Tips for the Scene of an Alaska Car Accident
For a state of its size in terms of population, Alaska sees a large number of fatal and injury-causing car accidents every year. According to the US Department of Transportation (DOT), around 75 people are killed in traffic crashes annually. Another 300 victims suffer serious injuries, while thousands of others sustain incapacitating or minor harm. Because injuries affect so many areas of life, these individuals and their families suffer significant losses.
Fortunately, Alaska law provides you with legal options if you were hurt or lost a loved one in a vehicle collision. You can expect that evidence will be critical to your claim, and much of the most useful proof for your case is found at the scene of the crash. You can support the efforts of your Alaska car accident attorney by following a few tips on collecting information in the immediate aftermath.
Check Yourself and Passengers
The chaos of a collision could send you reeling, so take a moment to center yourself. Assess your body for visible signs of injuries, and make slight, slow movements to determine the source of pain. If you were driving with passengers, check to see the nature and severity of their injuries. Do your best to calm children and assure them that help is on the way.
Call 911
If anyone is hurt, even with minor injuries, dial 911 to get first responders on the way. The dispatcher will determine what crews to send so police, EMTs, and firefighters may arrive at the scene. Make sure you receive proper first aid and follow the instructions of the team in terms of getting additional medical care at the ER.
Exchange Contact Information
It is your responsibility to share your contact and insurance information with all drivers involved in the crash. Make sure to get these details from other motorists as well. Never mention fault or how you think the crash happened when you are conversing with these individuals.
Take Pictures
Grab your cell phone and capture images and videos that could be useful for your claim. You should get detailed photos of:
- The intersection or stretch of roadway where the accident occurred;
- Any traffic signals, signs, lane markings, or other traffic controls;
- Damage to vehicles and surrounding physical features;
- Your injuries;
- Skid marks from the collision; and,
- Obstacles and obstructions in the area of the crash.
In addition, it may be useful to take shots of area businesses or write down the names. These buildings may have surveillance video footage of the auto crash.
Contact an Alaska Car Accident Lawyer Right Away
Once you receive treatment for your injuries and are on the road to recovery, it is critical to reach out to an experienced auto collision attorney for assistance. To learn more about our legal services, please contact Power & Power Law. You can call our Anchorage, Alaska offices at 907-222-9990 or go online to set up a no-cost case review. After learning more about your circumstances, our team can guide you in filing a car accident claim.