Car accidents can leave drivers and passengers shaken, injured and unsure of what to do next. The first steps after a car crash in Alaska, and the days that follow, can affect your health, your insurance claim and your legal options.
Knowing what to do after a car accident in Alaska can help protect your safety and preserve information that may be important later to pursue compensation for your injuries. If you were injured in an Alaska car accident, The Carlson Law Firm can help.
Prioritize Safety
After a car crash, safety should always come first. If you or your passenger is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
If it is safe to do so, move vehicles out of traffic to prevent mor collisions. Turn on your hazard lights and remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives.
Contact Law Enforcement and File an Accident Report
In Alaska, drivers are required to report certain accidents to law enforcement, especially when they involve injuries, fatalities or significant property damage. When officers arrive, they will document the scene and create an official accident report.
When speaking with law enforcement, be honest and cooperative, but do not speculate about fault. You should stick to the facts of what occurred. The accident report could play a big role in insurance claims and legal proceedings down the road.
Gather Information and Document the Scene
At the scene, gathering as much information as possible if you are able can also help with claims and legal proceedings. Important information can include:
- Contact information of witnesses
- Names and contact information of all drivers involved
- Insurance details
- Photos of road conditions, vehicle damage and visible injuries
- Vehicle information and license plate numbers
Given the weather conditions in Alaska, ice or snow can increase the risks of car accidents. Reduced visibility in the area can also complicate driving, so photographing weather and road conditions at the time of a car accident in Alaska may help establish what factors were involved.
Seek Follow-Up Medical Care
Even if you go to the emergency room or receive treatment at the scene, follow-up care is important. Make sure to keep any records of medical appointments, diagnoses and recommended treatment.
Delaying care can let injuries get worse and may complicate future claims. Having medical documentation can create a clear record linking your injuries to the accident. This can be important if compensation is pursued later.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After a car accident, report it to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide basic details but avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting settlements before fully understanding the extent of your injuries.
Under Alaska law, motor vehicle liability policies need to provide coverage for bodily injury or death. The set amounts are outlined in Alaska Statute 28.22.201, which gives the official minimum coverage requirements and protections for accident victims.
Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after the accident. While they may seem helpful, their goal is usually to minimize payouts. If you are in a car accident in Alaska, contact The Carlson Law Firm before discussing injuries or fault with an adjuster.
Understand Alaska’s Fault-Based System
Alaska law relies on a comparative fault system for car accidents. This means the driver responsible for causing the accident may be held financially liable for resulting injuries and damages.
Under the pure comparative negligence rule, Alaska allows an injured person to still pursue compensation even if they were partially at fault. However, the amount recovered may be reduced based on their percentage of responsibility.
Keep Up with Deadlines
Alaska law places time limits on when car accident claims must be filed. Missing a deadline can prevent the possibility of recovery, regardless of the strength of the case. On top of legal deadlines, insurance policies can impose their own reporting requirements.
Acting as soon as possible is important to help protect your rights and options. A personal injury lawyer at The Carlson Law Firm can explain what to do after a car accident in Alaska with compassion and legal support.
Avoid Common Mistakes After a Car Accident
A car crash can be disorienting and cause people to take certain actions that unintentionally harm a claim. Knowing these mistakes can help to avoid them, with common mistakes including:
- Posting about the accident on social media
- Admitting fault at the scene
- Accepting a quick settlement without understanding long-term costs
- Failing to seek medical care
Remaining cautious and informed can help prevent complications for any potential recovery.
When Legal Guidance May Be Helpful
While some car accidents are straightforward, some involve serious injuries or complex insurance cases. Fault can be disputed in some situations. Understanding Alaska law and the claims process can be challenging.
An Anchorage car accident lawyer can help injured individuals understand their rights. The Carlson Law Firm can evaluate potential claims and handle interactions with insurance companies. Legal guidance can be especially helpful when injuries are more severe or liability is contested.
Learn More About Car Accident Claims in Anchorage
The long-term effects of car accidents can be physical, emotional and financial. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Alaska can help protect your health and preserve your options. While Alaska law applies statewide, car accidents in Anchorage are typically handled locally, and outcomes may depend on the specific circumstances involved. If you have questions, an Anchorage car accident lawyer can explain legal options and what to expect moving forward.
