Alaska’s roads are home to moose, caribou and other wild animals that can cause serious car crashes. Many drivers in Anchorage and beyond each year deal with costly repairs and medical bills after hitting wildlife. Here’s what you need to know about getting paid after a wildlife accident.
What makes a wildlife crash claim?
When your car hits a wild animal or you swerve to miss one, you have options for payment. Moose crashes are the most common in Alaska, and they often wreck cars and hurt people because moose are so tall and heavy. These claims work differently from regular car crashes where another driver is at fault.
Your payment options
The money you can get depends on your insurance and what happened in the crash. Here are the main ways to get paid:
- Basic car insurance: Pays for damage from hitting an animal
- Crash coverage: Helps if you hit something while dodging an animal
- Medical coverage: Pays your doctor’s bills
- Personal injury coverage: Takes care of health costs no matter who’s at fault
You might also get paid if:
- Road signs didn’t warn about wildlife
- Roads weren’t fixed properly
- Streetlights didn’t work in known animal areas
- Wildlife crossings weren’t built right
Tips for making your claim
Take these steps right after a wildlife crash:
- Call the police
- Take pictures of all damage
- Get medical care if you’re hurt
- Call your insurance company fast
- Write down precisely what happened
Most wild animals can legally walk on Alaska’s roads, but good insurance and quick action after a crash can help you get the money you need. Call a lawyer who knows about Alaska wildlife crashes to learn more about your rights.