Post-Accident Checklist for Alaska Car Accident Victims

 

Hundreds of people are involved in Alaska motor vehicle crashes every year, including many who suffer from serious injuries, according to the Alaska Highway Safety Report for 2017. These victims are in pain and overwhelmed in the immediate aftermath, making it difficult to think practically about what to do next. There are a few things that you need to make a priority, since your actions will affect your health and your rights in a potential injury claim. Since it is tough to make sense of things amid the confusion, Alaska car accident lawyers recommend that you refer to a post-collision checklist to make sure you cover all your bases.

 

  1. Pull Over and Assess:

    If you are able based upon your injuries and the damage to your vehicle, get off the road and to safety right away. You do not want to risk a secondary collision by remaining in traffic. Once you calm down, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Keep in mind that adrenaline may have kicked in, so what you think is minor harm could be more severe.

 

  1. Dial 911:

    Call the emergency number right away and provide the basics; the dispatcher will send help based upon your needs. For serious accidents, you may be treated by first responders and/or be transported by ambulance. If you are able to walk away, you should still seek medical attention at the hospital, urgent care center, or through your own doctor.

 

  1. List of To-Dos at the Scene of the Crash:

    Your post-accident tasks may be limited by your injuries, but you should still keep in mind a few points at the scene of the accident.

 

  • Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved in the crash;
  • Use your cell phone to take pictures of property damage to vehicles, your injuries, the physical conditions at the scene, and other relevant details; and,
  • Jot down the names of businesses in the vicinity, as they may have security cameras to reveal footage of the accident.

 

  1. Watch Yourself on Social Media:

    It may be tempting to connect with friends and family after a car crash, but it is essential that you do not reveal too much online. Anything you post is available to an insurance adjuster, who can use the information against you.

 

  1. Stick to the Basics in Dealing with an Insurer:

    Whether you report the claim first or you receive a call from the responsible driver’s insurance company, you should only provide simple details. Do not offer your opinion on what happened or discuss the nature of your injuries. If possible, avoid the call entirely and let your lawyer handle communications on your behalf.

 

Rely on an Alaska Car Accident Attorney for Additional Assistance

This checklist should help guide you through the moments after a motor vehicle crash, but you will need additional legal help that only a skilled lawyer can provide. For assistance with other tasks going forward, contact Power & Power Law to set up a free case evaluation. We can meet with you at our offices in Anchorage, Alaska to review your circumstances and determine a strategy.