You’re hurt, you’re overwhelmed—and you still have to make decisions fast

After a serious accident, most people in the Mat-Su Valley are trying to juggle medical appointments, missed work, and family responsibilities—while insurance adjusters ask for statements and paperwork. The steps you take in the first hours and days can shape both your recovery and the strength of your personal injury claim. This guide breaks down what matters most for injured people in Wasilla and nearby communities, in plain English.

Step 1: Get the right medical care (and document it)

Your health comes first. If your symptoms are serious—head injury signs, chest pain, severe back/neck pain, confusion, heavy bleeding—call 911 or go to the ER. For less obvious injuries, schedule an evaluation as soon as possible. Many injuries (including concussions and soft-tissue injuries) can feel “not that bad” at first and worsen later.
From a claim perspective, timely treatment helps connect the injury to the incident. Keep a simple folder (paper or digital) with:
What to save:
• Discharge paperwork and visit summaries
• Diagnostic imaging reports (X-ray, MRI, CT)
• Prescriptions and physical therapy plans
• Receipts for out-of-pocket costs (mileage, braces, meds)
• Work notes (restrictions, time off)
If you suspect a traumatic brain injury, don’t ignore subtle symptoms like headaches, sleep disruption, light sensitivity, memory issues, or mood changes. For more information, you can also review our related page on traumatic brain injuries.

Step 2: Protect evidence before it disappears

Evidence in Alaska can vanish quickly—vehicles get repaired, snow/ice conditions change, and witnesses become hard to reach. If you can do so safely, gather:
At the scene (or as soon as possible):
• Photos/video of vehicles, road conditions, signage, lighting, and injuries
• Names and contact info for witnesses
• The incident report number (police, EMS, or business report)
• Your notes about what happened (time, direction of travel, weather, etc.)
For premises injuries (slip/trip/fall, unsafe property):
• Photos of the hazard (ice, liquid, broken step/rail, poor lighting)
• Footwear you were wearing (don’t throw it away)
• Copies of any incident report you completed
• Names of employees who responded
If your injury involves a fall or unsafe property conditions, see our page on slip and fall accidents.

Step 3: Be careful with insurance conversations

Insurance adjusters may sound friendly, but their job is to control costs. It’s common to be asked for a recorded statement, a broad medical authorization, or a quick settlement. Before you agree to anything, it’s smart to understand what’s at stake—especially if your symptoms are still developing.
Practical guardrails:
• Stick to facts; don’t guess speeds, distances, or timelines.
• Don’t minimize injuries (“I’m fine”) if you’re still being evaluated.
• Avoid signing broad medical releases without understanding scope.
• Don’t accept a settlement until you know the full medical picture.
For crashes specifically, you can read more on our car accidents page and our truck accidents page.

Alaska time limits and fault rules: why “waiting” can cost you

Two legal issues come up repeatedly in Alaska injury cases:
1) The statute of limitations (filing deadline)
Alaska generally has a two-year deadline to file many personal injury lawsuits, including claims for personal injury or death. (law.justia.com)
2) Comparative fault (your recovery can be reduced)
Alaska applies comparative fault principles and allocates damages by percentage of fault among responsible parties. Your compensation can be reduced by the share of fault attributed to you, and each defendant is typically responsible for their own percentage. (law.justia.com)
These rules are a big reason why early evidence collection matters: when liability is disputed, the details become the case.

Optional table: common Alaska injury scenarios and what to do first

Scenario Top priority Evidence to preserve Common pitfalls
Car crash Medical evaluation + report number Vehicle photos, scene conditions, witness contacts Recorded statements too early; repairing car before photos
Commercial truck collision Get care and identify all companies involved Trucking info, dashcam, dispatch info (if available) Assuming the driver is the only liable party
Slip/trip/fall (ice, unsafe steps) Document hazard before it changes Photos of hazard, footwear, incident report No photos; waiting until the hazard is gone
Dog bite Medical care + report the bite Bite photos, owner info, vaccination info if known Assuming there’s “no case” because it was a first bite
Oil field / worksite injury Report internally + get medical documentation Witness names, jobsite photos, equipment identifiers Not exploring third-party liability beyond employer
If you were hurt on an oil field or rig, learn more on our oil field injuries page.

Quick “Did you know?” facts that surprise many Alaskans

Alaska’s minimum auto liability limits are 50/100/25.
That means $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage—often not enough for a serious injury claim. (dmv.alaska.gov)
Alaska dog bite claims often rely on “one-bite” principles and negligence.
Alaska does not have a statewide dog bite strict-liability statute; claims commonly involve proving the owner knew (or should have known) of dangerous propensity, or proving negligence (including ordinance violations in some cases). (justia.com)
Wrongful death claims have their own two-year filing clock.
Alaska’s wrongful death statute states the action must be commenced within two years after the death. (law.justia.com)
If your family is coping with a fatal injury, visit our wrongful death page for more context.

A local Wasilla angle: winter conditions and Mat-Su crash risk

Wasilla drivers and property owners deal with rapid freeze-thaw cycles, black ice, snow berm visibility issues, and early darkness. Those conditions don’t “automatically” excuse negligence, but they do change how evidence should be collected:
• For vehicle crashes, photograph road surface, lighting, and traffic control devices immediately—conditions can change within hours.
• For slip-and-falls, document the exact spot (wide-angle + close-up) and note whether any sanding/salting occurred, and when.
• For pedestrian incidents, preserve details about crosswalk markings, snowbanks, and sightlines.
If you’re looking for a broader overview of injury claims handled by our firm, see personal injuries.

Talk to Jason Skala about your injury—without upfront fees

If you were injured in Wasilla or anywhere in Alaska and you’re unsure what to do next, a conversation can bring clarity. We can help you understand what evidence matters, how insurance issues typically unfold, and what your options may be.

FAQ: Personal injury claims in Wasilla and across Alaska

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Alaska?
Many Alaska personal injury claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations, though exceptions can apply depending on the facts. (law.justia.com)
What if I’m partially at fault for the accident?
Alaska uses comparative fault rules that can reduce damages according to a claimant’s percentage of fault, and damages are apportioned among responsible parties. (law.justia.com)
Should I give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer?
It may affect your claim, especially if injuries are evolving or fault is disputed. Many people choose to get legal advice before providing recorded statements or signing broad authorizations.
Is Alaska a “strict liability” state for dog bites?
Alaska does not have a statewide dog bite strict-liability statute; cases often rely on “one-bite” principles (knowledge of dangerous propensity) and negligence theories. (justia.com)
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Alaska?
Alaska’s wrongful death statute states the action must be commenced within two years after the death. (law.justia.com)

Glossary (plain-English)

Statute of limitations: The legal deadline to file a lawsuit. Missing it can prevent recovery even if the case is strong.
Comparative fault (comparative negligence): A rule that reduces compensation by the percentage of fault assigned to the injured person.
Several liability: A system where each defendant generally pays only their share of damages based on their percentage of fault. (law.justia.com)
Damages: The money claimed for losses such as medical bills, lost income, pain, and other harms.
“One-bite” rule (dog bite context): A common-law concept where liability often depends on whether the owner knew (or should have known) the dog had a dangerous propensity; negligence claims may also apply. (justia.com)