Glacier Bay National Park, Katmai National Park, Lake Clark National Park, and Denali draw tourists to Alaska each year. While safety precautions are in play for Alaska Tourists, injuries sometimes occur while visiting Alaska. The Alaska Department of Transportation reports that in 2017, there were 79 fatalities in 75 fatal crashes in the state of Alaska. This data is used to identify problem areas, evaluate safety countermeasures, and to facilitate the development of traffic safety programs at national, state, and local levels.
Alaska Tourists Face Unique Hazards
There are many hazards Alaska Tourists face unique to the 49th State.
- Construction Areas – Unmarked construction areas can lead to vehicular accidents. Further, tourists may wander into construction areas, suffering injuries.
- Drainage – Roads with inadequate drainage can result in frozen water and slippery surfaces. Both vehicles and pedestrians might slide, causing a variety of personal injuries.
- Groups of Tourists – The negligent action of groups can lead to traffic congestion, frightened animals, or various other conditions leading to injuries.
- Swimming – Recreation areas may not always include lifeguards. Not to mention, swimming in unfamiliar areas can prove hazardous.
- Wild Animals – Of the various wildlife present in Alaska, two of the most common types of animals tourists encounter are bear and moose. Encounters with these animals can lead to catastrophic injuries as well as potential fatalities.
Responsibility
Depending on where Alaska Tourists injuries occur, some groups may be responsible.
- Tour Companies: If you suffer injuries while touring Alaska with a group, you may be able to file a claim against the organization or group running the tour. In this instance, you will need to prove several elements. First, you must prove the tour group owed a duty of care. Next, you must prove the duty of care was breached. Finally, the breach of care must be the cause of your injuries.
- State and National Park: Despite its strict guidelines, the Federal Tort Claims Act permits personal injury lawsuits against the federal government. As with tour groups, one will need to prove various elements establishing a legal claim. Additionally, various applicable provisions of the Federal Tort Claims Act based on the accident would need review.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: Alaska Department of Transportation; US Supreme Court; Ward Merdes
Image Source: Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center
