Richardson Highway Accident. At Least One Dead
Attorney
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Victim of Brand accident on Richardson Hwy. needs to call a lawyer, now.
The Fairbanks Police Report that 16 year old Riley August Brand of Fairbanks died in the Sunday night car crash on the Richardson Highway. It is believed that his (yet identified) passenger was also badly injured. Though Mr. Brand appears to be at fault, here is what his passenger (or his family) need to know about Alaska's Insurance Law...
It appears that Mr. Brand was racing when this wreck occurred. Reports have him travelling as fast as 100 MPH before losing control. As such, if his passenger was injured, his passenger would very likely have a claim against Mr. Brand's insurance company, under both the liability and the Underinsured Motorist portions of the insurance policy. If Mr. Brand carried Medical Payments coverage on this vehicle, that coverage would assist the passenger as well. The passenger also has claims against his/her own automobile insurance, even though he/she was nowhere near his/her vehicle when this wreck occurred. Insurance companies won't tell you this, but your own insurance covers you - even when you are in somebody else's car.
It is important for Mr. Brand's passenger to immediately contact a personal injury attorney. The Statute of Limitations for personal injury in Alaska is two years. If the passenger waits more than two years, his/her claims will vanish. Actually, it is important to hire a good lawyer now - before evidence is destroyed, or covered by snow.
Also, because Mr. Brand's conduct likely constitutes an assault, the passenger can seek additional damages pursuant to Alaska Statute 09.60.070. Most lawyers don't know about 09.60.070, but it is a very important statute. Be sure that you mention it to whomever you phone.
In other words, I understand that this is a very difficult time for the passenger and/or his/her family. Yet, if any justice is to flow from this tragedy, helping other drivers understand that this type of racing is a bad idea, you must take action now. Your action might save another kid's life.
All are in our prayers.
For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Wrongful Death.