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 Alaska traffic 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

 Alaska Teens And Car Accidents

Even if they don’t cause the car accident, Alaska teen drivers need to know what to do afterwards. Above all, Teens should know who to call in an emergency and be able to explain exactly where the crash took place.

Prepare Alaska teens to handle a car accident: focusing on immediate safety, seeking assistance, and documenting the scene. First, advise your teenager to stay calm and call 911. Then, explain what happened, who is involved, and report injuries. Remind your teen to think of the basics: Who? Where? What?

Who Was Involved?

Alaska Teens should know exchange contact information and insurance with the other driver after a car accident.

Where Did The Car Accident Take Place?

 After a motor vehicle accident, Alaska teens should know to take photos of the surroundings and involved vehicles.

What Happened In The Accident?

It is important to discuss the accident with teen drivers so they can explain any residual effects the accident may be causing. Always explain PTSD after a crash can be common and they should not be afraid to discuss any symptoms they may be experiencing. Always talk to your teenager after a crash.

Advance Preparation Is Key

Talking about what to do before a car accident happens can reduce fear. Your teen’s cooperation with first responders can be lifesaving. Never avoid these critical steps – on the contrary, have driver safety conversations regularly.

In summary, preparing for a car accident ahead of time helps teenagers to be more responsible drivers and allows parents peace of mind.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Contact us to discuss your Alaska car accident case.

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

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Image Source: Middle Earth

When an unattended vehicle is struck by another driver, the driver must make all reasonable efforts to contact the owner of the damaged vehicle. The driver responsible must leave a written statement providing name and contact information as well as detail the circumstances of the event if the owner cannot be found.

Report The Motor Vehicle Crash To Police

Contact the police and provide your location and identify all drivers involved in the motor vehicle crash. If a responding officer requests drivers to submit an Alaska Motor Vehicle Crash Form (See Crash Form 12-209), the drivers must comply The form may be printed for completion or submitted online.

Be sure to gather all insurance information and contact information such as names, addresses, license number, and phone numbers of the other drivers. It’s also helpful to gather contact information from any witnesses. Having an officer arrive on scene is good support for the facts you provide to open an insurance claim after a car accident.

See A Doctor After A Car Accident

See a doctor and rule out potential injuries after a car accident. Your medical needs are the first priority. You, or anyone else who is injured, should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. If necessary, call for help and render aid to injured persons until help arrives.

Take Pictures At The Crash Scene

Take photos of the motor vehicle crash damage, visible injuries, the surrounding area and roadway. These will support your insurance claim. Before leaving the scene of an accident, be sure to take pictures for future use.

Dashboard cameras are great because they can often provide video of exactly what happened during a collision. However, many people don’t have dashcams installed in their vehicles. Surrounding businesses, and even some homes, have outdoor video cameras that may have recorded the collision. It’s a good idea to ask the surrounding building owners whether or not they have cameras after a car accident and whether they will review the recording to provide evidence supporting your insurance claim.

What Is A Hit And Run?

On some occasions, whether due to being uninsured or for other reasons, a driver will flee the scene of a motor vehicle crash without providing contact and insurance information, or even rendering aid to potentially injured individuals. This is against Alaska law and is called a hit and run.

If an accident occurs causing injury or damage to your vehicle you must take the appropriate steps. Abide by all relevant laws and seek medical care as soon as possible after a car accident. Contact police, exchange contact information with other drivers and witnesses, take scene and injury photos. Remember to stay at the scene of an accident to wait for the police and emergency services.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

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

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Source: Alaska Statutes

Image Source: National Kidney Foundation