Filing an Injury Claim After an Alaska Airplane Accident
Whether you are a resident or visitor to Alaska, there is a good chance that you will rely on air transport at some point for travel. Considering the mountainous terrain and accessibility, flying may be the only way to reach some places in this massive state. Unfortunately, Alaska leads the nation in some very disturbing statistics on aircraft accidents: Around 42% of all fatalities from US plane crashes occurred in Alaska. This figure is up from 26% dating back to the early 2000s.
Injured victims have legal remedies after an airplane accident, similar to the options available after a traffic collision. There are certain steps you must take when filing a claim, and it is wise to get help from an Anchorage plane crash attorney. You can also review some basics about how to pursue the at-fault parties within the appropriate legal deadlines.
How to File an Airplane Accident Claim
Commercial airlines in Alaska carry liability insurance to protect their interests in the event of a crash, so you will be dealing with an insurance company initially. The insurer will have rules about filing a claim, and you will submit all information regarding your losses. Many claims are settled by agreement, but insurance companies may be unwilling to pay fairly. In such a case, you will need to go to court to recover compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
At-Fault Parties in Plane Crashes
As you prepare to file a claim, keep in mind that there may be parties in addition to the commercial airline carrier. You may need to pursue other individuals and entities that were negligent in causing the plane accident, such as:
- Owners and operators of the air terminal;
- Companies handling air traffic control;
- Security personnel; and,
- Companies that inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft.
There may also be defective parts or equipment that cause airplane crashes. The manufacturer might be another party to pursue under the theory or product liability.
Review Deadlines
The statute of limitations on personal injury cases in Alaska is two years, so you must file your airplane crash lawsuit before the deadline. The clock starts to run on the date of the accident. If you do not start litigation within this timeframe, your case is likely barred.
However, there may be shorter time restrictions when pursuing a commercial airline, even a smaller operator. Some require you to file a claim with the airline within six months or one year, which means quick action is essential.
Contact an Alaska Airplane Crashes Lawyer About Your Options
One of the most important steps when filing a claim is to retain an attorney who focuses on plane crashes and helps clients get fair compensation for their losses. Our team at Power & Power Law is experienced in these cases, so we can assist with all stages. To learn more about your remedies, please contact our offices in Anchorage, Alaska. You can call 907-222-9990 or go online to set up a free consultation.