If you have been injured in a car accident in Alaska, you may need—and be entitled to—financial compensation for your injuries. You may find yourself unable to work as your medical bills pile up, putting great financial strain on your family.

It might be difficult to think about anything other than managing your pain and trying to recover physically, but the law gives you only a limited time to recover damages from the party that injured you. You need an experienced Alaska accident lawyer to handle your car crash claim so that you can focus on your health and your family.

Attorney Eric Derleth is known as “The Trial Guy” for a reason. With over 25 years’ experience in Alaska personal injury law, he has a reputation for successfully standing up to insurance companies and large corporations. He understands what his clients’ cases are worth and is prepared to take a claim to trial if his client is not offered the compensation they deserve in a settlement.

Eric was born and raised on the Kenai Peninsula and represents clients in Anchorage, Soldotna, Palmer/Wasilla, Juneau, Fairbanks, and throughout Alaska in motor vehicle accident cases. He knows Alaska law and is familiar with the local court systems. His clients are not just case files to him; they’re his friends and neighbors.

Car accident lawyer Eric has offices conveniently located in Anchorage and Soldotna. You can reach him at 907-262-9164 or contact Eric online.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Alaska

  • If you can safely do so after a car crash, determine if anyone is hurt.
  • Call 911 or the Alaska Highway Patrol
  • Move to a safe location off the roadway. Standing on the road or side of a road can be hazardous.
  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel okay, you should be seen by a doctor. You may be in shock, which can mask injury, and some serious injuries may not show up for days or even weeks.
  • Take pictures and videos of the scene.
  • Write down details about the accident as soon as you are able.
  • Exchange insurance information with the other driver involved in the crash.
  • Do not ever admit fault, or even say anything that can be construed as admitting fault, such as, “I'm sorry.”
  • Describe the facts of the accident to the police; don’t try to assign blame.
  • Do not give a report of the accident to anyone other than the police. If the other driver’s insurance carrier contacts you for a report, refer them to the police report or your attorney.
  • Obtain a copy of your police report.
  • Notify your insurance carrier following any motor vehicle accident.
  • Retain an experienced Alaska car accident attorney as soon as possible and let him handle the legal aspects of your accident.

Remember that not everyone who is friendly is your friend. The job of an insurance claims adjuster is to minimize the amount of money their company pays out in claims. No matter how helpful or nice they sound, they are not on your side. If they can persuade or pressure you to sign an agreement or even admit liability, that may be the end of any chance you have to recover damages for your injury—no matter how severe or permanent.

After an auto accident, there is only one person whose primary goal is to protect your interests: your car accident lawyer. The sooner you retain an experienced Alaska injury attorney with a strong track record of success, the better your chances for a favorable outcome. NEVER sign an agreement or accept a check without consulting with your attorney first.

What is my Alaska Car Accident Lawsuit Worth?

Your claim’s worth is based on the facts and circumstances of your unique situation, so every case is different. Factors that influence the value of your claim include the extent of your injuries and the insurance policy limits of the driver who was at fault in the accident.

An experienced Alaska injury attorney like Eric Derleth understands how to maximize the value of your claim. His extensive litigation background and record of success at trial means that he will never accept a settlement unless doing so is in your best interest. That’s why he’s known as “The Trial Guy.”

Five Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Alaska

  • Get more money. Studies have shown that hiring an experienced car accident lawyer helps injury victims get significantly more money for their accident claims than they otherwise would have—over three times more than they would have gotten on their own.
  • Level the playing field. The insurance companies and corporations on the other side have lawyers protecting them. You should, too.
  • Focus on your health. When you’ve been injured, you should devote your limited energy to healing. An attorney has the experience, knowledge, and resources to handle your claim and take legal worries off your plate.
  • Experience matters. You have likely never negotiated an injury settlement before. Attorney Eric Derleth has been doing it for over 25 years. He knows how to maximize the value of a case, including taking it to trial if necessary.
  • There’s no downside to hiring an attorney. The consultation is free, and your attorney will not collect attorney’s fees unless he recovers damages for you.

Why Hire Eric Derleth as Your Alaska Car Accident Lawyer?

  • Eric has over 25 years’ experience helping Alaskans fight back against powerful companies and insurance agencies to get the financial recovery they deserve.
  • Eric has helped hundreds of clients successfully resolve their personal injury claims and get back to their lives.
  • Eric takes his responsibility to his clients personally. When you call the law firm you will speak with Eric, not a staff member or junior associate. Eric is personally involved in every aspect of every injury case the firm handles, from start to finish.
  • Eric takes a custom approach to each case. There’s no “one size fits all” representation. Eric’s approach is dictated by the facts of each case, the applicable law, and Eric’s knowledge of the local attorneys and courts.
  • Eric is based in Soldotna and serves clients throughout Alaska, including the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage, Palmer, Wasilla, Fairbanks, and Juneau. He regularly travels throughout the state to help clients injured in car accidents.
  • Eric is a lifelong Alaskan - born and raised on the Kenai. He understands the unique culture of the state and its people, and he knows the court system in a way outside attorneys simply cannot.
  • Eric is experienced and relentless. He has a long track record of successful results—not only in settlement, but at trial. He understands how juries make decisions and gives them the tools they need to act in his clients’ favor.

Call your local car accident attorney, Eric Derleth, for a free confidential consultation today. Eric serves clients in Anchorage, Soldotna, Palmer, Wasilla, and throughout the Kenai Peninsula and Alaska.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need to hire a car accident lawyer in Alaska?

If you were injured by another driver’s negligence or recklessness, their insurer will probably try to settle with you. If you don’t have a lawyer, they will offer a “lowball” settlement; they know you won’t be filing a lawsuit to get what you actually deserve. There’s also the chance that if you communicate directly with an insurance company, they will use a statement you made innocently to allege that you are at fault for the accident. An experienced injury attorney will investigate your case, collect evidence, and protect your rights.

Do I have to be physically injured in a car accident to get compensation?

Physical injury is not the only type of injury for which a car accident victim can collect damages. Some crashes only result in significant emotional and mental injuries - these are very important human losses that deserve respect and compensation. Finally, you may also be able to recover for damage to your property.

Should I accept the settlement offer that the insurance company makes?

Probably not. Insurance companies almost always offer a “lowball” settlement early in hopes of wrapping the case up quickly for as little as possible and preventing you from later seeking a greater recovery. No matter what they say, the insurance company is not working for you. Only your attorney is, so make sure you contact an attorney before accepting any offers.

My insurance company says I do not need a car accident lawyer and wants to settle. Should I believe them?

Think about who benefits from you not knowing your rights or having someone to fight for you: the insurance company. The insurance company wants you to believe their offer is the best you can do; an attorney may tell you otherwise. If you accept the insurance company’s offer and later learn that the settlement wasn’t enough to meet your needs, you will have no recourse. ALWAYS consult an attorney first.

I was injured in a car accident but may have been partly at fault. Can I still claim my damages?

Yes. Under Alaska's comparative negligence rules, you may still have a claim even if you were partly at fault for causing a car accident. These injury cases are very fact-specific, and you should always contact an injury lawyer regarding the strength and value of your claim.

Should I seek another opinion if a lawyer thinks I do not have a claim?

Yes. Different attorneys have different levels of experience and different perspectives. It costs you nothing to consult a personal injury attorney, so definitely get a second opinion before abandoning a potential claim.

Can I change my attorney while my car injury case is pending?

You may change your attorney. However, your initial injury attorney usually may be paid for services rendered up to the time of dismissal. The attorney will be paid from the fee earned at the end of the case. Your new attorney will usually work out an arrangement to divide the fee fairly between the two attorneys.

How long do I have to file my Alaska car injury case?

In general, the statute of limitations for an Alaska personal injury case like a car accident is two years after the date of injury. However, you should contact an experienced injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident to ensure that your claim is filed in time.

How much money is my car accident injury case worth?

It depends on the severity of your injury, the insurance policy limits of the driver at fault, and other specific facts of your case. Remember that a settlement offer is based on the insurance company’s guess of what a jury would award you. That’s why having an experienced trial attorney on your side is likely to get you a better settlement; the insurance company doesn’t want to risk going to trial against an attorney with a strong track record of success.

Should I go to court to pursue my injury claim?

Not right away. If an attorney can make a compelling case to the insurance company, and the insurance company decides to promptly offer a fair settlement, there may be no need for a lawsuit. If the insurer does not offer an adequate settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf in court.

What if I cannot visit your office?

If distance or your injuries make it impossible for you to visit an attorney, don’t worry. Attorney Eric Derleth may be able to travel to your location, or you can have a consultation by Zoom or by telephone.

Will the car accident lawyer I meet with be the one who handles my case?

Yes. Attorney Eric Derleth is personally involved in every aspect of every car accident case our law firm accepts, from filing the claim to trial. However, at many other firms, clients initially meet with an experienced attorney, then find that their case has been passed off to a less-experienced associate.

How much does a car accident injury lawyer charge in Alaska?

Attorney Eric Derleth accepts car accident injury cases on a contingent fee basis, which means that clients pay no attorney fee up front, and he receives a percentage of the final settlement or award in the case. If you do not recover damages, he does not take a fee in the case.

If you have further questions about car accident injury claims in Alaska, contact our law office to schedule a consultation.