Navigating the moments after a collision can be confusing. Understand your rights and the critical steps to protect your claim.
A car accident can happen in an instant, leaving you shaken and unsure of what to do next. On the roads in and around Palmer, from the Glenn Highway to local streets like Arctic Avenue, collisions are an unfortunate reality. Knowing the correct actions to take immediately following a crash is crucial for your safety, your health, and your legal rights. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process for Palmer drivers to follow after an accident to ensure they are protected.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety at the Scene
Your immediate priority after any collision is the well-being of everyone involved.
- Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If someone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s wise to seek medical attention, as some conditions like whiplash or traumatic brain injuries may not present symptoms right away.
- Move to a Safe Location: If possible and the vehicles are operable, move them to the side of the road to avoid further accidents and keep traffic flowing. If moving the vehicles is not safe, turn on your hazard lights.
- Contact the Police: In Alaska, you are required to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage of $500 or more. A police report is an essential piece of evidence for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
Step 2: Document Everything
Thorough documentation is the foundation of a strong personal injury claim. While your memory might be sharp immediately after the crash, details can fade over time. Use your smartphone to gather the following:
Information Exchange
Exchange information with the other driver(s), but do not admit fault. Collect their full name, contact information, insurance company and policy number, driver’s license number, and vehicle license plate number.
Scene Evidence
Take photos and videos of the accident scene from multiple angles. Capture vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and any relevant landmarks. If there were witnesses, ask for their contact information.
Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as you can. Stick to the facts of what happened. Avoid speculating on fault or the extent of your injuries. When you speak with the other driver’s insurance adjuster, be cautious. Their goal is to minimize the payout for their company. It is often best to consult with a car accident attorney before giving a recorded statement to another insurer.
The Alaska Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
In Alaska, you generally have a limited time to file a lawsuit for injuries sustained in a car accident. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. For most personal injury cases, including those from car accidents, the deadline is two years from the date of the injury. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation forever. This makes it critical to act promptly and consult with an experienced lawyer.
Did You Know?
Alaska follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your total award will be reduced by 20%. An experienced attorney can help protect you from being assigned an unfair percentage of fault.
Why You Need a Palmer, AK Car Accident Lawyer
While you can handle a claim on your own, having a skilled personal injury attorney on your side can make a significant difference. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests; you deserve an advocate dedicated to protecting yours. Jason Skala has over 20 years of experience helping Alaskans, including those in Palmer and the Mat-Su Valley, navigate complex accident claims involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
A car accident lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the accident to determine fault.
- Gathering evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Calculating the full value of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Representing you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Injured in an Accident? Get the Help You Deserve.
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a car accident alone. The Law Office of Jason Skala is here to provide the personalized, compassionate representation you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Alaska, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy, provided you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. It’s an optional but highly recommended part of any auto insurance policy in the state.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
At the Law Office of Jason Skala, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront legal fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or verdict. This is often referred to as a “no win, no fee” promise.
Should I accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company?
It is generally not advisable to accept the first offer. Insurance companies often make low initial offers to resolve claims quickly and for as little money as possible. An experienced attorney can evaluate the true value of your claim and negotiate for a fair settlement that covers all your losses, including future medical needs.
What if my accident involved a commercial truck?
Accidents involving large trucks are often more complex due to the severe injuries they can cause and the federal regulations that govern the trucking industry. These cases may involve multiple liable parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and the vehicle manufacturer. Seeking legal counsel from a lawyer experienced in commercial truck accidents is crucial.