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Last updated: February 7, 2024

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run in Alaska

Learn how to navigate the aftermath of a hit-and-run in Alaska.

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A hit-and-run is a criminal offense in Alaska, and it carries a range of severe consequences for those who leave the scene of an accident. Generally, a hit-and-run that results in property damage is considered a misdemeanor. However, if you cause an accident that results in injury or death, you could face felony charges if you leave the scene. Continue reading to learn about hit-and-runs in Alaska and how to navigate their aftermath.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run in Alaska

If you find yourself involved in a hit-and-run in Alaska, there are various steps you should take to avoid facing significant legal and financial consequences. First, if you are at fault, you should remain at the scene of the incident until you’ve exchanged information with other involved parties and filed a police report, as well as called emergency services if needed.

Do’s

Here’s what to do if someone hits your car while moving or while parked:

  1. Stay at the scene. You must stay at the accident scene in Alaska, as leaving will result in severe legal consequences.
  2. Exchange information. Make sure to exchange information with the other parties involved, including each party’s:
    • Name, contact number, insurance provider, and license number
  3. Seek medical attention. You should call emergency services immediately for any injuries.
  4. Call the police. Contact the police and file a report, as this is crucial for legal and insurance purposes.
  5. Call your insurance company. Finally, it is a good idea to contact your insurance provider, regardless of who is at fault.

NOTE:

You could face up to 10 years of jail time and/or a fine of up to $10,000 if you fail to provide reasonable assistance (like calling an ambulance) to any injured people after an accident you cause.

Don’ts

Here is what not to do after a hit-and-run in Alaska:

  • Chase the fleeing driver. Chasing after a driver who hits your car and drives away can be dangerous and lead to further accidents or legal issues. Your job is to call law enforcement and collect vital information and evidence from the scene.
  • Fail to gather evidence. Documenting the accident with photos and information from any witness is vital to gathering evidence. We suggest you take pictures of the scene, your vehicle, and any resulting property damage or injuries.

How to Recover Damages

As an at-fault state, Alaska requires the at-fault driver to cover injury and damage expenses that result from an accident. So, if someone hits your car, the best-case scenario is that their required liability insurance covers your property damage and bodily injuries. However, not every driver in Alaska has the minimum insurance requirements. If the driver who hit your vehicle does not have sufficient coverage to cover your expenses, you may need to turn to your own insurance policy. Here are some steps and considerations for recovering damages in such a situation:

  1. File a claim with your insurance provider. After an accident, the first step is to file a claim with your own insurance company. Even if you are not at fault, your insurance company can help you navigate the process of seeking compensation.
  2. Consider optional coverages. It may be beneficial to consider opting for additional coverage policies that help cover the cost of damage after an accident. Collision coverage, for example, helps pay for repairs or vehicle replacement, regardless of fault.
  3. Document everything. Documentation is key in recovering damages after a hit-and-run. This includes taking photos of the accident scene, collecting witness statements, and gathering the insurance and contact information from the other driver. You should also keep records of your medical expenses and lost wages if you or your passengers sustain injuries.
  4. Review your policy. We encourage you to understand the details of your insurance policy, from your limits and deductibles to the extent of your coverage.

How Hit-and-Runs Affect Car Insurance

Like any at-fault accident, a hit-and-run conviction raises your car insurance rates. Insurance providers may categorize hit-and-run drivers as high risk, leading to higher insurance premiums. Unfortunately, hit-and-runs can impact how much you pay for insurance, even if you are the victim. Depending on your insurer’s policies, you can expect a slight increase after a hit-and-run incident.

Hit-and-Runs in Alaska Statistics

As of 2016, there are about 0.54 fatal hit-and-runs per 100,000 residents. Though this number is lower compared to states with the highest rates of fatal hit-and-runs (like New Mexico), it demonstrates the unfortunate prevalence of hit-and-runs in Alaska. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities does not provide data from recent years on hit-and-run statistics across the state. However, data from 2011 reported that hit-and-runs accounted for 3.9 percent of all reported crashes in that year.

Hit-and-Run Laws in Alaska

Alaska is an at-fault state, meaning the parties at fault for an accident are responsible for any resulting property damages and medical expenses. According to state legislation, drivers who cause an accident in Alaska must stop and stay at the scene to identify themselves and assist any injured parties. Drivers who fail to remain at the scene can run into serious legal consequences, like misdemeanor or felony charges.

Penalties

Often, fleeing the scene of an accident you’ve caused will result in more severe penalties than the accident itself. Failing to remain at the scene of an accident is considered a class B misdemeanor in Alaska and is punishable by fines and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of damage or injuries caused.1

Penalty for hit-and-run in Alaska Resulting in bodily injury or death Resulting in property damage over $2,000
Conviction Felony Misdemeanor
Fine Up to $150,000 Up to $500
Prison sentence Up to 10 years Up to 1 year

There are more significant penalties for failing to report the accident or giving false information in your report:

Violation Failing to report Giving false information in reports
Penalties License suspension of up to 30 days; fine of up to $200, imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both Fine of up to $1,000; imprisonment for up to 1 year, or both

DEADLINE TO REPORT:

If you cause an accident resulting in death, injury, or $2,000 or more in property damage, you must file a report with the Department of Administration and the local police department within 10 days.

Recap

Overall, it is essential to understand and follow specific steps when dealing with a hit-and-run in Alaska. You must consider legal and insurance-related issues and remain at the scene to avoid further consequences. After collecting evidence and seeking medical attention if necessary, you should report the incident to law enforcement within 10 days. Finally, understanding your insurance coverage and Alaska’s legal framework regarding accidents is crucial to effectively managing the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for a hit-and-run in Alaska?

In Alaska, the penalties for a hit-and-run vary depending on the severity of the incident. If the accident results in death or injury, the maximum punishment can include up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

How do I report a hit-and-run in Alaska?

To report a hit-and-run in Alaska, you can fill out a written or file an electronic report with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles.

Is Alaska a no-fault state?

No, Alaska is not a no-fault state. Alaska is an at-fault state, which means the person responsible for causing a collision is responsible for paying for other people’s property damage and injury expenses resulting from the accident.

What will happen if I leave the scene of an accident in Alaska?

Leaving the scene of an accident in Alaska is considered either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the resulting damages and injuries. Generally, leaving the scene before fulfilling your legal obligations (i.e., exchanging contact information, seeking medical attention, and filing a police report), may result in fines, a license suspension, and jail time.

Aliza Vigderman
Written by:Aliza Vigderman
Senior Writer & Editor
A seasoned journalist and content strategist with over 10 years of editorial experience in digital media, Aliza Vigderman has written and edited hundreds of articles on the site, covering everything from plan coverages to discounts to state laws. Previously, she was a senior editor and industry analyst at the home and digital security website Security.org, previously called Security Baron. She has also contributed to The Huffington Post, SquareFoot, and Degreed. Aliza studied journalism at Brandeis University.

Citations

  1. VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC OFFENSES BOOKLET (Including Watercraft Offenses) Version A: Offenses Listed Numerically. Alaska Court System. (2024, Feb).
    https://public.courts.alaska.gov/web/forms/docs/pub-131.pdf