Personal Injury Lawyers Anchorage

Alaska auto accidents can occur for any number of reasons, and many of them are the result of a simple mistake, lapse in judgment or loss of focus that's extremely temporary.  However, some Alaska auto accidents can be the result of extreme recklessness to the point where the drivers involved really have no excuse in terms of the expected result of their actions.  It seems that such an accident occurred in Anchorage last night.

The accident took place on Dowling Road near Elmore Road at approximately 8:30 p.m.  The crash involved three vehicles, but two of them - both pickup trucks - were racing side-by-side down Dowling Road before the collision took place.  The pickups were headed in an eastward direction and were approaching the intersection with Elmore Road.  A sedan was attempting to turn in the area and was hit by both vehicles that were moving at a high rate of speed.  Fortunately, no one was killed, but the two people in the sedan that was hit were sent to the hospital with injuries.

Alaska Reckless Driving Statute

The drivers of the pickup trucks could face significant penalties if they are prosecuted for these actions.  Alaska's law on reckless driving states, in part:

(a) A person who drives a motor vehicle in the state in a manner that creates a substantial and unjustifiable risk of harm to a person or to property is guilty of reckless driving. A substantial and unjustifiable risk is a risk of such a nature and degree that the conscious disregard of it or a failure to perceive it constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe in the situation.

(b) A person convicted of reckless driving is guilty of a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than one year or by both.

Contact an Alaska Auto Accident Lawyer

In addition to the criminal statute that appears to have been broken, the drivers of the pickup trucks could also face civil liability in an Alaska personal injury lawsuit given the obvious negligence or recklessness on display that led to the injuries suffered.  If you or someone you love has been harmed in such a collision, you need the help of an Alaska auto accident lawyer who understands how to successfully hold those responsible for harm accountable.  Contact Barber & Banker today to schedule a free initial consultation.