ATTORNEYS AT LAW

1009 W 7TH AVENUE

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501

TELEPHONE: (907) 279-4529

FAX: (907) 279-9223

©1997 by Steven Pradell

As the termination dust covers Alaska's mountains, driving conditions deteriorate. Follow the law and wear your seat belt at all times. If you are in an auto accident, to protect yourself and insure that your legal rights will not be adversely affected, make sure you do the following:

•Stop. A hit and run offense is a crime.

•Call the police.

•Exchange information with the other driver(s)-name, address, phone number, license plate, driver's license number, insurance information, etc.

•Get the names, numbers and addresses of all witnesses.

•Do not admit that you are at fault.

•If possible, call your lawyer before you give any statements to anyone.

•Don't refuse to take a breath test if an officer requests it. Failure to take the test is a crime.

•Take pictures of the accident scene.

•Don't move your car if possible until police tell you to.

•If you might be injured, see a doctor right away

If there may be a potential personal injury claim, it may be wise to keep a journal, which you should start after discussing this with a lawyer. In your journal, you can write important information which will help your lawyer to assist you with your case. Write down facts about the accident and dates of treatment. If you are out of work due to the injury or lose an important job prospect, record the dates when you missed work. If you are experiencing pain related to the accident, record when you felt the pain, where it was located, and any events in

It may be important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to obtain advice regarding your rights, responsibilities, and potential claims for injuries to yourself, your car, your passengers, and any other damages. It is wise to contact an attorney before you make any statement to an insurance company. The Alaska Bar Association can refer you to an attorney who can answer your legal questions regarding these matters.

Steven Pradell is an Anchorage attorney with a practice emphasizing personal injury, probate and estates, criminal and family law. ©1997 by Steven Pradell. This article is not intended to provide legal advice and should not be relied on for that purpose.