After A Car Crash

After a car crash, many Alaskans are at a loss on how to proceed. Most do not experience car crashes. Some are unfortunate to have been involved in several accidents. Due to this unfamiliarity, car crashes can be difficult to navigate. The main problem is that many Alaskans experience frustration and stress after a crash. The stress affects ability to think clearly and logically. Since it is not every day that we get into a collision, many forget to do very important steps following an accident that are vital after a car accident.

Initial Steps – Check For Injuries

After A Car Accident, most people involved in a motor vehicle accident are unsure of what to do next. The first concern is to always to check for injuries for both yourself and your passengers. If everyone is unharmed and your are able to do so safely, verify the occupants of other car(s) are ok. Make sure that all the drivers and passengers involved in the crash are conscious and responding.

If anyone requires medical attention, call 911 and advise authorities of how many people are suffering injuries. Call the police, even for a fender-bender it is wise to play it safe. Call the authorities to file a police report.

Move your car off the road and out of the way of traffic, if possible. For instances in which moving the car is impossible, remain buckled and stay in the vehicle until emergency responders arrive.

Stay at the crash site. In fact, unless ambulance transport is necessary, Alaskans have legal obligations not to leave the crash site until a police officer dismisses parties.

Exchange Information After A Car Accident

Next, exchange driver and vehicle information. Write down everyone’s contact information, including drivers, passengers and witnesses. This includes information such as the following:

• Full name of the all drivers and passengers
• Contact numbers
• Insurance providers, phone numbers and policy numbers
• License plate number
• Drivers, licenses
• Make, model, color and year of the other drivers’ vehicles

If there are witnesses to the crash, ask the witnesses for their names and contact information. Talk to witnesses who saw the accident. Write down what they tell you they saw. 

Take Photos

In addition to getting information, try to take pictures of the vehicles and location before leaving the scene of the accident when possible. Photograph the damage to your car, the other car, and the area. These photographs are critical when describing what took place.

Obtain A Police Report

If officers arrive at the accident, then they will begin a police report. If they do not, you can call the local police and make the report yourself. Explain the accident but refrain from saying who you think is at fault. Do not apologize or admit to any wrongdoing. This may cause you to be held liable for a crash that is not your fault.

Following Up After A Car Accident

Contact your insurance company to open a claim. You must report the incident to your insurance company, even if you are not at fault. Confirm repair coverage and get estimates for your property damage.

If treating for injuries after a car accident, keep records of all medical treatment and bills you receive. Take pictures of injuries as you heal. Remember, you are not required to give a recorded statement while healing from injuries.

If your accident was relatively minor and involved only property damage, you may not need to go to the trouble and expense of hiring a lawyer. For more serious accidents where injuries occur, call an Alaskan personal injury attorney. Do not agree to settle with insurance companies until after you discuss the matter with an Alaska personal injury attorney. A qualified personal injury attorney can help you ensure that your right to financial recovery after a car accident is fully preserved.

Johnson Law has been serving injury victims after a car accident for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your serious injury case. We are here to serve you.

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

Source: Justia: What to Do After a Car Accident – Legal & Practical Concerns

Image Source: I Stock Photos