Four Alaska Bicycle Accident Laws Riders Need to Know
Whether you are an avid bicyclist or only enjoy the occasional bike ride, you are probably aware of the basic traffic rules that apply to you. Alaska bicycle laws state that people on bikes have every right to use the road, but they are also subject to the same duties applicable to drivers of any other vehicle. There are also a few extras for bicycle riders, such as riding as far to the right as possible when traveling on the roadway. Plus, you are prohibited from riding on the sidewalk in urban areas and business districts like Downtown Anchorage.
However, these are the laws that apply to you while riding. There is an entirely different set of laws to know if you were involved in a bicycle accident. The statutes, legal concepts, and procedural rules could affect your rights. It is smart to retain an Anchorage bicycle accident attorney for assistance, especially as you are recovering from your injuries. You can also review some of the laws that impact these claims.
Traffic Accident Laws on Fault
Even if you are not traveling in a motorized vehicle, you are protected by the same laws that cover car and truck collisions. The theory of liability in these cases is negligence, in which you need to prove that the at-fault motorist did not exercise reasonable care while driving. Examples include speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield to bicycle riders, and many others.
Statute of Limitations
Alaska imposes a deadline on civil lawsuits, including those based on bicycle crashes. You have two years to initiate litigation by filing in court, and the statute of limitations starts to run on the date of the accident. Minors who are victims of bike accidents have additional time, as the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the person turns 18 years old.
Laws on Monetary Damages
Alaska bicycle accident laws allow you to seek different types of compensation, which are intended to make a victim whole after suffering injuries. The amount may include:
- Economic damages, such as the costs of medical treatment, lost wages, and pain medications; and,
- Noneconomic damages, which include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses that impact your quality of life.
Contributory Negligence
This is an important law to know because it could affect the amount of damages you may receive. In Alaska, if the victim of a bicycle crash is partly responsible for causing the incident, compensation is reduced. The decrease depends on how fault is attributed between you and the at-fault motorist. When you are 10% to blame, your damages are reduced by that amount.
Discuss Legal Remedies With an Anchorage Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in a bike collision, these are some of the most important laws that affect your claim. To learn more about how the legal process works, please contact Power & Power Law to set up a no-cost case review. You can reach our Anchorage, Alaska, offices by calling 907-222-9990 or going online.