Alaska Truck Accident Lawyers

Serving all of Alaska · Free consultation · Contingency fee — no fee unless we win

Quick answer

Crashes with commercial trucks cause some of the most serious injuries on Alaska's roads, and they involve rules that ordinary car crashes do not. Trucking companies and drivers must follow federal safety regulations (the FMCSR) covering hours of service (49 CFR Part 395) and commercial driver licensing (49 CFR Part 383). You generally have two years to file (AS 09.10.070), and Alaska follows pure comparative fault (AS 09.17.060). Choate Law Firm has represented injured Alaskans since 1980. Consultations are free and we are paid only if we recover for you. Call (907) 586-4490.

Federal rules can make the difference

Commercial trucks are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which limit driving hours to prevent fatigue (49 CFR Part 395) and set licensing and safety standards (49 CFR Part 383). Violations — falsified logs, overloaded trailers, poor maintenance, unqualified drivers — can be powerful evidence of fault. A motor carrier can also be responsible for the conduct of its drivers. Critical evidence (electronic logs, the truck's data, maintenance records) can disappear, so acting quickly matters.

Who may be responsible

Beyond the driver, responsibility can extend to the trucking company, the owner of the trailer or cargo, a maintenance provider, or a parts manufacturer. Identifying every responsible party — and every insurance policy — often makes the difference in a serious truck-crash case. We move fast to preserve evidence and send legal hold letters.

Damages and cost

You may recover medical bills, lost income, and noneconomic damages; only noneconomic damages are capped (AS 09.17.010), with a higher limit for severe permanent injuries. We work on a contingency fee — no fee unless we recover for you.

Frequently asked questions

Why is a truck case different from a car case? Federal safety rules apply (49 CFR Parts 395 and 383), more parties can be liable, and key electronic evidence must be preserved quickly.

Who can be at fault? The driver, the trucking company, and others such as maintenance or cargo companies.

How long do I have to file? Generally two years (AS 09.10.070).

What does it cost? Nothing up front — contingency fee.

Sources

49 CFR Part 395 (hours of service): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-395
49 CFR Part 383 (commercial driver's license): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-383
AS 09.10.070 (statute of limitations): https://codes.findlaw.com/ak/title-9-code-of-civil-procedure/ak-st-sect-09-10-070/

Disclaimer

This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case. Attorneys at Choate Law Firm LLC are licensed in Alaska, California, Hawaii, New York, and Washington (specific jurisdiction varies by attorney).