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Auto Accidents

Car Accident Injuries. What You Should Know

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Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. Knowing the appropriate steps to take immediately after an accident can help protect your health, legal rights, and financial interests. Here is a detailed guide on what to do if you are injured in a car accident. Immediate Actions at the Scene … Read more

The Most Common Types of Personal Injury Accidents

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Personal injury accidents happen every day, even to people who are normally very careful and cautious.  They happen unexpectedly and can have long-lasting effects on individuals and their families. Understanding the common types of personal injury accidents can help people be more aware of the risks and take precautions to prevent these types of accidents. … Read more

How a Personal Injury Victim Recovers Compensation

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When someone is injured due to the negligence of another person or party, the person who was injured may be entitled to receive compensation for damages and losses. This is often done by filing a personal injury claim. It is very important for the person who was injured, and needs help, to understand the steps … Read more

Who Pays In A Multi-Vehicle Accident?

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When multiple vehicles are involved in an accident, it may be difficult to determine who is to pay the costs associated with injuries and damages.  In fact, there may be multiple people, insurance companies, employers, and even government agencies involved in the litigation that follows a multiple vehicle crash.  It is important to remember some basic facts to determine who is ultimately responsible for paying for damages in such a case.

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The Facts About Auto Accidents and Back Injuries

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A car accident often causes both minor and serious injuries.  Many people complain of aches and pains after an accident, and fortunately, most of these go away fairly quickly.  However, back pain is one of the most common long-term injuries people suffer following a car crash, and many of these injuries do not simply resolve themselves.

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Five Things To Do Before A Vehicle Accident

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Sometimes, a bit of planning can go a long way to forestalling negative consequences.  This is especially true when planning for a disaster.  We all know that planning for a blizzard or a flood should happen before the first snowflake falls or the water appears at our doors, but what about planning in case something terrible like a car crash ever happens?  Although no one wants to think about it, the best time to plan on how to handle a vehicle accident is before it ever takes place!

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Alaksa Car Accident Facts

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In recent years, according to the Alaska Highway Safety Office, there has been an increase in the number of car accidents involving injury and fatality in the State of Alaska.  This increase may reflect an increase in the number of drivers, an increase in reckless or careless vehicle operation, or both.  Here are some facts about the number of car accidents in our state: 

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Car Collisions and Neck Injuries

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Neck injuries are some of the most common types of injuries to occur during car collisions.  However, the term “neck injury” is not very specific, so people have many different ideas of what these injuries constitute.  By understanding the major types of neck injuries that are common during vehicle accidents, victims can better comprehend their long-term recovery prospects and how much money it will actually take to seek the medical treatment they need, as well as other expenses they may encounter during and after recovery.

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What Can I Do About a Hit-and-Run Accident?

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Hit-and-run accidents, which are crashes in which one or more drivers flee the scene, are far more common than most people realize.  What is even more surprising is that many hit-and-run crashes involve serious or even fatal injuries.  When a driver flees the scene of an accident, he or she not only breaks the law … Read more

How To Protect Yourself After a Motorcycle Crash

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Motorcycle crashes are one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in vehicle accidents. When adjusted for population, motorcycle crashes are 29 times more likely to be fatal for the rider or passenger than car crashes, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.  Additionally, one out of every hundred motorcycle riders is … Read more

Spring Thaws Mean Slippery Surfaces

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Spring is here once again, and many Alaskans are rejoicing over longer, warmer days and melting snow. However, there are still hazards, even during this beautiful season, that can lead to personal injury, particularly car accidents and slip-and-falls.  If you are going to be out and about in the spring sunshine, take care to note these hazards and prepare for them accordingly so that you can stay safe!

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Car Accident Statistics for 2021

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Vehicle accident statistics for each calendar year are published by various organizations, and statistics for 2021 are beginning to come in.  Unfortunately, despite the fact that most of 2021 included times when lockdowns were occurring across the country, sources report that vehicle fatalities rose at the fastest rate in nearly 50 years. According to the … Read more

Motorcycle Accidents On The Rise In Alaska

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According to recent reports from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, Alaska experienced more motorcycle fatalities in the years 2018 to 2019 than in any two-year period combined since 2015.  In 2018 alone,  there were 12 fatal motorcycle accidents, which accounted for fifteen percent of all motor vehicle fatalities.  Although the number dropped in 2019, experts … Read more

The Facts About Motorcycle Accidents

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Motorcycles are very popular in Alaska, and for good reason.  They allow riders to experience our beautiful outdoors in the most personal way while still traveling great distances in the shortest possible time.  When you ride a motorcycle, the scenery is unimpeded by the closed-in feeling of a car.  Many riders claim they have never … Read more

The Impact Of Weather On Personal Injury Accidents

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While a personal injury accident can happen at any time, some types of accidents are more likely to happen during certain types of weather.  For example, icy roads lead to more skidding and vehicle crashes, while icy sidewalks lead to more slip and fall accidents.  It is important to be aware of the impact that … Read more

Safe Driving Tips For Winter Weather

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Winter weather is here, and it is a good time to think about how to stay safe on the road in Alaska.  Fatal traffic accidents, many of which happen on icy winter roads, have been on the rise for the past decade in Alaska, despite better seat belt use and new safety features on vehicles.  Sadly, … Read more

How To Protect Yourself After a Vehicle Accident

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After a vehicle collision, it is important for victims of any type of injury to protect their rights.  This is not as simple as it sounds.  In many cases, insurance companies will want to rush victims to settlement, hoping they will not realize how much their cases are actually worth.  In this rush to settle, many victims, who do not realize they have other options, accept far less than the true value of their cases.  It is critical for anyone who is injured in an accident to be sure to have complete information before trying to settle a vehicle crash case.

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What To Do After An Auto Accident (With and Without Injuries)

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Every year, thousands of vehicle accident victims fail to recover monetary compensation for their injuries and damages, even though they are legally entitled to do so.  This is often due to a misunderstanding of the best practices for protecting your rights and ensuring that your damages are paid.  Part of protecting your rights after an auto accident includes knowing what to do after the collision takes place.

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Why You Need An Attorney For Your Motorcycle Accident

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Motorcycles are an exciting and cost-saving method of transportation, and many people in Alaska try to enjoy the great outdoors on a bike as much as possible.  Bike clubs are springing up everywhere in which like-minded riders of all ages get together to take weekend trips and enjoy the scenery of our great state as it can only be appreciated from a motorcycle.  However, as much fun as motorcycle riding can be, there is a darker side to this enjoyable activity:  an accident can not only cause the rider and passengers greater injury than other crashes, but the rider is more likely to be blamed for the accident than drivers of other vehicles.

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The Grim Truth About Motorcycles and ATVs

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Here in Alaska, we love our outdoor sports and activities.  As summer rolls around, one of the favorite pastimes for many Alaskans is to take to the hills riding motorcycles and ATVs. For many people, there is no better way to experience the scenery and beauty of our state.  In many cases, however, these trips can lead to a hospital emergency room—or worse.

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What Should I Do To Find Out If Someone Has Insurance?

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When you are involved in an automobile accident, the first thing you usually want to know is whether the other party has liability insurance.  This is one of the most important features of a personal injury accident because insurance companies are largely responsible for paying the damages incurred in a car crash.

Most individuals simply do not have the capital to pay the high costs associated with a car accident, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses.  Therefore, when someone has insurance, the victim often turns to the insurance company to pay these costs.

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The Reality of Motorcycle Accidents

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Motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous and devastating of all motor vehicle accidents. Here are a few statistics about motorcycle crashes and how they impact victims. According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2018, there were 4,985 motorcycle riders or drivers who were killed in crashes. This is a decrease of about five percent … Read more

Most Common Injuries From a Car Accident

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Almost every driver in Alaska has gotten into at least one fender bender in their lives. Luckily, many of these mishaps don’t require a car accident lawyer or a personal injury attorney. But if your accident is more serious, you may have been quite hurt.

As experienced personal injury lawyers, we’ve seen numerous injuries occur from car accidents. Below are a few of the topmost common injuries you may experience in a car crash.

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Should You Get a Dashboard Camera?

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A dashboard camera also referred to as a dashcam, is a tool that more and more drivers are choosing to install in their vehicles. This piece of equipment is placed inside the car, usually under your rearview mirror, and records the road ahead of you. New, more sleek-looking dash cams can be quite small, as not to impact your visibility. Some drivers also install dash cams on the back of their vehicles to keep an eye on those behind them.

If you’re on the fence about purchasing a dashcam, here are a few factors to consider and potentially make the decision a bit easier.

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5 Tips to Avoid Car Accidents

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We call them car accidents because they’re just that: accidents. Millions of people are on the roads each day, and many of them don’t drive responsibly. With so many risk factors out there when you hit the road, car accidents can feel unavoidable. While some are completely out of your control, there are ways to prevent yourself from causing them.

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4 Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health After a Car Accident

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Physical recovery isn’t the only thing you’ll have to focus on after a serious car accident. Once the dust has settled, the bruises are fading, the car’s fixed, and the abrasions have healed…the mental and emotional impact of the accident may linger.

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6 Things to Keep in Your Car In Case of an Accident

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Driving in Alaska can be quite challenging. From winding roads, to unpredictable weather, to irresponsible drivers, the possibility of getting into an accident is always present. No one leaves the house expecting to get into a car accident, which is why it’s common to be unprepared. As a law firm that handles auto accidents and … Read more

Hit and Runs: What Victims Need to Know

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Almost all of us know the shocking, sometimes gut-wrenching feeling of being in a car accident. If it’s your own fault, you might be straddled with guilt. But when another car hits you, it can be anything from a minor inconvenience to a life-changing disaster.

As if getting into an accident wasn’t bad enough, sometimes the driver that hit you will flee the scene, never to be seen again. How can you possibly get justice if the person who caused the accident has left without facing the consequences?

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5 Things to Keep in Your Car In Case of an Accident

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Driving in Alaska can be quite challenging

And unfortunately, accidents happen. No one expects to get into a car accident, which is why it’s common to be unprepared. As a law firm that handles auto accidents and personal injuries, we have a lot of experience helping those who have been in this situation. Here are some of our top recommendations of what to have on hand in case of a car accident.

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DUI Accidents: Know Your Rights!

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While it may be called a “DUI accident,” it’s no accident when a driver consciously chooses to get behind the wheel after drinking. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 1.5 million people are arrested each year for driving under the influence. These millions of drivers knowingly operate a vehicle while under the … Read more

Car Accident Claim: Types of Damages You Can Recover

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Accidents can occur in split seconds and completely change the lives of the people involved. While some are lucky to get away with only property damage, others aren’t that lucky. Getting hurt or sustaining severe injuries and property damage means you can make a car accident claim.

It is best to consult a personal injury attorney in Alaska to help you with a personal injury claim since recovering from an auto accident can be time consuming and painful. Having an experienced lawyer by your side ensures that you don’t have to deal with all the paperwork and effort made to file for the case.

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What You Should Say and Should Not Say Right After Your Car Accident

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No matter how many precautions you take while behind the wheel, being involved in a car accident can still leave you reeling. The shock of the moment and the ensuing rush to make sure everyone is ok can leave you in a haze of confusion.

If you’re physically able, being able to talk with the other driver(s) is essential – especially later on when your mind is clear if you seek to take legal action to recover costs for medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering.

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Discover These Tips for Staying Safe on Alaska Roads this Winter

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The remote areas of Alaska coupled with the state’s often treacherous weather conditions means that traveling on roads in the Frontier State can be far more dangerous than other locations.

In this issue, the Alaska personal injury lawyers with Barber & Associates will give you a few tips for staying safe on the road. This information is valuable to all drivers in our state – from the native Alaskan to the new arrivals.

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Study Shows Risks of Crash Increases Big Time During Wet Weather

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A highly detailed study has found that precipitation – even when it’s slight – can increase the overall risk of fatal car crashes by as much as 34 percent.

With the Anchorage area being prone to periods of rain, this news will hopefully serve as a wakeup call for drivers to be especially careful when travelling about.

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Senseless Road Rage Incident Leads to $27 Million Verdict

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An Oregon jury has awarded almost $27 million to a man whose wife lost her life because of a careless “cat and mouse game” between two truckers.

The judgment was made against the two trucking companies the truckers drove for. The damages went far above Oregon’s wrongful death cap of $500,000.

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More People Killed in Car Crashes Than Both World Wars

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A stunning report from The Washington Post confirms that, since 2000, more Americans have lost their lives in car crashes since both World Wars.

In this issue, the Alaska personal injury lawyers at Barber & Associates will talk more about the causes of the accidents, and what you can do if someone in your family experiences a similar account.

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How to Talk With Your Child About Dangers of Alcohol and Other Drugs

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Statistics from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism tell us that by the age of 15, 33 percent of American teens have tried alcohol. Those numbers tend to increase as they reach their late teen years.

In fact, those between the ages of 12-20 drink 11 percent of all alcohol consumed nationwide.

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What’s the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Vehicle Coverage?

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Here in Alaska, all vehicle owners are required to secure insurance. While the minimum requirements for auto insurance coverage are $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury or death and $25,000 for property damage, the sad truth is that not all drivers will have insurance.

That’s why uninsured and underinsured coverage is so important.

If a driver with no insurance or not enough insurance injured you, would you have any other way to cover the associated medical bills and property damage costs?

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Distracted Driver’s Employer Settles With Victim’s Family for $6 Million

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A waste collection company has agreed to pay the family of a young woman killed by one of its truckers a $6 million settlement. Additionally, the truck driver has been charged with homicide by vehicle and is facing prison time.

In this issue, the Alaska personal injury lawyers with Barber & Associates will talk about the specifics of the incident – including its disturbing cause.

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Take the Pledge to Be An Attentive Driver

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The year 2018 was a devastating one for many families throughout the U.S. as more than 40,000 people lost their lives in vehicle fatalities. According to the National Safety Council, quite a few of those accidents were caused by distracted driving. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and in this issue, the Alaska personal injury … Read more

Know The Perils of Drowsy Driving

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In November, a 35-year-old man who fell asleep behind the wheel crossed over into oncoming traffic and crashed into another car – killing its driver and her 6-year-old child. Although no one knows that precise moment that sleep overtakes a person’s body, merely feeling sleepy can affect your ability to drive. In this issue, the … Read more

Who Is To Blame In A Multi-Car Accident?

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When you’re involved in a two-car accident, it’s usually easy for law enforcement officers and insurance adjustors to determine who is at fault. However, how is fault determined when more than two vehicles are involved?

Thankfully, there is a method for sorting through what could be a complicated process.

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Why You Should See A Doctor After A Car Accident – Regardless of How You Feel

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Practically every minute of every day, someone in the U.S. is in an auto accident. That’s according to stats from the National Highway Traffic Association.

If you’re involved in an accident, one of the first things you should do is be seen by your doctor. Many car accident victims make the mistake of not seeing their doctor because they generally feel OK.

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Why Running Red Lights Can Be Deadly

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In late December, a drunk driver tragically killed an elderly man after running a red light. The driver, 36, has been charged with second-degree murder and driving while impaired.

While we talk often here about the dangerous consequences of drunk driving, running red lights has long been a deadly problem on U.S. streets, and there’s no end to the trend in sight.

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Find Out The Types of Compensation You’re Owed After a Car Accident

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According to some experts, you can expect to be involved in a car accident once every 17 years. Of course, accidents can run the gamut from minor fender benders to those resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. If you or someone you love is injured in a car accident because of someone else’s negligence, you … Read more

Simple Tips For Staying Safe On The Road This Holiday Season

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The holiday season is officially upon us and, according to reports, this time of year is traditionally among the deadliest. Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation tells us that over the last five years, an average of 300 people lose their lives in accidents during the holiday season. The reasons are numerous, and include … Read more

Find Out How Threat of Punitive Damages Led to High Settlement With Trucker’s Employer

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A U.S. Air Force captain fortunate to be alive has reached a settlement worth $46 million with the employer of a utility truck driver who struck and dragged him for nearly 500 feet. The amount could have been for far more because a jury, which had already awarded the victim a judgment of $41.9 million, … Read more

Why Is Ford On The Hook for a $25.9 Million Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

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The faulty design of a van’s seatbelts has resulted in a jury’s decision to award a family $25.9 million for the wrongful death of a woman who lost her life after the church van she was traveling in crashed and ejected her from the vehicle. In this issue, we’ll share specifics from the case, and … Read more

Learn How Nation’s Deadliest DUI Crash Brought About Change

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This month marks the 30th anniversary of the deadliest drunk driving crash in the U.S. During that incident, nearly 30 people lost their lives. It was an event that brought the dangers of drunk driving to the national forefront and ushered in a host of stronger laws, beefed-up law enforcement and a new attitude about … Read more

Take The Pledge To Avoid Distracted Driving

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Deaths from distracted driving are on the rise. According to numbers from the National Safety Council (NSC), over 40,000 people lost their lives last year because of vehicle crashes caused directly by distracted driving. The NSC has proclaimed the month of April to be Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and is encouraging all drivers to take … Read more

Why Are More Pedestrians Becoming Victims?

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In the age of safer vehicles that has us moving closer and closer to semi-automatic vehicles, it would be easy to assume that traffic deaths would decrease. A new report, however, reveals a trend in the opposite direction – particularly when it concerns pedestrians. The stunning report confirms that the number of pedestrians killed in … Read more

What To Do If Your Car Has An Emergency On The Road

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In a number of previous entries, we’ve talked about how to keep yourself safe from other drivers. The most recent article dealt with how to spot a drunk driver.

In this issue, we’ll talk about what to do when you have an emergency with your own vehicle while on the road.

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Man Who Chose To Drink Again Causes Tragic Wreck Leading to $15 Million Judgement

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A man who had been sober for 28 years decided to start drinking again, and it didn’t end well. After getting behind the wheel drunk, he crashed head-on into a car; killing a 9-year-old boy, paralyzing a 7-year-old with horrendous spinal injuries and permanently injuring a woman. A judge has awarded the victims’ families $15 … Read more

If You Think Teens Are Most Dangerous Drivers, Think Again!

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If you think teens are the worst drivers on the road, you’re in for a surprise. A new report from AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that the most dangerous drivers on our highways are actually young millennials (19-24).

In this issue, we’ll find out what young millennials are doing that makes them such dangerous drivers, and see if they’re the only ones we should be on the lookout for.

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This Woman Settled For $1.6 Million With a Trucking Company

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A young woman who had just earned her college master’s degree suffered a host of injuries after her car was totaled by the driver of an 18-wheeler. The victim eventually settled with the trucking company for $1.6 million. We’ll discuss the case in this issue. Here’s What Happened The driver of the truck ran a … Read more

Why Are Traffic Deaths in Alaska Increasing?

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We shared news recently about traffic deaths nationwide increasing by just over 10% for 2016 from last year, but here in Alaska the news is much worse.

According to information released by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, traffic fatalities here have jumped almost 34% since last year.

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Man Who Fled A Deadly Wreck Loses $7 Million Wrongful Death Case

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A rear-end crash caused by a man in a speeding pickup truck led to the death of a man in another car and a wrongful death lawsuit award of $7 million for his widow. The Case at a Glance The accident occurred when the victim’s vehicle – stopped at a traffic signal – was slammed … Read more

Find Out Why Rural Roads Are Far More Dangerous

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In a recent blog post, we brought you the horrific news of a 10% jump in traffic fatalities nationwide during the first half of 2016. One important finding in the report was the inherent danger of driving on rural roads. The Danger of Rural Roads Even though they carry less than half of U.S. traffic, … Read more

Traffic Deaths Jump by More Than 10% in the First Half of 2016

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A stunning report from the U.S Department of Transportation last week revealed that traffic fatalities across the nation rose by an estimated 10.4% in the first half of 2016. The sharp jump comes on the heels of a 7.2% increase in 2015.

The Hard (and Difficult) Numbers

17,775 people lost their lives on the roads during the first half of 2016. That’s compared to 16,100 over the same period in 2015. There were eventually 35,092 traffic deaths last year.

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Crash With Pizza Delivery Guy on Wet Road Leads to $11 Million Award

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A woman with long-term brain damage stemming from a vehicle collision with a pizza delivery man on a wet road has been awarded $11 million by a jury. The Case at a Glance The crash occurred on a rain-slick road when the pizza driver crossed the centerline and struck the victim, then 49, head-on. The … Read more

Truck Involved Fatalities Spike in 2015

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Reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show there was an overall four (4) percent increase in truck-involved crashes with fatalities in 2015 from the previous year. In their report, the NHTSA group the states into regions. Region 10, the group Alaska belongs to, experienced a 20 percent increase in fatalities – the highest … Read more

Man Facing 3rd DUI Charge

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An Anchorage man has been charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol after he struck and seriously injured a pedestrian in mid-May. While the victim was transported to the hospital for severe injuries, we’re thankful to report that the injuries were not life-threatening. The driver, who declined to take a breathalyzer test … Read more

Distracted Driving Can Have Tragic Consequences

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The recent case of a 17-year-old Anchorage boy sentenced to a year in prison after a distracted-driving collision speaks to the tragic consequences that can occur when someone chooses to text and drive. Murphy Madison Gross, 17, was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and three misdemeanor assault charges as part of a plea agreement. He … Read more

The Worldwide Web of Danger – More Drivers Browsing the Internet While Driving

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We have all been nearly inundated with news stories regarding the newfound dangers relating to taking our focus off of the road while driving.  Most of us already understood the basic premise that paying attention to our driving environment was advisable, but in recent years many different studies have been done that have attempted to … Read more