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 To Submit An Alaska Motor Vehicle Crash Form

Alaska Statute 28.35.080 states:

(a) that The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury to or death of a person or total property damage to an apparent extent of $2,000 or more shall immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of the accident to the local police department if the accident occurs within a municipality, otherwise to the Department of Public Safety.

(b) The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury to or death of a person or total property damage to an apparent extent of $2,000 or more shall, within 10 days after the accident, forward a written or electronic report of the accident to the Department of Administration and to the local police department if the accident occurs within a municipality. A report is not required under this subsection if the accident is investigated by a peace officer.

If a responding officer requests drivers to submit the Alaska Motor Vehicle Crash Form 12-209, the drivers must comply The form may be printed for completion or submitted online. Provide as much information as possible when completing this form. Immediately after the accident, write down contact information for drivers, passengers and any witnesses. Talk to everyone who saw the accident. Do not apologize or admit to any wrongdoing. This may cause you to be liable for a crash that is not actually your fault.

Make a copy of your form before submitting to the Department of Administration (DOA). To request a copy of this form, or the Crash Report completed by law enforcement, use the State of Alaska DMV Request for Crash Report Form.

Be Aware Of Time Limitations

To comply with Alaska laws, submit the Alaska Motor Vehicle Crash Form 12-209 to the DMV’s Main Office. Also provide a copy to the responding police department within 10 days after the accident.

Review your insurance coverage for specifics about when your insurance company must be notified of your, or your insured vehicles, involvement in an accident.

Remember the Statute of Limitations for injury to an adult in the State of Alaska is normally two (2) years. You must either file a lawsuit or settle your claims within two (2) years or lose valuable legal rights, including the right to compensation.

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

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

Sources: Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles; The Alaska State Legislature; and FindLaw

Image Source: Alaska Department of Motor Vehicle