Alaska is known for its natural beauty and mountainous terrain, drawing in tourists from all over the nation and world. While getting injured is the last thing you would expect while on vacation, tourist accidents in the state are not uncommon. However, just because you were a visitor does not mean you can’t pursue monetary recovery against the liable party for your injuries. If you’ve been hurt as a tourist in Alaska, it’s important to understand what steps to take to preserve your legal rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Key Takeaways

• If you were hurt in a tourist accident in Alaska, you may be entitled to pursue a lawsuit if your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence.
• Some common causes of tourist accidents in Alaska include car accidents, sightseeing plane or helicopter accidents, boating or fishing accidents, slip and falls, and bus tour accidents.
• Immediately following a tourist accident, you should notify the authorities and call for medical help to document your injuries.

Common Causes of Tourist Accidents in Alaska

There can be many risks in Alaska for tourists. While tourist accidents are frequently related to dangerous weather conditions, rock falls, rural roads, wilderness hazards, and treacherous terrain, they can also be caused by negligence. Critically, when tourists go on excursions, they may become involved in accidents due to not only environmental dangers, but operator negligence.

Some common causes of tourist accidents in Alaska include the following:

• Car accidents: The roads in Alaska can be dangerous, regardless of the weather conditions. Car accidents can arise due to the carelessness or recklessness of the operator, or other drivers on the road.
• Sightseeing plane or helicopter accidents: Many sightseeing companies offer plane and helicopter tours that can allow tourists to have a panoramic view of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. If an operator fails to exercise due care, accidents can occur resulting in serious and debilitating injuries.
• Boating, kayaking, and fishing accidents: Boating, kayaking, and fishing accidents involving tourists can happen when a tour operator is inexperienced, fails to use the proper safety equipment, or operates the vessel while intoxicated.
• Slips, trips, and falls: Slips, trips, and falls can occur in hotels, restaurants, and other tourist destinations when property owners or staff fail to maintain the premises safely.
• Bus tour accidents: Bus tour accidents in Alaska can be caused by human error such as driver negligence or inexperience, as well as defective parts and equipment.

When a tourist accident is caused by negligence, it’s vital to hold the responsible party accountable for the injuries you suffered. By filing a personal injury lawsuit, you may be entitled to recover both your economic and non-economic damages. However, liability must first be established. To determine who should be held accountable, a thorough investigation must be conducted into the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident.

Steps to Take After an Alaska Tourist Accident

If you’ve been injured in an Alaska tourist accident, knowing what to do afterward can make all the difference to the outcome of any personal injury lawsuit you might file. There are several crucial steps to take after a tourist accident, including the following:

• Notify the authorities: File a police report or incident report immediately after the accident. The report should include the details of the accident, who was involved, and the time the accident occurred. Importantly, many companies have their own internal protocols for handling injuries. A police accident report or incident report can be an important document for negotiating a settlement in your case.
• Call for medical help: Immediately call for medical help, even if you think you weren’t badly injured. A doctor can rule out any internal injuries and prescribe a course of treatment so that any diagnosed injuries do not worsen. Your medical documentation will also be key evidence in your injury claim.
• Document your case: If possible, take photos or video of the scene of the accident. Get the names of any witnesses who saw the accident as it happened. This type of evidence can help build a strong claim and provide a starting point for your attorney’s investigation.
• Keep records of your treatment and expenses: Be sure to keep records of your medical treatment and any expenses you incurred. These records can demonstrate the damages you incurred in connection with your injuries.
• Document your injuries in a journal: Keep a journal in which you document the impact your injuries had on you each day. Note the level of pain you felt, the location of the pain, and what activities your injuries prevented you from doing. These details can help to convey the severity of your injuries when making a claim for pain and suffering damages.
• Consult with a personal injury attorney: Even if you’ve already returned home, it’s important to consult with a local personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a tourist accident. They can evaluate your claim, help preserve evidence in your case, and ensure you file a lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations. They can also handle any communications and negotiations with the insurance company so you can focus on your healing.

By keeping the above steps in mind after a tourist accident, you can protect both your health and legal rights. However, acting swiftly is key. By promptly reporting the accident, seeking medical treatment, preserving evidence, and consulting with an attorney, you can help ensure you build the strongest claim possible.

Contact an Experienced Alaska Personal Injury Attorney

If you were hurt in an Alaska tourist accident, it’s essential to have local counsel who understands the laws of the state and can help you recover your rightful monetary recovery. Proudly serving accident victims in Anchorage, Soldotna, Kenai, Palmer, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, and other areas of Alaska, The Trial Guy, Eric Derleth, provides trusted representation for clients facing a wide range of personal injury matters, including those involving tourist accidents. Call 907-262-9164 to schedule a free consultation at our Anchorage or Soldotna office, or contact us online. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.