What to Do If You Hit a Moose While Driving in Alaska: A Complete Guide
Driving in Alaska can be a beautiful yet challenging experience. The vast landscapes, majestic mountains, and stunning wildlife make the state unique, but they also present hazards that drivers need to be aware of. One of the most significant dangers Alaskan drivers face is the potential to collide with moose. These large, majestic creatures are a common sight on Alaskan roads, and while they are a beloved part of the state’s wildlife, they can also be a serious danger to drivers. Collisions with moose can result in serious vehicle damage, injuries to occupants, and even fatalities.
In fact, each year, between 600 and 800 moose lose their lives due to collisions with vehicles in Alaska. These accidents often cause severe damage to vehicles, and the individuals involved in the accidents can sustain life-threatening injuries. Understanding what to do if you hit a moose is crucial for your safety and for complying with state laws. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps you should take if you find yourself in such a situation, from the immediate actions at the scene to potential legal and compensation issues.
The Risks of Moose Collisions in Alaska
Moose collisions are a unique and serious risk when driving in Alaska. Moose are large animals, often weighing over 1,000 pounds, and their long legs make them particularly hazardous to drivers. When a vehicle strikes a moose, the animal’s body can come into contact with the windshield or the roof of the car, making it more likely that the occupants will suffer serious injuries. The severity of these accidents is compounded by Alaska’s challenging driving conditions, including icy roads, snowstorms, and low visibility in the winter months.
Moose are known to wander onto roads, especially during the fall and spring, when they are migrating or searching for food. They are more active at dusk and dawn, and they are particularly difficult to spot at night due to their dark-colored fur. Unlike deer, which tend to dart out of the way of vehicles, moose are large enough that they do not react as quickly to approaching traffic, and they may stand still in the roadway, creating a deadly risk for drivers.
While moose collisions can happen year-round, the highest incidence of such accidents occurs during the fall and winter months when moose are more likely to be crossing roads in search of food or during mating season. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, most moose collisions occur in the interior and Southcentral areas of the state, but any driver in Alaska should be aware of the risk, especially when driving at night or in rural areas where wildlife is more prevalent.
Immediate Steps to Take After Hitting a Moose
If you have the unfortunate experience of hitting a moose while driving, your first priority should be safety. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Contact the Alaska State Troopers
The very first thing you must do after colliding with a moose is to contact the Alaska State Troopers. By law, any car accident, including those involving animals like moose, must be reported to the authorities. This is not just a recommendation—failing to report the accident could result in legal consequences.
When you contact the troopers, provide them with as much information as possible, including the exact location of the accident, the condition of the vehicle and any people involved, and the status of the moose. Depending on the severity of the situation, the troopers will either send a patrol trooper or a wildlife trooper to investigate the scene and assess the situation. They will determine if the moose is still alive and, if necessary, euthanize it to prevent further suffering.
If you are unsure of the troopers’ response time, it’s always a good idea to let them know if there is an immediate danger to others on the road due to the accident, such as traffic obstruction or if the moose is still on the road and could cause additional accidents.
2. Turn On Your Hazard Lights
While waiting for the Alaska State Troopers to arrive, you should turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights to alert other drivers to the accident. In addition to this, if you have flares, reflective triangles, or other warning devices, it is highly advisable to deploy them. Placing these items in a safe location on the road will give oncoming vehicles a clear warning to slow down and proceed with caution. If the weather is poor or visibility is low, consider using your vehicle’s headlights to further alert other drivers.
If you are on a busy road or highway, it is important to remain in your vehicle unless it is unsafe to do so. If the scene is dark, rainy, or icy, staying inside the car can protect you from further harm. However, if you must exit the vehicle to set up warning devices, exercise extreme caution and make sure the road is clear of oncoming traffic.
3. Avoid Attempting to Move the Moose
While it might be tempting to try and move the moose or assess its condition, do not attempt to handle the animal yourself. Moose are large, powerful creatures, and even a dead moose can present a danger to you or other drivers if it is not handled properly. The troopers or wildlife personnel are trained to deal with such situations, and they will take the necessary steps to manage the moose’s remains and ensure that traffic can proceed safely.
In cases where the moose is still alive and suffering, the troopers will make the decision about whether it should be euthanized. Only under their guidance should you consider trying to shoot or put down the animal, and only if you have the proper permits or instructions to do so. Shooting a moose outside of hunting season is illegal and could result in criminal charges.
4. Do Not Attempt to Salvage the Moose
While it may seem like a good idea to salvage the moose and take it home, it is illegal to do so unless you are authorized by the state. In Alaska, the law prohibits the taking of moose outside of hunting seasons, and removing a moose carcass from the scene without permission is considered poaching.
If the moose has died as a result of the collision, the Alaska State Troopers will handle the salvage process. They will take the carcass and distribute it to individuals who are on a state-approved salvage list, often for those who need the meat for food. Do not attempt to take the animal yourself under any circumstances, as doing so could lead to criminal charges.
Understanding Alaska’s Laws Regarding Wildlife Collisions
Alaska has specific regulations governing the reporting of wildlife accidents and the handling of animals involved in collisions. These laws are designed to ensure that animals like moose are handled humanely and that drivers are not put in dangerous situations. Here are some key points you should be aware of:
1. Reporting Requirements for Animal Collisions
As mentioned, it is mandatory for drivers to report any collision involving wildlife to the Alaska State Troopers. This includes accidents involving moose, deer, bears, and other large animals. If you are unsure whether you are required to report the incident, it’s always best to contact the troopers and err on the side of caution. Failure to report a wildlife accident can result in penalties.
2. Handling Wildlife Remains
If a collision with a moose results in the death of the animal, the Alaska State Troopers are responsible for managing the remains. You are not permitted to remove or salvage the body unless directed to do so by an officer. If you are interested in having the meat from the moose, you may be able to be placed on a salvage list, but this process is highly regulated to prevent illegal hunting practices.
3. Penalties for Violating Wildlife Laws
Taking a moose or any other protected wildlife without the proper permits can lead to serious legal consequences. Violating wildlife laws in Alaska can result in hefty fines, loss of hunting privileges, and even criminal charges. Always follow the instructions of the troopers and avoid attempting to remove or harvest any wildlife after a collision unless legally permitted.
The Importance of Insurance After a Moose Collision
Colliding with a moose can result in significant damage to your vehicle, and in some cases, personal injuries. It is important to understand how your insurance policy can help cover the costs associated with the accident. Most auto insurance policies cover damage caused by collisions with animals, but you will need to review your specific coverage.
If you are unsure about your insurance coverage, contact your provider immediately after the accident to report the incident and begin the claims process. Keep in mind that your insurance premiums may increase after such a claim, but it is essential to be covered in case of significant vehicle damage or injury.
Potential Legal Claims in a Moose Collision Accident
In some cases, a collision with a moose may result in personal injury. If you sustain injuries in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to the injury. If another party’s negligence contributed to the accident, such as poor road conditions or a lack of proper wildlife warning signage, you may have grounds for a legal claim.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help guide you through the process of filing a claim and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. If you were injured in a moose collision and believe that another party’s negligence contributed to the incident, consult with an attorney to explore your options.
Conclusion
Driving in Alaska presents unique challenges, and one of the most serious risks drivers face is colliding with a moose. These large animals can cause significant damage to vehicles and harm to occupants.
If you’ve been in an injury-sustaining accident, you may be owed compensation. Our attorneys have helped many other people in similar situations, and we may be able to help you, too.
Call Farnsworth & Vance today at (907)-416-9068 or complete a form to speak with an attorney about your potential case.
Call Farnsworth & Vance today at (907)-290-8980 or complete a form to speak with an attorney about your potential case.