What to Do After a Moose-Related Car Crash in Alaska
Driving in Alaska is unlike driving anywhere else in the country. Long stretches of highway, dark winter mornings, thick fog, and icy roads all create their own dangers—but one of the most unpredictable hazards is wildlife, especially moose. Standing up to six feet tall at the shoulder and weighing more than 1,000 pounds, a moose can cause devastating damage if it wanders into the road.
Moose-related car crashes happen across Alaska every year, and they often occur suddenly, giving drivers very little time to react. If you’ve been involved in one of these accidents, knowing what to do next can help protect your safety, your rights, and your ability to file a successful claim. With guidance from Chicklo Law Group, many Alaskans learn how to navigate the aftermath of a moose collision and seek compensation when it’s available.
Make Sure You Are Safe
After any collision with a moose, your first priority is safety. Because of their large size, moose often fall onto the windshield or crush the top of the car, leading to serious injuries.
Here’s what to do immediately:
Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible.
Turn on your hazard lights.
Check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
Call 911, even if injuries seem minor—moose collisions can cause hidden trauma.
The moose may still be alive and moving, so stay inside your vehicle if possible. Injured wildlife can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Call Law Enforcement
It’s important to report the crash to the Alaska State Troopers, local police, or other appropriate authorities. Moose-related collisions must be documented, and an official report can be valuable later if you file an insurance claim or pursue additional compensation.
An officer can also help ensure the scene is safe and contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game if needed.
Document the Scene
Evidence is extremely important in wildlife-related accidents. While you may be shaken after the crash, try to collect as much information as possible—as long as it is safe to do so.
Take photos of:
The vehicle damage
The road conditions
Skid marks or debris
The surrounding area
The moose, if it is safe
If anyone witnessed the accident, politely ask for their names and contact information. Witness statements can strengthen your claim and help describe how the crash occurred.
Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel “okay,” it’s crucial to get checked by a medical professional. Moose collisions often cause whiplash, concussions, bruising, chest injuries, and back or neck damage—some of which may not show symptoms right away.
A medical evaluation creates a clear record of your injuries, which is essential for insurance purposes and for any future legal claims you may decide to pursue.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Alaska is not a no-fault state, meaning fault matters in most car accident claims. However, moose-related accidents are usually not the driver’s fault. Reporting the collision promptly helps the claims process move smoothly.
Provide only factual information. Avoid making assumptions, apologizing, or guessing about what happened. If the insurance company pressures you or asks for things that don’t seem right, contact an attorney before giving a recorded statement.
Determine Whether Another Party May Be Liable
While many moose-related collisions are unavoidable accidents, some are caused or worsened by negligence. You may have a claim if someone else’s actions contributed to the crash or increased the harm you suffered.
Possible examples include:
Poor Road Maintenance
If a government agency or contractor failed to maintain proper lighting, remove hazards, or respond to known dangers, they may share responsibility.
Improper Fencing or Barriers
In some areas, fencing is used to keep wildlife away from high-traffic roads. If fencing was damaged or missing, this may be a factor.
Reckless or Impaired Drivers
A secondary collision often occurs when another driver fails to slow down or crashes into the vehicles involved in the moose accident.
Defective Vehicle Parts
Brake failures, lighting issues, or airbag malfunctions may worsen injuries and open the door to a product liability claim.
Determining liability can be complicated, which is why many people contact Chicklo Law Group to explore their options after an accident.
Keep Track of All Costs and Losses
After a moose collision, you may face:
Medical bills
Lost wages
Vehicle repair or replacement
Physical therapy
Pain and suffering
Document everything—receipts, doctors’ notes, time missed from work, and any long-term effects. This information is critical in evaluating your full damages.
Contact an Attorney for Guidance
Moose-related accident claims can be tricky, especially when insurance companies try to minimize payouts or claim the accident was unavoidable. An experienced attorney can help determine if another party may be responsible, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation.
Chicklo Law Group helps Alaskans understand their rights after wildlife collisions and guides them through the legal steps needed to recover financially after a serious accident.