How Much is Your Claim Worth?
How Much is Your Claim Worth?
See actual payouts made to Alaska car accident victims. Look for cases similar to yours.
More than 310 crashes result in severe injuries on Alaska roadways each year. Most serious accidents involve speeding or impaired driving.¹
The average car accident settlement in Alaska for a moderate injury claim is $33,767. Average payouts range from $5,807 for minor injuries to $299,338 for severe injuries.
We analyzed a group of lawsuits filed in Alaska courts by injured car accident victims. The group reflects a variety of rear-end collisions, from minor fender-benders to severe multi-vehicle collisions. All plaintiffs received a payout from a jury verdict or an out-of-court settlement.
Neck and back injuries are the most common type of injuries suffered in all kinds of motor vehicle accidents, followed by head injuries.
Average Payout by Severity of Injury |
|
|---|---|
| Minor Injury | $5,807 |
| Moderate Injury | $33,767 |
| Severe Injury | $299,338 |
Payout Range by Severity of Injury |
|
| Minor Injury | $519 – $12,537 |
| Moderate Injury | $14,773 – $64,493 |
| Severe Injury | $100,000 – $1,939,600 |
Most insurance companies and lawyers base the value of an accident claim on the scope and severity of the victim’s injuries. An easy way to estimate a claim’s value on your own is the multiple method.
Add up all your economic damages like medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. Then add one to three times that amount for your pain and suffering. A multiple of one is reasonable for minor injuries. A multiple of two or three is appropriate for injuries that had a bigger impact on your life after the accident.
Severe injury claims should be handled by an experienced personal injury attorney to protect the victim’s best interests.
An attorney will seek compensation for current damages, potential future costs, loss of income-earning capacity, and the significant pain and suffering from serious injuries.
The average settlement for a car accident lawsuit in Alaska is $33,767. You can expect to receive a settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and pain and suffering.
Alaska has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. Adults must settle their claim or file a lawsuit within two years of the accident date.
No. Alaska is a traditional fault or “tort” state. You may seek compensation for your damages from the at-fault driver. You are not required to rely on your own insurance policy as in a no-fault state.
Yes. Alaska residents who are caught driving without insurance face impoundment of their vehicle, and loss of their driving license.
Alaska Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit attorneys from charging unreasonable fees. Personal injury attorneys typically charge a contingency fee between 33 and 40 percent of the final compensation they recover.
Minor car accident injuries are typically soft-tissue bumps, bruises, sprains and strains. Stiffness and soreness might keep you out of work for a few days. Most minor injury victims make a full recovery within a month.
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck injury
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $519
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped in traffic. Defendant was driving in the same direction as plaintiff and was unable to stop. Defendant struck the rear of plaintiff’s vehicle. Property damage to both vehicles was minor. Plaintiff claimed the accident was the proximate cause of her neck injury, which resulted in pain and numbness in the right arm. Plaintiff’s treating physicians testified that her injuries were a result of the accident. Defendant admitted liability but disputed causation. Defendant contended that plaintiff’s injuries were minor and noted that she was able to drive herself to the hospital. Defendant also presented evidence that plaintiff’s next treatment was six weeks after the accident and her medical records revealed she did not see an orthopedist until nine months after the car wreck. A jury awarded $519 to plaintiff.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Marron v. Stromstad, S-108888
Type of Injury: Neck injury-bulging cervical disc; Back injury-lumbar disc herniations
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,700
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle in the right lane. The car she was following drove onto the shoulder of the roadway and, when she attempted to follow, her car was struck in the rear by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff sought medical treatment the following day for neck and back complaints and later was diagnosed with a bulging cervical disc and lumbar disc herniations. Defendant contended that plaintiff slowed suddenly and attempted to drive off the road unexpectedly, therefore contributing to this accident. Defendant argued that plaintiff had no complaints of injury at the scene and any physical complaints were likely the result of a subsequent slip and fall or a second accident. Jury awarded plaintiff $3,400, but found her 50% comparatively negligent. As a result, the verdict was reduced to $ 1,700.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Petterson v. Cox, S–14853
Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries-cervical, thoracic and lumbar strain and sprain
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $3,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a rear-seat passenger in a vehicle operated by a third party. Defendant rear-ended the third party’s vehicle with his company vehicle, injuring plaintiff. Plaintiff claimed that she suffered cervical, thoracic and lumbar strain and sprain as a direct result of this accident. Defendants contended that: the impact was moderate; plaintiff did not seek treatment for lumbar problems until 8 months after the accident; and plaintiff’s lumbar injury was not proximately related to the accident. Jury returned a $3,000 verdict in favor of plaintiff.
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Titus v. Ashley, 4FA-09-01083 CI
Type of Injury: Soft tissue lower back injury
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $3,870
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their respective vehicles on the same road and in the same direction. Plaintiff came to a stop at a red light and was subsequently rear-ended by defendant. There was significant damage to plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff alleged that she suffered soft tissue lower back injury and defendant was 100% liable for the accident, citing prior testimony of the defendant that he took his eyes off the road momentarily before the collision. Plaintiff also submitted a report from her treating orthopedist that she sustained a 5% impairment to the lower back. Defendant contended that plaintiff proceeded into the intersection when the light turned green and then stopped suddenly and unexpectedly. A jury found plaintiff to be 25% comparatively negligent and awarded her a net award of $ 3,870.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: West v. Deramus, 200028708
Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries; aggravation of a pre-existing degenerative condition in her shoulder
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle westbound. She came to a stop for traffic and was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant and owned by Defendant 2. Plaintiff alleged that defendant driver failed to stop in time to avoid this accident, keep a reasonable distance and maintain a proper lookout. She claimed new neck and back injuries, as well as aggravation of a pre existing degenerative condition in her shoulder which diminished her ability to participate in professional and recreational activities. Defendants denied all allegations of liability and damages. They argued that plaintiff’s conditions were degenerative in nature and unrelated to this accident. The jury found for the plaintiff and awarded her $ 5,000.
Location: Palmer, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Kingery v. Barrett, S–13246
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck injuries; aggravation of a prior back injury
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,668
Case Summary: Plaintiff suffered a low back injury while at her worksite. She was transported via an employer’s van to a local medical facility for treatment. As the van was returning plaintiff to the workplace, the van was rear-ended while exiting Route X when it stopped at the end of an exit ramp. Defendant driver admitted liability and the case proceeded to trial on the issues of damages and proximate cause. Plaintiff claimed that this second accident resulted in a new neck injury and an aggravation of the earlier back injury. Defendant contended that this low speed accident did not cause plaintiff’s injury and that any complaints were related to the work accident earlier in the day. Jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff for $ 5,668.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Bradshaw v. Acevedo, 3AN-07-8214 CI
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and low back injury
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $7,675
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving a vehicle and towing a trailer of antiques westbound in the middle of the night. He was traveling 55 m.p.h. in the middle lane of the interstate when he was rear-ended by defendant driver. Defendant admitted liability for the accident and the case proceeded on the issue of proximate cause. Plaintiff had suffered similar injuries in two other rear-end accidents, one just three days prior to this one and another ten years earlier. Plaintiff alleged that defendant driver struck his vehicle at high speed, causing permanent soft tissue neck and back injuries. Defendant contended that it was impossible to determine which accident caused plaintiff’s injuries, and that his claims were unrelated to this accident. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict of $ 7,675.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Charles v. Stout, S–14678
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $8,100
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their respective vehicles. Plaintiff stopped her vehicle at a traffic light and it was rear-ended by an automobile operated by defendant. Plaintiff claimed to have sustained serious soft tissue back and neck injuries as a direct result of this accident, resulting in a permanent disability. Defendant admitted liability, but contended this minor accident could not have injured plaintiff. Defendant argued that any injury complaints were not related to this accident. A jury awarded $ 8,100 to plaintiff.
Location: Palmer, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Dale v. Smith, 3PA-05-02725 CI
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and low back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped at a stop sign at an intersection when defendant rear-ended her vehicle. Plaintiff was involved in two rear-end collisions subsequent to the subject accident. Plaintiff alleged that she suffered soft tissue neck and back injuries as a direct result of the collision. Defendant contended that: plaintiff was contributorily negligent in stopping in an unsafe manner; plaintiff did not give notice of her intention to stop; and plaintiff’s injuries and any permanent impairment were proximately related to the two subsequent accidents. Parties reached $10,000 settlement prior to trial.
Location: Palmer, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Creary v. Blank, 3PA-94-2829 CI
Type of Injury: Soft tissue back, neck and right shoulder injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $12,537
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in two accidents. The first was a hit and run accident, when she was rear-ended while attempting a left-turn into a Restaurant. Plaintiff was able to give police a license number, but the owner of the car denied being at the scene. The second accident, was a rear-end accident as plaintiff was attempting a left turn from a turn lane into a shopping plaza. Plaintiff suffered soft tissue back, neck and right shoulder injuries in the first accident which were aggravated by the second accident. Defendant’s insurer contended that plaintiff failed to make a reasonable attempt to identify the first offending driver and had no duty to pay plaintiff’s claims. Defendant2 contended that plaintiff was not injured in this accident. Jury awarded plaintiff a total verdict of $12,537.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Suddock v. Petterson, 3AN-10-06325 CI
Moderate car accident injuries may include more extensive soft-tissue injuries, lacerations, concussions, simple bone fractures, and slipped or herniated discs. Victims may be left with some residual impairment to the injured body part. Moderate injuries might keep you out of work for several weeks or months.
Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $14,773
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle. She came to a stop in heavy traffic and was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff claimed neck and back injuries from this accident. She argued that her injuries were the direct result of this accident and that she recovered from her injuries after 1.5 years. Defendant denied liability. She contended that she was unable to stop in time because traffic came to an abrupt and unexpected stop. Defendant argued that plaintiff was involved in another accident a year later, and any complaints after the second accident were unrelated to this accident. Jury found in favor of the plaintiff and awarded her $ 14,773.
Location: Palmer, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Pralle v. Milwicz, 3PA-11-01385 CI
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $16,150
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving his vehicle. He came to a stop and was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff claimed soft tissue neck and back injuries with permanency as a result of the accident. Defendant contended that plaintiff driver made an unsafe lane change in front of her vehicle and then stopped abruptly. Defendant maintained that she was unable to stop in time to avoid the accident. Defendant also argued that plaintiff’s minimal and sporadic treatment did not reflect the serious nature of the injuries she claimed. A jury returned a verdict of $19,000 for plaintiff. However, the jury also determined that plaintiff was comparatively negligent and the award was reduced accordingly. The net verdict was $16,150.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Ennen v. Integon, S–13832
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $16,930
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle. She stopped for a traffic light at an intersection. While stopped, she was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by and owned by Defendant. Defendant admitted he struck the rear of plaintiff’s vehicle. The case proceeded to trial on plaintiff’s claim for personal injuries. Plaintiff alleged she sustained a serious soft tissue neck injury for a period of time due to this collision. Defendant contended that plaintiff had complaints of prior neck problems and her complaints were likely unrelated to this crash. If they were related, defendant disputed the nature and extent of her complaints. Jury returned a $14,800 verdict in favor of plaintiff plus offer of judgment interest resulting in a total judgment of $16,930.
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Jaso v. McCarthy, 4FA-93-25 CI
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck injuries; aggravation of preexisting cervical degenerative disc disease
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $18,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving on Route X near its exit. She slowed for heavy traffic and was rear-ended at approximately 20 to 30 mph by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff had pre existing degenerative cervical disc disease and claimed this accident caused both new injuries and an aggravation of her prior condition. She argued that her new neck injury was directly caused by this accident. Defendant admitted liability for causing the accident after jury selection, but argued that plaintiff’s neck problems preexisted this accident. According to defendant, any post-accident and ongoing complaints were unrelated to the crash. A jury returned a plaintiff verdict of $ 18,000 for past and future pain and suffering.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Neese v. Lithia, S–12725
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $24,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle and had stopped at a red light. She was waiting for traffic ahead of her to move when she was rear-ended by a vehicle, which had been first rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Defendant admitted liability for the accident and the case proceeded on the issues of damages and proximate cause. Plaintiff alleged that she suffered serious soft tissue neck and back injuries as a direct result of this accident and that the back problems for which she treated in the past were unrelated to this or any other accident. Defendant contended that plaintiff’s damages were limited and that she had pre existing back problems which were unrelated to this accident. Jury returned a verdict for plaintiff in the amount of $ 24,000.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Cooper v. Thompson, 3AN-09-06600 CI
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck, back and shoulder injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $27,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff had parked his vehicle legally alongside a roadway. He was sitting inside the vehicle when he was rear-ended by a car driven by Defendant. Defendant fled the scene of the accident, but was identified through his license plate number. Plaintiff alleged that he suffered soft tissue injuries as a direct result of this accident. The judge granted plaintiff summary judgment on the issue of liability and the case proceeded on the issues of damages and proximate cause. Plaintiff alleged that he suffered serious injuries in this accident with continued complaints. Defendant contended that plaintiff exaggerated his injuries and received only sporadic treatment in the three years after the accident. A jury ordered defendant to pay $ 27,500 to plaintiff after 2 hours of deliberation.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Azimi v. Johns, 3AN-07-07345 CI
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $45,505
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were driving in the same direction on a two-lane highway in heavy traffic. According to plaintiff, he stopped his vehicle and was rear-ended by defendant’s automobile. Following the accident, there was minor damage to the rear of plaintiff’s vehicle and a crack in the front bumper of defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiff asserted that he sustained soft tissue neck and back injuries for which he sought chiropractic treatment. Defendant denied any impact occurred and claimed the crack in his bumper was present before the accident. Defendant contended that, in the alternative, plaintiff suddenly stopped and he (defendant) was unable to avoid striking plaintiff’s stopped car. Jury awarded the plaintiff $ 45,505 after deliberating 2 hours.
Location: Kenai, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Arbuckle v. Ditomaso, Inc., 3KN-14-00054 CI
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck injury
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $47,818
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving his truck in heavy traffic. He slowed to a stop for traffic in front of him and was rear-ended by another vehicle that was first struck by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff alleged that defendant was solely at fault for causing this accident in that defendant failed to stop in time to avoid the accident and failed to make proper observation. Plaintiff claimed his neck was injured in the impact. He did not seek treatment immediately due to a pre-planned trip to Africa, but sought treatment when he returned. Defendant did not concede negligence and argued that, if plaintiff was able to travel to Africa, he could not have suffered a serious injury. A jury awarded $47,818 to plaintiff.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Justice v. Klein, 3AN-13-05605CI
Type of Injury: Back injury-three bulging discs and/or disc herniations and a soft tissue injury to the lower back; soft tissue neck injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $62,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their respective vehicles in the same direction. Plaintiff came to a stop in traffic. A police car, which had come to an uneventful stop directly behind plaintiff, was rear-ended by defendant. The force of the impact pushed the police car into the rear of plaintiff’s van. The van was then propelled into the rear of the vehicle ahead of it. Defendant admitted liability for the accident. Plaintiff alleged that he sustained multiple bulging discs and/or disc herniations in his back and soft tissue injuries as a result of the dual impacts. Defendant disputed the damages claimed by plaintiff. Defendant claimed that plaintiff had a pre existing back condition and that the disc problems were not a result of this collision. The jury awarded plaintiff $ 62,500.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Graham v. Gonzalez, 3AN-01-03998 CI
Type of Injury: Neck injury-cervical strain; Aggravation of preexisting cervical degenerative change
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $64,493
Case Summary: Plaintiff and defendant were operating their respective vehicles on the same road and in the same direction. Plaintiff came to a stop in traffic and was rear-ended by defendant. Plaintiff alleged that he suffered a permanent cervical strain superimposed on a pre existing cervical degenerative change as a direct result of this accident. Defendant admitted liability at trial, but contended that plaintiff’s injuries were soft tissue and that his symptoms were related to a preexisting condition. A Jury awarded plaintiff $64,493 in damages.
Location: Valdez, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Whittenton v. Peter Pan Seafoods, Inc., 3VA-14-00054 CI
Severe crash injuries may involve traumatic brain injuries, multiple complicated fractures, internal injuries, and disabling neck and back injuries. Victims may sustain multiple serious injuries that prevent them from returning to their pre-accident activities and result in permanent disability.
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $100,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle. She stopped for a traffic light at an intersection and was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Defendant was driving a vehicle owned by co-defendant. Defendant had a blood alcohol level of .25% at the time of the accident and left the scene. Plaintiff claimed serious, permanent soft tissue neck and back injuries as a direct result of this accident. She argued that she would require significant medical treatment into the future, including frequent pain injections. Defendant admitted liability for causing this accident. However, he claimed plaintiff suffered only whiplash injuries from the impact and should have recovered within a reasonable period of time. The jury returned a verdict of $100,000 in favor of plaintiff.
Location: Kenai, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Peter v. Schumacher Enters., 3KN-97-964 CI
Type of Injury: Permanent neck injury
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $102,621
Case Summary: Plaintiff was operating her vehicle. She slowed in heavy traffic and was rear-ended by a non-party vehicle. The non-party vehicle had been pushed into the rear of plaintiff’s vehicle by a truck driven by Defendant, who was operating the truck in the scope and course of his employment with defendant 2. The posted speed limit was 50 mph. According to plaintiff, defendant, who admitted to traveling between 60 mph to 65 mph, demonstrated a reckless indifference to other motorists. Plaintiff also asserted that she suffered a permanent neck injury as a direct result of this accident. Defendant contended that plaintiff’s injury was a simple cervical strain and contested plaintiff’s assessment of value. A jury awarded $ 102,621 to plaintiff.
Location: Kenai, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Arbucle v. DiTomaso, Inc., S–16464
Type of Injury: Head injury-concussion; Neck and lower back pain; shoulder pain; right hip pain; knee and ankle pain
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $108,200
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle traveling west on a Highway near an intersection. Plaintiff’s host vehicle stopped at a red light and was rear-ended by defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiff suffered injuries, including a concussion, neck and lower back pain, shoulder pain, right hip pain and knee and ankle pain. She underwent surgeries for her right and left shoulders and ankle. Approximately one month later, plaintiff rode as a passenger in a vehicle traveling north near an intersection. Plaintiff’s host vehicle turned left at a green traffic signal. Defendant2 ran a red light and T-boned plaintiff’s host vehicle. Plaintiff suffered aggravation of her prior injuries. Defendants disputed causation and the extent of the plaintiff’s claimed damages. Jurors found both defendants were negligent and awarded the plaintiff a total of $108,200 for damages.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Monrean v. Perez, 3AN-14-09217-CI
Type of Injury: Back injuries, disc herniations at L4-L5 and L5-S1, disc bulges at L2-L3 and L3-L4; soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $150,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their vehicles in the same direction on Route A. Plaintiff’s vehicle came to a sudden stop and was rear-ended by defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed she sustained soft tissue neck and back injuries, as well as lumbar disc herniations at L4-L5 and L5-S1 and disc bulges at L2-L3 and L3-L4, as a direct result of the accident. Defendant denied liability for the accident. She contended plaintiff was responsible for the crash because she stopped without warning. Jury awarded plaintiff $140,814 for pain and suffering and $9,186 for past medical damages after deliberating 2 hours.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Weidner v. Hibdon, 3AN-96-3866 CI
Type of Injury: Soft tissue low back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $201,531
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving his vehicle on an exit ramp. He was intending to merge onto a main road when he was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Defendant admitted liability for the accident and the case proceeded on the issues of damages and proximate cause. Plaintiff alleged that he sustained soft tissue low back injuries with permanent and sporadic pain. Plaintiff, a former drug addict, claimed that he could not take pain or anti-inflammatory medications to relieve his pain from the injuries he sustained in this accident. Defendant disputed the nature and extent of the injuries claimed by plaintiff in light of the minor impact of the accident. A jury awarded plaintiff $201,531 plus approximately $ 96,000 in interest for a total judgment of $ 297,531.
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Falconer v. Adams, 4FA-94-245 CI
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck injuries; aggravation of preexisting temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $300,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle when she was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by Defendant, who was then struck by Defendant 2. Upon impact with Defendant 2, Defendant’s vehicle then struck plaintiff’s vehicle a second time. Liability was admitted by defendants. Plaintiff claimed soft tissue neck injuries and aggravation of preexisting temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). Defendants disputed whose impact caused which injury, if any. They further denied the extent of plaintiff’s claimed injuries and whether or not they were caused by this accident, in particular, the TMJ, which preexisted the accident. Jury awarded plaintiff $500,000. The awarded was however reduced by remittitur to $300,000.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Valley v. Brauneis, 3AN-04-8900 CI
Type of Injury: Neck injury-exacerbation of neck radiculopathy from previous accident; back injury-lumbar radiculitis from L5-S1 on the right side of the body; cervical and lumbar disc syndrome; Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $384,438
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving eastbound. Defendant, traveling westbound, turned left in the path of plaintiff’s oncoming vehicle. The vehicles collided in a T-bone style wreck that deployed the airbags in plaintiff’s vehicle and badly damaged the front end of plaintiff’s car. Plaintiff 2 owned the vehicle driven by plaintiff. Plaintiff claimed post-traumatic stress disorder from this collision has left him unable to drive. Plaintiff claimed the accident exacerbated injuries he received in a prior rear-end accident. In that crash he sustained two cervical disc herniations and a lumbar disc herniation. Defendant admitted liability the first day of trial, but denied plaintiff’s injuries were caused by this collision. Plaintiff was awarded $ 384,438, as well as offer of judgment interest, for a total judgment of $505,871.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Harnish Group, Inc. v. Moore, 3AN-04-12249 CI
Type of Injury: Neck injury-disc herniation at C6-C7 with nerve impingement
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $527,250
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their respective vehicles on Route X. Just prior to the entrance to Route Y, plaintiff rear-ended Defendant’s vehicle. Defendant was employed by Defendant2 and was acting in the course and scope of his employment at the time of the accident. Plaintiff alleged that Defendant cut in front of his vehicle. Plaintiff claimed the accident caused a disc herniation at C6-C7 with nerve impingement and that the injury required cervical fusion, physical therapy and facet joint injections. Defendant2 contended that plaintiff was exceeding the speed limit and caused the accident. As to his injuries, defendants contended that plaintiff only had soft tissue injuries. A jury awarded $ 555,000 less 5% comparative negligence to plaintiff.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Kuk v. Nalley, S–12024
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck, right shoulder and wrist injuries; back injury-bulging disc at L4-L5 with radiculopathy of the right leg
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $820,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving his vehicle southbound. It was morning rush hour when he was rear-ended in a multiple vehicle accident triggered by Defendant. Defendant struck an SUV, which struck a pickup truck which then struck plaintiff’s vehicle. Defendant was driving a truck during the course of his employment with Defendant 2. Plaintiff suffered soft tissue neck, right shoulder and wrist injuries, and a bulging disc (back) at L4-L5 with radiculopathy of the right leg. Plaintiff argued that he was just beginning his career as a cardiac surgeon and would not be able to perform invasive surgery as a result of his injuries. Defendants did not contest liability for the accident, but argued that plaintiff exaggerated his injuries. Jury awarded plaintiff $820,000 plus prejudgment interest for a total judgment of $1,131,000.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Harris v. M-K Rivers, S-14254/14262
Type of Injury: Neck injury-cervical disc herniation at C5-C6
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,939,684
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle from a private driveway. As she attempted to turn onto Road X, she was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by Defendant, who was southbound on Road X. The collision knocked plaintiff’s vehicle into a wood post mailbox, across a lawn and into a tree. Plaintiff claimed defendant was speeding and that he lost his right-of-way. She claimed a serious neck injury at C5-C6, for which she treated from the time of the accident until her surgery, which was performed six years later. According to defendant, plaintiff exited the driveway in front of defendant’s oncoming vehicle and he was unable to avoid a collision. Defendant further claimed that plaintiff’s neck complaints were the result of a preexisting degenerative condition. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict for $1,939,684.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Case Name and Docket Number: Thompson v. Central Plumbing & Heating, 3AN-09-06600CI
We analyzed a group of real lawsuits filed in Alaska courts by injured car accident victims. All the plaintiffs in our sample group received a payout from a court award or by settling their case before trial.
Victims were either drivers or passengers involved in a rear-end collision.
Award amounts reflect any reductions taken for contributory fault. Averages are calculated by adding the payouts for a group of cases, then dividing by the number of cases in the group.
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