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Another Fatal Alaska Plane Crash Kills Two People

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Alaska Injury Lawyer - Monday, 16 August 2010

Alaska is a state that may have a relatively small population, but it also features geography that simply requires air travel to access many places.  As a result, Alaska is one of the leading states when it comes to plane crashes in general, and two more people were killed in an Alaska plane crash on Thursday that left officials and pilots alarmed at the rate of accidents that seems to be spiking so far in 2010.  The latest incident is under investigation. 

According to authorities, the second fatal Alaska plane crash of last week occurred on Thursday night, and the small private plane crashed bout 37 miles northeast of McGrath in the Sunshine Mountains.  Those killed were identified as 79-year-old John Graybill, the pilot who was well-known in flying circles, and 78-year-old Dolores Mae Graybill, his wife.  Both were residents of Chugiak.  The only survivor of the crash was a dog, which was rescued.  

Alaska Plane Crash Statistics

First, we'd like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of the two people who were killed.  Those who were close to the occupants will certainly struggle with grief and shock, and we hope that they are able to come together to work through this difficult time.  In addition, this Alaska plane crash marks the 16th and 17th fatalities since June alone, and these rising numbers are giving many pause after a year in 2009 that was relatively crash-free.  In general, more than 20 people are killed in Alaska plane crashes every year, and that number could rise if this troubling trend continues.

Alaska Plane Crash Lawyers

In general, the legal duty of a pilot and that of a plane manufacturer are no different than situations involving vehicles.  If anyone violates this duty of care and people are injured or killed as a result, those who have been harmed can generally seek justice by way of an Alaska personal injury lawsuit.  If such a lawsuit is successful, damages for many different forms of losses can be awarded.  If you or someone you love has been injured or worse in an Alaska plane crash, you need the help of Alaska personal injury lawyers who have been holding negligent parties accountable on behalf of their clients for years.  Contact Barber & Sims today to schedule a free initial consultation. 

 

Former Senator Ted Stevens Among 5 Killed in Alaska Plane Crash

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Alaska Injury Lawyer - Tuesday, 10 August 2010

Anyone who's spent any time in Alaska understands that people here use airplanes for transportation more than most others do in different parts of the United States.  The obvious reason for this need for air travel is that many parts of the state are simply too remote to reach by car, truck or SUV.  While air travel is generally somewhat safe, Alaska plane crashes do happen.  Tragically, five people were believed to have been killed in the latest Alaska plane crash that occurred yesterday, and among the dead was former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens.

According to authorities, this Alaska plane crash occurred yesterday after a DeHavilland DHC-3T plane took off from GCI corporate site on Lake Nerka.  The plane was headed to the Agulowak Lodge on Lake Aleknagik, but it apparently went down near Dillingham, which is located in northern Bristol Bay about 325 miles southwest of Anchorage.  It was believed that 9 people were on the plane, but no word was given as to the condition of the survivors.  In terms of the cause of the crash, it's believed in a preliminary sense that bad weather and low visibility played a role in the crash, but it's too early to state a definitive cause.

Alaska Plane Crash Statistics

First, we'd like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Senator Stevens and to everyone else who was killed in this Alaska plane crash.  We also hope that those who were injured are able to overcome those injuries and get back into life's routine.  Unfortunately, this is far from the only Alaska plane crash that has occurred in the past year.  Since this time in 2009, 83 Alaska plane crashes have taken place and 8 people had been killed until yesterday's incident.

Alaska Aviation Accident Lawyers

While it will likely take some time to determine the cause of this Alaska plane crash, the bottom line is that those people who were killed and injured likely had nothing to do with the result they ultimately endured.  Those who have been harmed in this manner need to seek the help of Alaska plane crash lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of those who have been harmed in these incidents for several years.  Contact Barber & Sims today at (800) 478-5858 to schedule a free initial consultation.

 
 

Fatal Seward Highway Car Accident Leads to Manslaughter Charge

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Alaska Injury Lawyer - Monday, 09 August 2010

Driving recklessly is always a bad decision, and the only differentiating factor between these incidents is the degree of damage that's done.  Tragically, one man lost his life while engaging in such conduct that led to an accident in August of last year on the Seward Highway, and now the other driver involved in the incident will face charges that include manslaughter because of the facts surrounding this untimely death.

According to authorities, Steven Craig Rasic, 53, was charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and reckless driving because of a fatal Alaska car accident that occurred on August 20, 2009.  The accident occurred on the Seward Highway near Fireweed Lane when Rasic and Michael VanRoten, 30, took off from a stop light at a high rate of speed.  The vehicles were beside each other when contact occurred, and this contact knocked VanRoten's vehicle off the road.  He was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from his vehicle and killed. 

Alaska Car Accident Statistics

First, we'd like to send our thoughts to the family of Mr. VanRoten.  It's almost certainly been a very difficult year for his family and friends, and this process is likely to be difficult for them to endure.  In addition, this fatal Alaska car accident will only add to the overall statistics in this regard.  Every year, more than 10,000 Alaska car accidents occur, and more than 500 people are killed as a result of these collisions.

Alaska Wrongful Death Lawyers

While the defendant will face criminal charges, it's possible that the family of the man who was killed could also file an Alaska wrongful death lawsuit if one hasn't been filed already.  Even though the person who was killed was also likely negligent, Alaska follows what's known as a 'pure' comparative negligence standard, which means that if each party in a lawsuit was negligent, the court decides what percentage of fault should be assigned to each party.  The plaintiff would then recover the corresponding percentage of damages claimed.

If you have lost someone you love in an Alaska car accident, you need to learn more about your legal rights.  Seek the help of Alaska wrongful death lawyers who have been successfully fighting for the rights of aggrieved families for many years.  Contact Barber & Sims today to schedule a free initial consultation. 

 
 

Auke Bay Motorcycle Accident Seriously Injures Rider

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Alaska Injury Lawyer - Saturday, 17 July 2010

Alaska is a place that's made for motorcycle riding in the summer, and during this time of year more people than at any other time can be seen on their bikes moving down the roads.  Unfortunately, this reality of greater numbers also leads to a greater risk of Alaska motorcycle accidents, and another such incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon that sent a rider to the hospital with what were described as 'extensive' injuries.

According to police, the latest Alaska motorcycle accident occurred on Glacier Highway at Auke Bay.  A 34-year-old motorcycle driver was riding on the highway when a van suddenly turned left in front of him in an attempt to enter the Auke Bay Harbor parking lot.  The motorcyclist crashed into the passenger side of the van and was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.  The police further stated that the man's helmet likely saved his life.  The driver of the van was not injured.

Alaska Motorcycle Accident Statistics

First, we'd like to extend our hope that the driver of the motorcycle is able to recover from his injuries, and we're glad that he survived the crash.  This Alaska motorcycle accident could serve as an important reminder that wearing a helmet can and does make the difference between life and death.  As a result of his life being spared, this man will not become part of the statistics regarding fatal Alaska motorcycle accidents.  Out of the hundreds of such accidents that occur on an annual basis, between 10 and 15 people are killed every year.

Alaska Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If it turns out that the driver of the van was negligent in turning in front of the motorcycle driver, the injured motorcyclist could possibly file an Alaska personal injury lawsuit against him.  If such a claim was successful, the man could be awarded damages for property damage, medical costs, lost income and pain and suffering.  If you or someone you love has been harmed in this type of situation, you need to seek the help of Alaska personal injury lawyers who have been holding those responsible for these injuries accountable for many years.  Contact Barber & Sims today to schedule a free initial consultation. 

 
 

Alaska Motorcycle Accident Injures Two Bicyclists

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Alaska Injury Lawyer - Thursday, 08 July 2010

During the warmer months of the year, bicyclists can be seen all over Alaska.  While those who choose this form of transportation both to get around and for exercise generally do so safely, danger arises when those on bicycles cross paths with motorcyclists who are in the final stages of a grueling cross-continent race.  Such appears to have been the case recently when an Alaska motorcycle accident injured two bicyclists near Fairbanks.

According to police, this Alaska motorcycle accident occurred last week when Andy Hutten, 50, and Karen Schaad, 22, were riding their bicycles on the Parks Highway about 50 miles outside of Fairbanks.  Both bicyclists reside in Nenana.  Suddenly, they were hit by Vik Livingston, 53, who was racing towards Homer and hoping to complete the race known as the Iditarod of Harley-Davidsons, which begins in Key West, Florida and finishes in Homer.  The race spans 8,000 miles.  Authorities suspect that the motorcyclist had fallen asleep at the wheel, as the crash occurred in a long and straight patch of the highway.  As a result of this Alaska motorcycle accident, Hutten suffered a cut on his leg and Schaad suffered a chipped vertebra and a cracked pelvis. 

Alaska Traffic Accident Statistics

Fortunately, both bicyclists and the motorcyclist survived the crash.  Unfortunately, this situation will only add to the overall total regarding Alaska traffic accident statistics.  Every year, more than 10,000 such accidents occur, leading to more than 3,000 injuries and almost 100 deaths.  Given the circumstances of this crash, with three vehicles that leave their drivers completely exposed and a lack of braking or slowing down, everyone should feel fortunate to have survived.

Alaska Personal Injury Lawyers

While it's possible that the motorcyclist could face scrutiny from law enforcement, it's also possible that the injured bicyclists could have legal rights and options that include filing an Alaska personal injury lawsuit.  If such a claim was successful, the plaintiffs could be awarded damages for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering and other forms of compensation depending on the specific facts of the case.  If you or someone you love has been harmed in an accident, seek the help of Alaska personal injury lawyers who have been holding those responsible for causing harm accountable for many years.  Contact Barber & Sims today at (800) 478-5858 to schedule a free initial consultation.

 
 

Fairbanks Motorcycle Accident Leads to Fatality

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Alaska Injury Lawyer - Tuesday, 06 July 2010

Motorcycles are the choice for transportation for many Alaskans, and there are many advantages presented by using this type of vehicle.  Unfortunately, motorcycles can also be dangerous for those who ride them when collisions occur.  Tragically, one man lost his life in an Alaska motorcycle accident that took place in Fairbanks on Sunday night.  As is often the case, the crash occurred in an intersection, which is one of the most common locations for such incidents.

According to police, Thomas N. Favero II of Fairbanks, 37, was moving in a westward direction on Airport Way when he collided with a minivan being driven by 59-year-old Fairbanks resident Anthony Buie.  Mr. Buie had been moving in a southern direction on Cowles Street when he and the motorcycle made impact.  Mr. Buie was not injured, but Mr. Favero II was taken to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Alaska Motorcycle Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we'd like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Favero II.  We hope that those close to him are able to come together and somehow overcome what is almost surely an enormous amount of grief.  Unfortunately, this Fairbanks motorcycle accident will only add to the statistics regarding Alaska motorcycle accidents overall.  Every year, hundreds of these accidents take place and nearly one person per month has been killed on average over the past several years.

Alaska Wrongful Death Lawyers

While more would need to be determined regarding facts surrounding this situation, it's possible that the family of Mr. Favero II could have legal rights and options available to them if Mr. Buie was at fault.  If the family filed a claim and it was successful, it could lead to damages being awarded for costs incurred for medical, funeral and burial expenses as well as lost income, but again, this would depend on the facts.

If you have lost someone you love in an accident, you need to seek the help of Alaska wrongful death lawyers who have years of experience in helping grieving families obtain justice.  Contact Barber & Sims today to schedule a free initial consultation.

 
 

Fatal Wasilla DUI Accident Leads to Murder Charge

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Alaska Injury Lawyer - Wednesday, 30 June 2010

Drinking and driving seems to always lead to negative results, and this issue remains a constant everywhere despite all the efforts that are made to curb this dangerous practice.  Tragically, an Anchorage woman lost her life in a suspected Wasilla DUI accident over the weekend when her boyfriend crashed their vehicle.  As a result of this fatal Wasilla car accident, the driver of the vehicle has been brought up on a charge of murder.

The Wasilla DUI accident in question occurred on Saturday morning at approximately 4 a.m. on Vine Road.  According to police, the defendant, Joseph Tello, 21, lost control of the vehicle he was driving and rolled it into a ditch.  As a result of the crash, Amber Anderson, 20, of Anchorage, was killed despite being flown by helicopter to the hospital.  Based on the suspicion of drunk driving, Mr. Tello is now facing charges of drunk driving, driving without a license and second-degree murder.

Alaska Car Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we'd like to extend our most sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Anderson.  20 years old is way too young to leave us, and we hope that the family is somehow able to overcome what could easily be an overwhelming amount of grief and shock.  Unfortunately, this fatal Wasilla DUI accident will only add to the statistics regarding Alaska car accidents.  Every year, more than 10,000 such accidents take place in the state, leading to more than 3,000 injuries and almost 100 deaths. 

Anchorage Wrongful Death Lawyers

Given the facts of the situation, it's possible for the family of Ms. Anderson to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against Mr. Tello.  If the case is successful, it could bring damages to the family that include compensation for medical, funeral and burial expenses as well as loss of companionship and other forms of compensation.  If you have lost someone you love in an Alaska car accident, you need to seek the help of Anchorage wrongful death lawyers who have years of experience in successfully fighting for the rights of suffering families.  Contact Barber & Sims today at (800) 478-5858 to schedule a free initial consultation.

The Barber & Sims personal injury law firm is not currently representing anyone mentioned in this article at the time it was posted. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your legal rights and options, call us or another well recognized and respected personal injury law firm. Please do not rely or act solely upon the information provided in this article. Please consider getting a consultation immediately. The best personal injury law firms will provide a free consultation. Barber & Sims will provide a free, confidential consultation to the persons who were not at fault named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

 
 

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