Alaska is a fault-based state, which means the driver who caused the crash is usually responsible for the damage. However, here’s the part most people don’t realize: fault isn’t always clear.
Insurance companies look at everything — the police report, photos, witness statements, skid marks, road conditions, and even weather. Under Alaska’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can still recover compensation even if you were mostly at fault — your award is simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility (e.g., 30% at fault means a 30% reduction).
Now that you have the big picture, here’s what you should do if you think you’re at fault.
1. Put Safety First
After a crash, your immediate task is straightforward: ensure everyone is safe. Move your vehicle out of the roadway if you can do so safely, turn on your hazard lights, and check on the other driver.
Especially during the winter, Anchorage roads can be hazardous for anyone standing outside their vehicle. Dialing 911 does more than report the crash — it dispatches first responders to secure the scene and treat anyone who’s injured.
2. Call the Police, Even if You Think You Are Responsible
It’s easy to think you don’t need to involve the police after a minor crash; however, a crash report is one of the most crucial pieces of evidence following a collision. A police officer can document the scene, talk to both drivers, and collect details you might have missed in the moment.
Their report helps establish what actually happened, not just what it felt like happened. A crash gives you an unbiased snapshot — timestamps, witness info, and the officer’s first impressions — that insurers actually trust.
If people start pointing fingers later, that third-party account can make or break your claim. Call right away, stay calm, and stick to the facts; the officer’s notes and photos can cut through “he said, she said” arguments.
3. Don’t Admit Fault at the Scene
Saying “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted as an admission of blame.
You don’t have to lie, and you shouldn’t. Just stick to what you know:
- “I was coming through the intersection.”
- “I didn’t see your vehicle until we collided.”
- “I hit a patch of ice.”
Fault will be determined later, when everyone has had time to examine the facts — not in the heat of the moment, when emotions are high.
4. Gather Information and Document Everything
Even if you think you’re at fault, you still need to collect details from the scene. This helps everyone, including you, understand what really happened.
Make sure you have:
- The other driver’s insurance and contact information
- Photos of vehicle damage, the road, traffic signals, and the accident scene
- Contact information for any witnesses
- The name and badge number of the responding officer
In Alaska, the weather can shift rapidly, causing snow to quickly cover up evidence, and vehicles are often towed away without delay. Your own photos and notes can help fill in the gaps.
5. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company and Consider Getting Legal Advice
You should promptly notify your insurance company after a crash, as most policies require timely notice. Be honest, provide the basic facts, and include your photos and the crash report number. They’ll take it from there.
If someone was injured or if it looks like a claim might be filed against you, it’s smart to at least talk with an Anchorage personal injury lawyer. That doesn’t mean you’re getting sued. It just means you’ll have someone to explain your rights and help you avoid mistakes that could make things harder later.
For more information, please contact Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We have two locations in Alaska, including Anchorage and Eagle River.
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Anchorage
2525 Gambell St #410,
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 290-8980
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Eagle River
13135 Old Glenn Hwy, Suite 101
Eagle River, AK 99577
(907) 802-4097
