COVID-19 Crisis and the Rise in Truck Accidents in Alaska
Though Alaska continues to adjust with Governor Dunleavy’s plan to safely reopen the state, the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic may affect your life in one way you did not expect — by causing an increase in the frequency of truck accidents. A combination of factors is behind the rise in crashes involving semis, 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and other commercial vehicles, both in Alaska and throughout the US.
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a truck crash, it is important to reach out to an Alaska truck accidents attorney to discuss your legal rights and remedies. You might also find it useful to review some information on how the COVID-19 crisis affects these incidents.
COVID-19 and the Increase in Alaska Truck Accidents
Several states are implementing various versions of stay-at-home rules, only allowing those deemed essential to continue to operate. Shipping of supplies like medicines, meats, fresh produce, and paper products is considered essential. As a result, the trucking industry continues to operate – at higher levels, in some cases – to bring these consumer goods to Alaska. The effects include:
- Increased Traffic: Roadways are more crowded with truck traffic, while at the same time there are many motorists getting out. Phase 1 enables people to go shopping, dining, personal services, and for other reasons, adding to the dense truck traffic.
- Pressure on Hours of Service: Truck drivers are under enormous stress to comply with HOS regulations and still get their cargo to its destination. While they’re not necessarily violating the laws, many operators are under significant pressure.
- CDL COVID-19 Waivers: Some federal regulations on licensing have been waived during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the requirement for a medical certificate. Some truck drivers may have untreated health issues that make them unfit to operate a semi.
What to do if You are Hurt in a Truck Collision
You do have rights as the victim of a truck accident, including remedies to seek compensation for your losses. It is possible to recover for your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more from all responsible parties. However, you can support your case and have a greater chance of success with a claim if you undertake a few To Do’s in the aftermath.
- Get appropriate medical treatment right away, either at an emergency room, urgent care center, or your own primary care physician.
- Gather as much information from the scene as you can, by taking pictures, capturing video, and talking to potential witnesses.
- Do not talk to the truck insurance company, other than to confirm your name and contact information. Decline to answer questions about fault and/or your injuries, and never allow an adjuster to record your statements. Your words may seem harmless, but you could reveal details that harm your case.
Contact an Alaska Truck Accidents Lawyer Right Away About Your Legal Options
For more information on your rights and the legal process for recovering monetary damages, please contact Power & Power Law in Anchorage, Alaska. We can schedule a free consultation to review your circumstances.