Blog | Car Accident Lawyers

Vehicle Hit & Run in Fairbanks, Alaska

February 16, 2017 By Hannah Raymond

On February 7, Fairbanks Police Department responded to a hit and run on 15^th Avenue. According to FPD a juvenile with a mini bike was struck by a 1999 Maroon Jeep Cherokee. The jeep driver fled the scene dragging the bike to 20^th Avenue. After further investigation the owner of the Jeep was arrested. The juvenile was transported to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital with non life threatening injuries.

Report taken from Webcenter 11.com.

Driving Safety Tips

Not only is it wrong to leave the scene of an accident, but it is also illegal in the state of Alaska, and can result in criminal charges. Hit and run accidents unfortunately still occur on a frequent basis, regardless of the consequences. Many drivers that commit this offense may be unlicensed or uninsured, impaired, or have an outstanding arrest warrant. If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, bear in mind the following tips: Watch to see where the driver goes, but do not pursue them. Neither you nor your vehicle may be in any condition to drive after an accident, and leaving the scene to chase the other driver if they choose to flee is both dangerous for you as well as other vehicles on the road. Stay at the scene of the accident so that police officers can gather the evidence necessary to determine what happened, with the hopes of finding the responsible party based on your information.

Contact the personal injury attorneys at Ringstad Law Office, P.C. to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Snowmachiner dies after crash in Bethal

February 9, 2017 By Hannah Raymond

On January 14, police responded to a report of an incident involving a snowmachine around 8:30am. Investigation into the incident revealed the driver of the snowmachine lost control on a sharp turn and went off the road. The driver died a short time after being hospitalized for his injuries. The incident is still under investigation. The crash occurred on Standard Oil Road off Chief Eddie Hoffman Highway near an entry point to the Kuskokwim River.

Report taken from Alaska Dispatch News.

Snowmachine Safety Tips

Pay attention to your surroundings and speed. Make sure you have layers on to protect your body. Select your clothing carefully depending on the weather, paying special attention to the weather when you start, during the ride, and the wind chill factor. Frostbite can be drastically reduced when wearing the proper riding apparel.

Always inform someone where you will be riding and how long you intend to be gone. Always wear a helmet when operating any sort of motorized vehicle, and do not drink and drive any sort of vehicle, ATV or snowmachine.

2 Vehicle Collision Involving a Semi on Parks Highway

February 3, 2017 By Hannah Raymond

On January 17, Alaska State Troopers responded to Mile 171 of the Parks Highway near Cantwell AK for a two vehicle collision. The Collision involved a 2002 Kenworth semi and a 2011 Dodge pickup. Due to icy road conditions the Dodge pickup lost control of the vehicle causing it to crossover into the oncoming lane of traffic. The semi-truck tried to avoid the Dodge truck but was unsuccessful. The two vehicles collided. There was minor damage to both of the vehicles but both had to be towed from the scene. Neither of the drivers were injured in the collision. Both were wearing their seatbelts.

Report taken from Alaska State Troopers Dispatch.

Passenger Safety Tip

Make no assumptions about what other drivers are going to do. The only thing you can assume about another driver is that they might not have control of their vehicle 100% of the time. Pay attention at all times to oncoming traffic.
Always buckle up before driving or riding in a car. This goes for everyone in the vehicle, whether you’re sitting in the front or the back.
Wear the lap belt low across the hips and below your stomach.
Wear the shoulder belt over your collarbone, away from your neck. It should cross over your chest. In most new cars, you can adjust shoulder belts to improve their height and fit.
A seat belt that works properly will keep you at a safe distance from the dashboard and the airbag. For more information about staying safe in a car with airbags, read our Airbag Safety Tips.
Children should never sit in the front passenger seat until they reach at least age 13.
Secure all young children in child safety seats. For more about staying safe when it comes to car seats and booster seats, read our Car Seat Safety Tips.
If you’re pregnant and riding in a car, make sure the safety belt is snug against your hips. Loose belts can cause broken ribs or injuries to your belly. Never put a lap belt across your stomach when you’re pregnant.

If you or someone you know has been in an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to the personal injury lawyers at Ringstad Law Office, P.C. as soon as possible.

Multiple vehicle collision leaves 3 injured near Houston

February 3, 2017 By Hannah Raymond

On January 3, Alaska State Troopers responded to a multiple vehicle collision near mile 60 of the Parks Highway near the Zero Lake Road Intersection. Slick cold conditions are believed to be the factors. Medics ground transported 2 of the 3 people involved to the nearest hospital while the 3^rd person was medevaced.

Report taken from Alaska Dispatch News

Driving Safe Tip

Pay attention to the weather & road conditions at all times. Take a few seconds to inspect an intersection before proceeding. Alaska weather provides extremely dangerous and icy road conditions during the cold winters. Slow down. Being a safe & cautious driver saves lives.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call the personal injury attorneys at Ringstad Law Office, P.C. It’s imperative that you seek medical attention when involved in a car accident. This is the only way to ensure a maximum return to health.

Aircraft Crash in Bristol Bay Area

February 3, 2017 By Hannah Raymond

On January 16, Alaska State Troopers received a call notifying them of an aircraft crash in the Bristol Bay region between 2 villages. Preliminary investigation reviled two persons were on board and were in route to Port Heiden. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Pilot Point due to inclement weather. After a second departure the crash scene was located by the USCG helicopter based out of Kodiak, who reported all passengers survived the crash and were being evaluated prior to transportation to the nearest medical facility.

Report taken from Alaska State Troopers Dispatch

Safety Tips for Avoiding a Plane Crash

Pay attention to weather forecasts & conditions at all times. Make sure your pilot is experienced and has been thorough in the pre-flight inspections.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an airplane crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, loss of wages, and medical expenses. Call the personal injury attorneys at Ringstad Law Office, P.C.

Passenger Killed in Roll-Over Accident on Glenn Highway

January 18, 2017 By Hannah Raymond

On December 24, Alaska State Troopers, Sutton Fire & Rescue and Mat-Su Borough EMS responded to Mile 70 on the Glenn Highway for a reported roll-over with injuries. Initial investigation revealed a GMC Yukon was southbound when it left the roadway. The vehicle became airborne before hitting the ground and rolling multiple times before coming to a stop. An unrestrained rear seat passenger was ejected and the vehicle landed on top of him pinning him underneath. Upon being extricated, it was discovered he was deceased. The driver was reportedly wearing a seatbelt and transported to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.

Report taken from Alaska State Troopers Dispatch.

Passenger Safety Tip

Be mindful of proper seat belt usage. For adults, shoulder harnesses should be worn across the shoulder and chest with minimal slack. Never wear it behind you back or under your arm. The lap belt should be snug and low across your hips. Remember, air bags offer additional protection but aren’t a substitute for seat belts. For example, in a rollover crash, an air bag won’t keep you in your seat.

Motorists are expected to use a reasonable amount of care on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident due to someone else’s lack of care- or negligence- you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries or other damages. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the personal injury lawyers at Ringstad Law Office, P.C. as soon as possible.

Four Killed in Lake Clark Crash

January 18, 2017 By Hannah Raymond

On December 7, a Piper PA-28-180 airplane is presumed to have sustained substantial damage during impact with the open waters of Lake Clark shortly after takeoff from the Port Alsworth Airport. The pilot and all three passengers are presumed to have sustained fatal injuries and remain missing.

Report taken from Alaska State Troopers Dispatch and NTSB

Safety Tips for Avoiding a Plane Crash

When flying aircraft, take weather forecasts and reports seriously. Do not “brave” the elements because the result can be fatal. Make sure your pilot has experience and make sure the company you are flying with is thorough in their pre-flight inspections. All-in-all, follow your instincts and do not put yourself in a situation that you feel is dangerous.

An airplane collision is almost fatal. If you or a loved one have survived a plane crash or if you have a loved one who did not survive, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, and emotional distress. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Ringstad Law Office, P.C. today.

Collision Briefly Closes Seward Highway

January 18, 2017 By Hannah Raymond

On December 31, Alaska State Troopers, Girdwood Fire Department and Moose Pass Fire Department responded to a vehicle collision near mile 69 Seward Highway in Turnagain Pass. Investigation revealed the driver of a southbound Nissan Sentra lost control of his vehicle and crossed left of the center into the northbound lane of the highway. The driver of a northbound Hyundai Tucson was unable to avoid the collision. Both vehicles sustained disabling damage and were towed from the scene. The driver of the southbound vehicle and a passenger in the northbound vehicle were transported to Providence Hospital in Anchorage with injuries. The southbound driver was issued a citation for Failure to Exercise Due Care to Avoid a Collision.

Report taken from Alaska State Troopers Dispatch.

Driving Safety Tip

Winding mountain roads can be narrow with dramatic curves that make it difficult to see what’s around the next bend. Take extra precautions like staying on your side of the road and giving extra space between your vehicle and others that you’re following. Mind the posted speed limits and look for signs that warn you about steep grades that may lie ahead. Avoids wrecks with wildlife by keeping an eye out for animals, especially at night.

The road is a dangerous place. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, you should seek legal counsel. Call the personal injury attorneys at Ringstad Law Office, P.C. to see how we can help you.

Head On Collision on Kalifornsky Beach Road Injures One

January 18, 2017 By Hannah Raymond

On January 4, Alaska State Troopers responded to a head-on collision near Mile 18.5 Kalifornsky Beach Road. Investigation revealed the driver of a Chevy pickup turned left in front of a Chevy Colbat. The driver of the Cobalt was traveling the speed limit and unable to stop, hitting the truck head-on. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. The driver of the Cobalt was transported to Central Peninsula Hospital with injuries. Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be a factor.

Report taken from Alaska State Troopers Dispatch.

Driving Safety Tip

When approaching and entering an intersection be prepared to avoid crashes that other drivers may cause. Take precautions to allow for the lack of skill or improper driving habits of other drivers. Potentially dangerous acts include speeding, improper turn movements, and failure to yield the right of way.

Motorists are expected to use a reasonable amount of care on the road. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s lack of care-or negligence- you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries or other damages. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the personal injury attorneys at Ringstad Law Office, P.C.

Single Vehicle Rollover Fatality on Parks Highway

January 18, 2017 By Hannah Raymond

On January 5, Alaska State Troopers, Alaska State Park Ranger, and Alaska Wildlife Troopers responded to the scene of a single vehicle rollover near Mile 120.5 on the Parks Highway. An F350 was traveling southbound on the Parks Highway and lost control on icy roads. The truck crossed the roadway and went into the ditch rolling on to its roof. The driver of the truck did not survive. One passenger was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center with injuries. A back seat passenger was ejected from the vehicle and flown to Providence Alaska Medical Center with serious injuries.

Report taken from Alaska State Troopers Dispatch.

Driving Safety Tip

Always wear your seatbelt. This is one of the most basic of safety tip there is, but this one single strip of fabric could save your life.

Automobile accident can have serious and lasting effects on your life and the lives of your family members. Even if you believe you were partially at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation for some of your damages and injuries, including medical expenses and your suffering. Find out how the experienced personal injury attorneys at Ringstad Law Office, P.C. can help you.