What to do After a Car Accident in Alaska
Let’s say you work in downtown Anchorage. On your way to work one day, you are rear-ended by another driver. The wreck causes substantial damage to your car and you are in a lot of pain. At this point, do you know what you should do to ensure that your rights to compensation are protected?
What to do at the Accident Scene
Just after the accident, there are several actions that you need to take. First and foremost, you need to make sure you are safe. If possible, get your vehicle out of the travel lanes and off the road as close to the accident scene as possible. Make sure you are out of the way of traffic to avoid any subsequent accidents. Unfortunately, this is a real risk and happens quite frequently, according to AAA. Once you are safe, you need to call first responders if you are able. At this point, if you are able, you need to exchange insurance information with the other driver.
You should get as much information as possible from the other driver including:
- Name
- Phone number
- Address
- License plate number
- Driver’s license number
- Car insurance carrier and phone number
The police will obtain this information, as well, but it is always a good practice to have it in your personal files. You should also take note of the road conditions, speed limit signs, the behavior/actions of the other driver and any factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Never admit fault for the accident. Once the police arrive, you should answer their questions succinctly and accurately. You should not volunteer information that they do not ask for, as this could potentially be detrimental to your claims. Finally, if you are injured (as we have presumed in this instance), you should accept medical care by first responders and if you or they feel it is necessary, accept transport to a hospital. Latent injuries are always a consideration in car accidents, and you need to ensure that your health and welfare are the paramount consideration.
What to do in the Days After the Accident
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you should follow any physician’s directions for your care. You also need to contact your insurance and the insurance of the at-fault driver and file a claim. At this point, you should consider scheduling a consultation with a personal injury attorney. You can potentially amass huge medical bills, time off of work, rental car fees and even permanent disability. The other driver’s insurance is working for them, not you. They do not have your best interests in mind. If they offer a settlement, you should not immediately accept. It is only with the passage of time that your injuries, expenses, and potential damages may become clear. Finally, there are also legal requirements as to the agencies you must inform in Alaska about your accident, depending on where the accident occurred.
It is important to remember that if you are in an accident, the other driver’s insurance is not on your side. They want the cheapest settlement possible and even the most innocuous wreck may cause you significant injuries and expenses that may not be readily apparent. You often need the help of a personal injury attorney to ensure that you get the compensation you are due. The attorneys at Power & Power Law in Anchorage have decades of experience helping accident victims. Give us a call today at 907-222-9990 or toll free at 833-669-9990 or click here to set up your initial consultation. Put our experience and skill to work for you to make sure you get the results you deserve.