Perhaps more than any other state, people in Alaska depend on air travel to get from place to place.  Not only is the state enormous in size, but there are many different areas of the state that simply cannot be accessed by any other mode of travel in a reasonable amount of time.  As a result, Alaska plane crashes can and do occur at a relatively high rate.  Partially as a result, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC, has reviewed and studied the trends regarding Alaska plane crashes.

According to the CDC, a study of Alaska plane crashes revealed that an average of eight people died in five fatal Alaska plane crashes every year between 2000 and 2010.  The study also found that:

39 percent of Alaska plane crashes were associated with takeoff and landing sites that were not registered with the Federal Aviation Administration

• 28 percent of crashes were associated with poor weather and poor visibility as a result
• 20 percent of crashes were the result of the loss of control of the aircraft by the pilot
• 17 percent of crashes involved the pilot failing to clear an obstacle or land fixture
• 13 percent of crashes resulted from engine, part or component failure

Clearly, all of these crashes were disastrous in nature, and many of them likely could have been avoided if only a few different steps had been taken before takeoff or while the planes were already in flight.

Alaska Plane Crash Lawyers

Generally, when an Alaska plane crash occurs, the federal government will get involved in order to determine a cause for the crash.  When a cause has been determined, it often leads to the filing of Alaska personal injury lawsuits on behalf of those people who have been harmed or family members who have lost a loved one in a crash.  Successful claims of this type can lead to damages awards that compensate the plaintiffs for their losses.

If you or someone you love has suffered as a result of this type of incident, you need to seek the help of Alaska plane crash lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of those harmed for many years.  Contact Barber & Sims today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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People tend to be excited when they try new things, and one of the areas where people will experience something new is on a farm, as farm-fresh food can be an interesting experience for those who may not have sampled their work.  This includes farm milk, but unfortunately officials now believe that four people were made extremely ill after consuming raw milk at a farm in the Matanuska Valley.  Officials are continuing with their investigation.

According to the authorities, these allegations of Alaska food poisoning arose after four people contracted what were described as serious gastrointestinal illnesses after consuming raw farm milk that is located in Point MacKenzie.  The illnesses were contracted over a period of several weeks, and all of the people who became sick were exposed to campylobacter, which can be deadly in some cases.  The milk at issue was not pasteurized, which can present health dangers to some people who ingest this substance.

Food Poisoning Statistics

First and foremost, we’d like to offer our hope and our support to the people who were made seriously ill as a result of these alleged cases of Alaska food poisoning.  We hope that they are able to recover quickly and that they did not suffer any long-term harm.  In addition, this incident will now become part of the overall statistics regarding food poisoning in the United States.  Every year, more than 300,000 people are hospitalized and more than 5,000 people are killed because of their exposure to problematic food.

Alaska Personal Injury Lawyers

When people are made ill by consuming a problematic substance, it can be difficult for them to pinpoint what it was that made them sick.  When that identification is made, however, it’s possible for those who have been harmed to file Alaska personal injury lawsuits against those responsible for exposing them to that substance.  Successful cases could lead to damages awards that compensate them for their medical costs, their lost income and their pain and suffering.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by a problematic substance, you need to seek the help of Alaska personal injury lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of the injured for many years.  Contact Barber & Sims today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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Most people who drive in Alaska understand that living and driving here involves dealing with certain surprises.  One common surprise, especially in the winter months, is the tendency for moose to appear on the road.  Unfortunately, a moose was involved in a Fairbanks car accident for the second time this week, and this crash led to the injury of two people who otherwise may not have collided.  Police are continuing to investigate the situation.

According to authorities, the latest moose-involved Fairbanks car accident occurred on Thursday at 5:15 p.m. on Farmers Loop near McGrath Road.  Tammy L. Hartzog, 39 was driving her Pontiac when a moose suddenly appeared in the road.  She attempted to avoid it but wound up colliding with a vehicle being driven by Ray Turney, 68, of Fairbanks, who was moving in the opposite direction.  Ms. Hartzog was badly injured in the crash and Mr. Turney also suffered moderate injuries.

Alaska Car Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we’d like to offer our hope that both people who were injured in this Fairbanks car accident are able to recover quickly and get back into their routines.  In addition, this crash will now become part of the overall statistics regarding Alaska car accidents.  Every year, 10,000 such accidents occur, and they lead to approximately 3,000 injuries and to nearly 100 fatalities.

Alaska Personal Injury Lawyers

Assuming the available facts are accurate, it seems possible that this Fairbanks car accident could be ruled just that – an accident.  Therefore, the insurance companies who cover these drivers should be able to provide payment for claims that are filed in a relatively fast and efficient manner.  However, this is not always what occurs, and when insurance companies do not act properly it could give rise to a lawsuit.

If you or someone you love has been harmed in an accident and you’re getting the runaround from an insurance company, you need to seek the help of Alaska personal injury lawyers who have been holding insurers accountable for their actions for many years.  Contact Barber & Sims today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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People in Alaska understand that when the weather turns cold, the roads become more difficult to navigate.  However, when a warm front moves in and at least partially thaws the roads, such a situation can also lead to extremely hazardous driving conditions.  This could have been the cause of a Fairbanks car accident that occurred on Monday, although police are continuing to investigate the situation.

According to authorities, the latest Fairbanks car accident occurred on Monday afternoon just after 5:00 p.m. at the intersection of Airport Way and Peger Road.  A Toyota sedan and a Toyota SUV collided at the intersection, and at least one person was significantly injured as a result of the collision.  None of the names of the parties involved have yet been released, and police have not released details regarding what caused the collision to occur.

Alaska Car Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we’d like to offer our hope that the person who was injured in this crash is able to recover from the harm that was suffered.  In addition, this Fairbanks car accident will now become part of the overall statistics regarding Alaska car accidents.  Every year, thousands of these collisions occur, and these accidents lead to approximately two deaths every week throughout the state.

Alaska Car Accident Lawyers

Obviously, much more would need to be learned regarding this Fairbanks car accident before fault could be assigned and legal rights and options could be examined.  However, if the person who was injured in this crash was not at fault for the incident, he or she could file an Alaska personal injury lawsuit that if successful would lead to an award of damages that compensate this person for medical costs, lost income and pain and suffering.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an Alaska car accident, you need to seek the help of Alaska personal injury lawyers who have been holding those responsible for the infliction of this type of harm accountable for many years.  Contact Barber & Sims today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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When young people get behind the wheels of vehicles, many will give in to the temptation to engage in horseplay.  Unfortunately, this can be an extremely dangerous activity, and while police are still attempting to decipher what was happening prior to an Anchorage car accident that injured two people, what is known is that the driver in one of the vehicles involved has been arrested.

The Anchorage car accident in question occurred last Wednesday when Robert Farley was driving his vehicle at the outbound Glenn Highway Hiland Drive exit when he attempted to pass a Dodge pickup truck.  The driver of the pickup truck allegedly cut off the other driver several times, causing the vehicle to crash into a light pole.  Both occupants of the passing vehicle were injured, and the driver of the pickup truck was arrested and charged with two counts of assault and with leaving the scene of an injury accident.

Alaska Car Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we hope that the young people who were injured are able to recover from the harm they have suffered.  In addition, this Anchorage car accident will now become part of the overall statistics regarding Alaska car accidents.  Every year, thousands of people are injured and nearly another 100 people are killed in these occurrences, and these numbers have held steady for several years.

Anchorage Personal Injury Lawyers

It seems that more information would be needed in order to complete a legal analysis of this situation, but it also seems that since one driver was arrested, fault may have been assigned to some degree.  If the driver who was arrested was at fault, it’s possible that the family of the people who were injured could file an Alaska personal injury lawsuit against the guardians of the driver, as he is apparently a minor.

If you have been injured because of negligent or reckless driving, you need to seek the help of Anchorage personal injury lawyers who have been successfully defending the rights of those harmed for many years.  Contact Barber & Sims today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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We are entering the time of year when winter recreation enthusiasts begin to climb onto their skis and their snow machines.  While Alaska is home to an annual winter wonderland, there are dangers associated with these activities, particularly with snow machines when ice may not be as thick as it should be to support the weight of these vehicles.  Sadly, a woman remains missing after an Alaska snowmobile accident and police and rescue workers are hoping to continue their search for her soon.

According to authorities, the latest Alaska snow machine accident occurred on Wednesday when 53-year-old Marvin Okleasik of Teller was riding with his passenger, 44-year-old Barbara Scholten, also of Teller.  The vehicle was headed to Brevig Mission when it went onto a body of water and broke through the ice.  The man walked back to the village to report the incident, but workers were not able to effectively search for the woman who went under the ice because of inclement weather conditions.

Alaska Snow Machine Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we hope that the rescue workers on the job are able to locate the missing woman and rescue her.  Losing someone in this manner is a terrible struggle to endure.  In addition, this Teller snow machine accident will now become part of the overall statistics regarding Alaska snow machine accidents.  On average, at least two people every month are killed in these occurrences, and almost one-third of those killed drown or freeze to death after falling through thin ice.

Alaska Snow Machine Accident Lawyers

More information would need to be provided before any definitive legal analysis could be completed.  If it turns out that the driver of the snow machine was negligent in venturing out onto the thin ice, it’s possible that the family of the woman who was missing or the woman herself if she survives could file an Alaska personal injury lawsuit.  If such a claim was successful, it could award damages that compensate those harmed for their losses that have both already occurred and those that will occur in the future.

If you or someone you love has been injured in this type of accident, you need to seek the help of Alaska snow machine accident lawyers who have been holding those responsible for this type of harm accountable for many years.  Contact Barber & Sims today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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Most people who live in Alaska understand that this is the time of year when winter starts to return, and this directly impacts the state of the roads and the driving conditions.  As a result of winter’s return, people who have not handled driving in these conditions for some time tend to make mistakes, and these mistakes can be deadly.  While no information is yet available regarding injuries or worse, reports indicate that dozens of Anchorage car accidents occurred yesterday alone.

According to local police, a total of 28 Anchorage car accidents were reported yesterday as an ice storm pounded the area.  In addition, 89 vehicles were reported to be ‘in distress’, which basically means that they were disabled because of a mechanical problem or because they were stuck in snow or ice and unable to continue moving.  In short, it was a long day for rescue workers that could get longer as the weather gets worse.

Alaska Car Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to express our hope that those who are driving in and around Anchorage use caution when dealing with these conditions.  If most people do so, the number of injuries that result from Anchorage car accidents due in part to weather will remain low.  However, there are approximately 10,000 Alaska car accidents that occur statewide on an annual basis, and the beginning of winter weather tends to drive those numbers up.

Anchorage Car Accident Lawyers

While weather conditions can make it difficult for anyone to drive safely, the standards of negligence still apply.  What this means is that people who are behind the wheel are expected to act reasonably in such a way that they are not placing others in situations of unnecessary or undue risk.  Those that do so could be on the receiving end of Alaska personal injury lawsuits that could award those injured with damages that compensate them for their losses.

If you or someone you love has been injured in such a crash, you need to seek the help of Anchorage personal injury lawyers who have been holding those responsible for inflicting this type of harm accountable for many years.  Contact Barber & Sims today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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Bedbugs were largely reduced to parochial phrases and sayings for decades in the United States, but in recent years these vermin have been making an enormous comeback all over the country.  It seems that these pests are even penetrating into Alaska, and more and more residents are becoming concerned that their infestation could continue to cause greater problems by the day.

The latest Alaska bedbug problem has affected Fairview Elementary School in Anchorage, which is located at 1327 Nelchina Street.  Several children have been bitten by bedbugs at the school and staff members have noticed them around the building.  In response to this discovery, treatments will be done over the weekend, but officials are concerned that this new breed of ‘super’ bed bugs have become resistant to traditional remedies.

Bedbug Statistics

While it’s nearly impossible to track the number of bedbugs in Alaska or the United States, surveys have been conducted that show that pest control companies in all 50 states have entire teams dedicated exclusively to attempting to eradicate these insects from homes, hotels shelters and schools.  When these bugs infest a structure, they can latch onto humans and follow them anywhere.  As a result, these bedbugs begin to inflict the same damage on an entirely new structure.

Alaska Personal Injury Lawyers

While the issue of bedbugs may seem like nothing more than a minor pest control problem, the fact of the matter is that bedbugs can all but destroy homes and can inflict serious illness on humans if they are bitten too often and exposed to these insects for too long.  There are situations where people need to be hospitalized as a result of the damage that’s been done.

If you or someone you love has been harmed as a result of the growing Alaska bedbug problem, you need to seek the help of Alaska bedbug lawyers who have been holding those responsible for several types of harm that was inflicted accountable for many years.  Contact Barber & Sims today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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Auto insurance companies work from tables and other equations that help to define the risk of insuring someone before offering them a policy and setting the rates for their premiums.  As a result, few entities have a better grasp of the overall quality of a city’s motorists than those who are paid to protect them from harm.  Allstate Insurance company, one of the largest auto insurers in the United States, has recently published its annual list of safest cities in which to drive, and Anchorage is nowhere near the top.

According to the annual study, Anchorage ranks as the 124th safest city in the United States out of the 200 that were included in the statistical survey.  While this number is nothing to be proud of, it actually marks an improvement over last year, when the number of Anchorage car accidents caused it to be ranked in 144th place.  Those who are charged with helping protect drivers are not encouraged by this news, and many have called for increased awareness towards safety on the roads.

Alaska Car Accident Statistics

The rankings are derived in part from the number of Anchorage car accidents that occur, but those numbers are then used to determine how often an average Anchorage driver should expect to be involved in a car accident.  The survey revealed that Anchorage drivers are involved in a collision once every 8.7 years, which is about 15 percent higher than the national average.  Overall, more than 10,000 Alaska car accidents occur on an annual basis.

Anchorage Car Accident Lawyers

The results of this survey should tell anyone who drives in Anchorage that they need to be more aware of those around them and to be prepared to react to mistakes.  If someone has been injured in an Anchorage car accident, he or she could file an Alaska personal injury lawsuit that would compensate them with damages designed to help defray the costs of medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering if a case is successful.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by a negligent driver, seek the help of Anchorage car accident lawyers who have been holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm they have caused for many years.  Contact Barber & Sims today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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When people are hauling boat trailers behind their vehicles, they are required by law to make sure that the trailer is securely attached to that vehicle.  In fact, Alaska law requires that a safety chain be used in order to minimize the chance that a boat trailer will come loose and create havoc for others in the area.  Sadly, a trailer did come loose from a vehicle in South Anchorage last week, seriously injuring a bicyclist who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

This Anchorage bicycle accident occurred at approximately 7 p.m. last Tuesday when a boat trailer separated from a pickup truck on westbound O’Malley Road near the Seward Highway overpass.  The trailer was described as rusty and it apparently was not chained to the vehicle.  The trailer rolled away from the pickup truck and slammed into a 27-year-old bicyclist whose name has not been identified.  The bicyclist suffered severe head and leg injuries.

Alaska Bicycle Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to offer our hope that the person who was injured in this Anchorage bicycle accident is able to someday soon recover from the injuries suffered in this random and violent crash.  Secondly, this incident will now become part of the overall statistics regarding Alaska bicycle accidents.  Every year in the state, almost one person every week is injured badly enough in an Alaska bicycle accident to require hospitalization, and that number has held steady for several years.

Anchorage Personal Injury Lawyers

Assuming that the trailer was not properly secured to the vehicle, it’s likely that the driver of that vehicle will face civil liability for negligence if the bicycle rider decides to file an Alaska personal injury lawsuit.  If a lawsuit is filed and is successful, the bicyclist could be awarded damages that compensate for medical costs, lost income and pain and suffering depending on the specific facts of the case.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by a negligent driver, you need to seek the help of Anchorage personal injury lawyers who have been holding motorists accountable for their actions that caused harm for many years.  Contact Barber & Sims today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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