After A Car Accident

After a car accident – what do you do? According to Alaska Law, after a motor vehicle crash, the operator(s) of the vehicle(s) must immediately stop and remain at the scene of the accident. This is mandatory after an accident resulting in injury to a person, the death of a person, or in damage to a vehicle occupied by a person,

When an unattended vehicle is struck by another driver, the driver must make all reasonable efforts to contact the owner of the damaged vehicle. The driver responsible must leave a written statement providing name and contact information as well as detail the circumstances of the event if the owner cannot be found.

Report The Motor Vehicle Crash To Police

Contact the police and provide your location and identify all drivers involved in the motor vehicle crash. Be sure to gather all insurance information and contact information such as names, addresses, license number, and phone numbers of the other drivers. It’s also helpful to gather contact information from any witnesses. Having an officer arrive on scene is good support for the facts you provide to open an insurance claim after a car accident.

See A Doctor After A Car Accident

See a doctor and rule out potential injuries after a car accident. Your medical needs are the first priority. You, or anyone else who is injured, should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. If necessary, call for help and render aid to injured persons until help arrives.

Take Pictures At The Crash Scene

Take photos of the motor vehicle crash damage, visible injuries, the surrounding area and roadway. These will support your insurance claim. Before leaving the scene of an accident, be sure to take pictures for future use.

Dashboard cameras are great because they can often provide video of exactly what happened during a collision. However, many people don’t have dashcams installed in their vehicles. Surrounding businesses, and even some homes, have outdoor video cameras that may have recorded the collision. It’s a good idea to ask the surrounding building owners whether or not they have cameras after a car accident and whether they will review the recording to provide evidence supporting your insurance claim.

What Is A Hit And Run?

On some occasions, whether due to being uninsured or for other reasons, a driver will flee the scene of a motor vehicle crash without providing contact and insurance information, or even rendering aid to potentially injured individuals. This is against Alaska law and is called a hit and run.

If an accident occurs causing injury or damage to your vehicle you must take the appropriate steps. Abide by all relevant laws and seek medical care as soon as possible after a car accident. Contact police, exchange contact information with other drivers and witnesses, take scene and injury photos. Remember to stay at the scene of an accident to wait for the police and emergency services.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Source: Alaska Statutes

Image Source: National Kidney Foundation