What to Do After a Car Accident in Alaska
Nobody expects to be in a serious car accident. One minute, a driver can be driving to work and in seconds, his or her life can change dramatically. Being in a serious Alaska car accident can be shocking and overwhelming. It is smart to consider what you will do after a serious car accident before one strikes so that you can be better mentally prepared should one suddenly occur.
Bring Your Vehicle to a Complete Stop
This seems obvious, but it can be hard to think clearly after a traumatic car accident. If you leave the scene of the accident, you could face serious consequences, including criminal charges.
Call 911 and the Police
If anyone is injured, it is best to call 911 as soon as possible. We have a tendency to downplay how serious our injuries are, but now is not the time to do so. If you pursue an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit for compensation, documentation from your emergency room visit will be extremely important to prove that the accident caused your injuries. You will also benefit greatly from having a police report in your records. The police report helps provide a reliable source for the facts of the case.
Exchange Information
If you are able to do so, exchange information with all of the other drivers who were involved in any way in the car accident. Try to do everything possible to write down the names, phone numbers, addresses, license numbers, car registration information, and insurance information.
Take Photos and Look for Witnesses
If possible, take photos of the accident scene with your camera phone. Try to take photos of the scene of the surroundings as well as of the property damage to your vehicle. Take photos of your injuries, as well. Look around the scene of the accident for witnesses. Witnesses can be incredibly important when it comes to filing a claim for compensation. Gather the contact information of any witnesses who were present.
Follow the Instructions of Your Doctor
This step is incredibly important. Insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of the victim’s injuries. They may argue that you were not really that injured, or that your injuries happened before the car accident. Additionally, they might argue that you failed to follow your doctor’s orders, causing your injuries to become worse. When you follow your doctor’s orders, attend all of your appointments, and take all of your medications as instructed, you will help your claim.
Speak to an Attorney Before Filing Your Accident Claim
Insurance companies often start requesting a statement from victims of car accidents within hours of the accident. It is easy to accidentally admit fault when speaking to insurance companies. We recommend speaking to a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. At Power & Power, we can help you draft a statement that protects your interests in financial compensation while also accurately stating what happened at the accident. Contact our Anchorage car accident law firm as soon as possible.