources: FindLaw, Investopedia

Image Source: Adobe Stock

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