In early September 2016, a 19-year-old female driver struck a male pedestrian crossing the road and left the scene without stopping. The pedestrian was transported to a nearby ER, where he received treatment for serious skull injuries and multiple facial fractures. Bystanders at the scene managed to record the license plate number, make, and model of the at-fault vehicle. The driver of the at-fault vehicle was subsequently apprehended and charged with fleeing the scene of an accident. A spokesperson from Crowson Law Group, which handles similar hit-and-run cases, was contacted for comment.

When asked about the basic laws governing a hit-and-run incident in Alaska, the spokesperson explained, “Per Alaska Statute 28.35.060, the operator of any motor vehicle involved in an accident that results in damage to other vehicles, damage to property, or the injury or death of a person must immediately stop their vehicle at or near the accident scene and render aid as necessary. In addition to rendering necessary aid, each driver has a responsibility to provide insurance and contact information to the other involved parties. This statute is important because it ensures that anyone injured in an accident will receive all available medical assistance as well as appropriate financial compensation for damage to their person or property.”

Thus, the driver in the aforementioned case violated Alaska state law by failing to stop at the scene of the accident, failing to render necessary aid, and failing to exchange relevant information with the victim. Our spokesperson from Crowson Law Group affirmed that under such circumstances, “The driver may be subject to punitive—that is, punishment—measures such as police citations, fines, and imprisonment. And that’s only the punishment for failing to stop. When we get into questions of fault, the consequences may be even more severe.”


Might there be legitimate reasons or circumstances where a driver would not stop and render aid at the scene of an accident?

“If you were somehow unaware that you had been involved in an accident—say, you’re driving an eighteen-wheeler and the rear of your trailer collided with another car, but you couldn’t feel the impact from the cab—then certainly, that could be an admissible defense. In this particular case we’ve been discussing, however, investigation proved that the driver’s windscreen was damaged upon impact and that she honked at the pedestrian prior to striking him. It was therefore quite evident that she was fully aware of her role in the accident, and still chose to flee the scene.”

The pedestrian was fortunate in this case to have witnesses who could help track down the at-fault driver. What of instances in which the hit-and-run driver cannot be identified and/or located? What recourse would the victim have?

“In the event that a hit-and-run driver cannot be located, the incident is recategorized as a criminal offense. The victim’s case will be considered for restitution as part of a criminal suit. While a civil suit cannot be filed against the unknown driver, it can be filed against the victim's uninsured motorist coverage, provided there was contact between the vehicles. The bottom line is that the law stipulates a duty of care for the injured no matter the circumstances.”

To learn more about the laws involved in hit-and-run accidents and other personal injury cases, contact a firm of experienced and caring attorneys in Anchorage, Alaska

About the company:

Crowson Law Group is an exemplary legal team experienced in multiple facets of personal injury law, from slip and fall accidents to car crashes, aircraft accidents, nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, and more.