Out-Of-State Car Accidents: What To Do If You Are Injured

Road trips and traveling across the states is fun for everyone involved, but unexpected accidents may cause confusion and stress—particularly if someone gets injured. By ensuring you know what to do after an accident, even one that occurs out of state, you can protect yourself and potentially make the legal process easier should you decide to pursue a claim.

Call First Responders & Gather Evidence

Regardless of where your accident occurs, ensuring everyone at the scene is safe takes precedence. Take a moment to check everyone for injuries and call for emergency help if needed. Some injuries may seem minor at first glance, so it is wise to follow up with a medical professional, as concussions and other soft tissue injuries may not show up immediately.

If you can, spend some time collecting evidence of the scene, as this may help you with a future claim. Pictures of the damage to the vehicles, nearby road signs, road conditions, weather, and injuries may be useful later. Take a moment to exchange contact and insurance information with any other drivers involved in the crash, and identify any eyewitnesses and get their contact information. Requesting a physical copy of the police report of the accident—or at least knowing where to get it—may also help your case in the future.

Insurance Coverage & Jurisdiction

When you are in an accident outside your home state, the laws of the state where the crash happened take precedence. This could potentially impact how fault is determined, the potential compensation for damages, and the statute of limitations on when you can file a case. Some examples of what could differ depending on the state include:

• Comparative fault laws may reduce damages based on your share of fault
• No-fault insurance systems may restrict you from suing unless your injuries meet certain requirements
• Minimum insurance coverage requirements may alter the amount of compensation you can obtain
• Statutes of limitations for filing may vary

Many auto-insurance policies give national coverage to policyholders. Different state laws may impact your policy in unexpected ways, so it could be beneficial to consult with an attorney to familiarize yourself with any difficulties you may encounter.

Medical & Travel Expenses

If you are injured out of state, certain expenses could pile up, such as follow-up care, transportation, hospital stays, or more. Depending on the nature of your injury, going back to work or even handling daily tasks may be more difficult. If this is the case, you could file a personal injury claim if you have the right documentation. Keeping medical records, bills, travel receipts, and any copies of conversations with your insurer may help provide further details for your case.

Speak With a Bordas & Bordas Attorney About Your Out-of-State Accident

If you find yourself injured due to a car accident outside of your home state, it is not unusual to feel far from home. Knowing what to do after the crash, and being aware of how a state’s laws could impact your situation, could increase your chances of a successful claim.

At Bordas & Bordas, our seasoned team of attorneys has experience dealing with out-of-state accident claims and can help you through the process. Call our office today to discuss your legal rights and options during a free consultation.