A clear plan for the hours and days after a crash
The minutes after a collision can feel like a blur—especially when you’re shaken up, cars are blocking traffic, and you’re trying to figure out what happens next. If you were involved in a crash in Palmer or the Mat-Su Valley, the steps you take right away can make a major difference for your medical recovery and for any insurance or injury claim that follows. This guide lays out a simple, Alaska-focused checklist to help you stay organized, avoid common mistakes, and protect your rights.
Why post-crash decisions matter in Alaska (even if the accident seems “minor”)
Many people in Palmer walk away from a crash thinking they’re fine—only to feel neck, back, or headache symptoms later that day or later in the week. At the same time, insurance companies start evaluating your claim immediately. If there are gaps in treatment, incomplete documentation, or early statements that downplay your injuries, that can reduce the value of your case.
Alaska is an “at-fault” state for car accidents, and Alaska also uses pure comparative fault, meaning your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you are found mostly at fault, you may still be able to recover something—so clear documentation matters from day one. (nolo.com)
Step-by-step: What to do after a car accident in Palmer
Safety note: If you believe you have a head, neck, or spinal injury—or you’re dizzy, confused, or nauseated—limit movement and wait for medical help if it’s safe to do so.
1) Check for injuries and get to a safe location (if possible)
Your first priority is medical safety. Turn on hazard lights. If vehicles are creating a secondary danger and can be moved safely, move them out of traffic. If you can’t move them safely, stay put and wait for help.
2) Call 911 and ask for law enforcement + medical response
A police response and a written report can become one of the most important documents in an injury claim. If you’re hurt (or even unsure), request medical evaluation. Symptoms can be delayed—especially with concussions and soft-tissue injuries.
3) Document the scene like you’re building a timeline
Use your phone to take wide and close photos/videos of:
• Vehicle positions before they’re moved (if safe)
• Damage to every vehicle (including license plates)
• Road conditions (ice, slush, potholes), signage, and lighting
• Skid marks, debris, and intersection layout
• Any visible injuries (bruises can change quickly)
4) Exchange information—but keep the conversation short
Exchange names, contact details, driver’s license info, vehicle info, and insurance policy details. Also identify witnesses and get their phone numbers.
What to avoid saying: “I’m fine,” “I didn’t see you,” or anything that sounds like an apology or admission. Stick to facts and let the investigation determine fault.
5) Seek medical care the same day (or as soon as possible)
If you’re experiencing pain, headaches, dizziness, numbness, limited range of motion, or confusion, get evaluated promptly. Early medical records create a clear connection between the crash and your injuries—and help guide treatment.
6) Notify your insurance company—carefully
Report the crash promptly, but be cautious about recorded statements before you know the full extent of your injuries. If you’re asked detailed questions and you’re still in pain, medicated, or unsure, it’s okay to say you will follow up.
7) Track costs and symptoms like a running ledger
Start a folder (digital or paper) for: medical bills, prescriptions, mileage to appointments, missed work, repair estimates, and photos of the healing process. Also keep a short daily note on pain levels, sleep disruption, and activity limitations.
A quick Alaska insurance snapshot (why minimum coverage can fall short)
Alaska requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. (dmv.alaska.gov)
| Coverage Type | Alaska Minimum | Why It Matters After a Serious Crash |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $50,000 | A single ER visit + imaging + follow-up care can reach this quickly, especially if there’s surgery or long recovery time. |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $100,000 | If multiple people are hurt, the pool of available coverage may be split. |
| Property Damage | $25,000 | Many newer vehicles (and trucks) can exceed this with significant front-end damage. |
If you’re dealing with major injuries, commercial vehicles, or a multi-car collision, insurance limits and fault arguments become more complex—and that’s where early guidance can prevent costly missteps.
Deadlines: Don’t wait until the clock is almost out
Alaska’s statute of limitations for many personal injury claims is two years from when the cause of action accrues. (law.justia.com)
Wrongful death claims in Alaska also generally must be commenced within two years after the death. (law.justia.com)
Important: Deadlines can depend on details (such as who is responsible and how the claim is framed). Waiting can also mean lost evidence—vehicle data, surveillance footage, witness memory, and scene conditions can disappear fast in Alaska weather.
Local Palmer/Mat-Su angle: What makes Alaska car accident claims different
Crashes in and around Palmer often involve factors that don’t show up the same way in larger metro areas:
• Winter road conditions (black ice, reduced traction, low visibility) that can complicate fault arguments
• Higher-speed impacts on highways connecting Palmer, Wasilla, and Anchorage
• Commercial and work-related driving (including trucks and oil-field traffic) where multiple insurance layers may apply
• Medical logistics—appointments, specialist referrals, and travel time can affect your recovery and documentation
National roadway safety data also shows why taking crashes seriously matters. Federal and safety organizations continue to report tens of thousands of U.S. traffic fatalities annually, with recent estimates still near or above 40,000 deaths per year. (nhtsa.gov)
Talk with an Alaska personal injury attorney before you sign, settle, or speculate
If you were injured in a car crash in Palmer or the Mat-Su Valley, a short conversation can help you understand what your claim may include, what evidence to preserve, and what to avoid saying to insurers while you’re still getting medical answers.
No legal advice is created by this page. Every case is different, and deadlines may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I go to the doctor if I don’t feel hurt right after the crash?
If you have any symptoms (even mild) or you’re unsure, get evaluated. Some injuries—especially concussions, whiplash-type neck injuries, and back injuries—can show up hours or days later. Prompt medical documentation also helps clarify what the crash caused.
What if I was partially at fault in the accident?
Alaska follows pure comparative fault rules, meaning your recovery may be reduced by your share of fault, but partial fault does not automatically eliminate your claim. (nolo.com)
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Alaska?
Many Alaska personal injury claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. (law.justia.com) Because exceptions can apply, it’s smart to get legal advice early rather than assuming you have plenty of time.
What does Alaska require for minimum car insurance?
Alaska requires liability limits of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. (dmv.alaska.gov)
What if the other driver’s insurer calls me quickly after the crash?
Be polite, but cautious. Avoid guessing about speed, distance, or injuries. If you’re asked for a recorded statement and you’re not comfortable, you can decline and seek legal guidance first—especially if you’re dealing with pain, missed work, or ongoing treatment.
Glossary (Plain-English Terms)
Comparative Fault (Pure Comparative Negligence)
A rule that reduces your compensation by your share of responsibility for the accident, rather than blocking recovery entirely. (nolo.com)
Liability Insurance Limits (50/100/25)
Shorthand for required minimum coverage amounts: $50,000 per injured person, $100,000 per crash for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. (dmv.alaska.gov)
Statute of Limitations
A legal deadline to file a lawsuit. In Alaska, many personal injury claims have a two-year deadline (though exceptions may apply). (law.justia.com)