Car Accident Lawyers in Anchorage

• Once police officers arrive on the scene, stay calm and, when asked, state the facts of the accident (e.g., the type of accident, who was involved, whether you had any passengers, etc.). Do not blame anyone, speculate about what the other driver was doing, or admit fault.
• Get the contact information, insurance information, names and addresses, and driver’s license numbers of all drivers and share yours with them. In the stress of the moment, people often forget to do this one simple thing. You might feel uncomfortable approaching people to get this information, but you are legally entitled to it, and they must give it to you. Without the other driver’s insurance or contact information, you could be left paying for your own accident-related expenses out of pocket. If the other driver left the scene before police officers arrived, write down any information you have about the driver, car, license plate number, and the direction it was traveling.
• Get names and contact information of all eyewitnesses. Eyewitness accounts can be vital to an accident case. They are unbiased, third parties who can testify as to what they saw happen. For example, maybe they saw the other driver texting, talking to a passenger, or driving irradicably prior to the collision.  
• Be mindful of what you say at the scene. Emotions can run high after a collision, but it’s important to stay calm and choose your words carefully. Avoid apologizing or admitting fault—doing so could be used against you. You may not have done anything wrong. You can ask, “Are you okay?” or “Would you like to use my phone?” without making any statements about the accident itself. There’s no need to point fingers or accept blame at the scene. Let the facts speak for themselves, and allow the investigation to determine what happened. 
• If your car requires towing, remove your personal items from the vehicle. If your car is a total loss, you might not have another opportunity to retrieve your items. Make sure you know where your car is going. You will need to know so the insurer can perform an inspection.

It’s also important to note that police officers will not arrive at the scene if damages to property aren’t greater than $500, which can be difficult to assess if you don’t know what to look for. Repairing a car after an accident can be expensive, so be sure to clearly communicate all damages when you report the accident to the police.

Additionally, given the number of car accidents that can occur in the snowy conditions of Anchorage and the surrounding roads and highways, sometimes police officers are too busy to make it to the scene of the car accident in time. If officers cannot be present, make sure to take pictures and video of the scene, including any damage to vehicles or any bodily harm that may have been caused. 

What should I do after I leave the scene of the accident?

• Get all necessary medical treatment. Make a list of all the health care providers who treat you, from the emergency room until your doctor completely releases you from medical treatment, which may be months later. Attend all appointments and follow your doctor’s recommendations. If you're unable to attend a doctor's appointment for whatever reason, give your medial provider the courtesy of a call to reschedule. Don't give insurers a reason to minimize your injuries. 
• Notify your own insurance company but do not give a recorded statement until you talk with a lawyer. Take notes about any conversations you have with insurers about the accident. If called by the other party's insurance company, you do not need to speak with them without your lawyer present.
• Start getting organized. Keep track of all your receipts and bills related to the accident. This can include anything from medical bills and expenses including braces or crutches, home renovations to accommodate your disability, lost wages and cancelled vacations or trips. Also, be sure to get copies of your medical records.
• Keep a daily journal of your progress, pain levels, and how injuries are impacting daily life and normal activities. Be detailed. Explain how pain restricted you from participating in normal activities you enjoy. Nothing is too small to make note of. 
• Get legal advice from a lawyer who will deal with the insurance company for you. This will keep you from doing anything that might jeopardize your claim and allow you to focus on recovering.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Car accidents often result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-altering. One of the most common car accident injuries is whiplash, a neck strain caused by the rapid back-and-forth motion during an impact. Symptoms like stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion frequently appear and may persist if untreated. Fractures are also a frequent injury, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, or collarbone. These occur when the force of the accident exceeds the body’s capacity to withstand the impact. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), such as concussions, are another serious injury that can lead to cognitive impairments, headaches, and permanent disabilities.

The consequences of these injuries can extend beyond immediate pain and medical bills. Long-term effects like chronic pain, reduced mobility, or neurological issues can disrupt your daily life and earning capacity. Seeking prompt medical attention is vital to accurately diagnose and treat any injuries, even those that may not present immediate symptoms. Injuries like internal bleeding or brain trauma can worsen if left unchecked. Proper documentation of injuries following an accident also plays a critical role in any future legal claims.