Brian Gorrell Dies & Steven Wengree Critical in 07/26/07 Alaskan Car Crash ... Alcohol?
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When people are killed in Alaskan motor vehicle accidents, families have to take action - even when overcome by emotion. It is difficult to keep a clear head, but you must do it. Follow this advice and be sure to minimize the financial devastation of accidents like this.
The Alaska State Troopers announced that Brian Gorrell was killed in a motor vehicle crash early Thursday morning, just south of the Russian Ferry at Mile 53 of the Sterling Highway. Mr. Gorrell was apparently southbound on the Sterling Highway when his 2006 Chevy Silverado collided with Steven Wengreen of Utah. Mr. Wengreen was northbound on the Sterling and remains in critical condition at Providence Hospital. It is unclear who crossed the center line. Alcohol is believed to be a factor. Here is what each family should be doing under Alaskan law...
Injury and death claims in Alaska require planning and a clear head. Though this advice is difficult to follow when you are tied up in the emotion of such horrible trauma, you have to take steps now that will help the family later. Be strong. Do this.
First, cooperate with the Troopers. They are well-trained and usually do a good job investigating wrecks like this. Help them determine where Mr. Gorrell and Mr. Wengreen were going, where they had been, and most importantly ... which of them had been drinking.
Second, notify each of their insurance carriers that claims are forthcoming. Do the notice in writing to ensure that any claim that may eventually be paid will include interest from the date of written notice. Keep a copy of your notice.
Third, notify the other's insurance carrier that claims are forthcoming. Even before it is determined who is actually at fault, be sure to put the other side's insurer on notice of claim - again to ensure that any payment down the road will include interest from the date of notice.
Fourth, do your own investigating. Find out who last saw each of these two men. Find out who they were with, what they were doing, and which (if either) was indeed drinking. Find out if either was working for any business/employer when the wreck occurred. You may be surprised to find that your investigation (because the other parties will know you better than the police) may yield better results than the Troopers.
Fifth, go to Google/Earth, the mapping program by which you can get a photo of just about anywhere on the planet, and get clean, color photos of exactly where the wreck occurred. These will be invaluable for helping both families get a clear understanding of what happened in this tragic event.
Sixth, go to the State of Alaska Court system web site and follow links to the Alaska Administrative Code for the "Rules of the Road" that govern wrecks like this. Concentrate on 13 AAC 02 et seq. for the most relevant. When you go see an attorney, you should have a good idea of exactly what violations occurred. Also, look up Alaska Statute 09.60.070, which allows you to enhance your claims if any person was committing a "serious crime" when the wreck occurred. Drunk Driving is defined as a "serious crime" in Alaska.
Finally, order the police report from the State Troopers, and go hire an Attorney ... now. Though we do this type of work, and would appreciate being called, just be sure to call an experience attorney NOW. I can't tell you have important this is. My guess is that family members relied on these two men for support and/or to put food on a table ... somewhere. Smart planning now will go a long way to reducing the financial harm that otherwise awaits.
For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.