The amount of sleep an Alaskan has before he or she gets behind the wheel of a vehicle may be a factor in whether or not he or she is in an accident. A study by the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania found that people who sleep 5 or 6 hours are significantly more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers who get a full eight hours of sleep. THE … [Read more...]
The Richardson Highway
Built during the Klondike gold rush, the Richardson Highway was originally only five feet wide. Connecting Valdez and Fairbanks, the Richardson has long been part of the fabric of Alaska. In 2009 pollution reduction requirements resulted in truck traffic increases on the Richardson Highway. From vehicle rollovers, to moose collisions, avalanches, and car crashes... the Richardson Highway … [Read more...]
“Medical Payments” Auto Insurance Explained
Many people consider how much auto insurance coverage they may need, balanced against its cost. Yet, most people don't think much about the different kinds of auto insurance available to them. Most don’t know medical payments insurance is even available. Unfortunately, despite being legally mandatory, many Alaskan drivers fail to carry any auto insurance – much less the right amounts. … [Read more...]
Hands Free Cell Phones Are NOT Safer
As a Personal Injury Attorney I won’t talk to a caller who is driving - even if they are using a "hands free" cell phone. Neither should you. Contrary to popular belief, using a “hands free” cell phone does not make you, or anyone else on the roadway, safer. The false sense of security provided by the hands free method may even increase the risks to personal safety. According to the … [Read more...]
Accidents with Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists in Alaska
Like most states, Alaska requires drivers to buy car insurance before operating a vehicle. Alaska requires coverage amounts of $50,000 per person for bodily injury or death, and $100,000 per accident. Alaska also requires $25,000 property damage insurance coverage. Unfortunately, not all drivers comply with these requirements. Too many drivers on Alaskan roads have no insurance at all. … [Read more...]
Automobile Accidents Involving Teenage Drivers
It is common knowledge that teenage drivers are one of the most likely groups to be in automobile accidents and fatalities. Nationwide efforts to correct this issue steadily decrease the number of deaths involving teenage drivers. However, for the first time in a decade, the number of fatalities involving teenage drivers is increasing. Increase in Auto Accidents The Governors’ … [Read more...]
