What to Do Following a Car Accident in Another State

Car accidents can be very stressful, especially if you were seriously injured and the collision occurred in a state you don’t reside in. Figuring out how to recover compensation after being involved in an out of state auto accident can be very complex and confusing. Working with a car accident lawyer can help ease the stress of this complicated legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery as your attorney handles every aspect of your claim.

What is An Out-Of-State Auto Accident?

Out-of-state auto accidents occur when a driver is involved in a collision in a state they don’t live in. These accidents can be very stressful since the driver may be unfamiliar with the state’s insurance laws and fault laws. Every state will have its own laws that regulate auto accidents. Some states are no-fault states, while others are at-fault states. Whether a state is no-fault or at-fault affects how an insurance company covers the collision.

Where Do I File a Claim Or Lawsuit?

Typically, if you’re involved in an out-of-state auto accident, you’ll file a claim or lawsuit in the state where the accident took place or the state the other driver resides in. In some cases, you may be involved in an accident with a driver who also does not reside in the state in which the accident took place.

How State Laws Apply in Out-Of-State Accidents

Once you’ve decided where you’ll file a claim or lawsuit, you must determine what state laws will apply, since these laws can significantly affect your claim or lawsuit. Because this part of the process can be incredibly complex, your next step should be contacting a car accident lawyer at Friedland Law. A car accident lawyer on our legal team will know how out-of-state laws can affect your case, which laws apply, and how to pursue compensation for your medical bills and other damages.

• If you live in a no-fault state, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance will cover the cost of your medical bills and other economic losses, regardless of who was at fault for the collision.
• If you’re involved in a collision in an at-fault state, or the negligent driver resides in an at-fault state, their insurance provider will be responsible for your accident-related losses, requiring you to file a claim with their insurer.

What if I Suffered Serious Injuries?

Typically, the state in which the accident occurred will have jurisdiction over the case. If you suffered serious injuries and plan to file a personal injury lawsuit, you will file the lawsuit in the county and state in which the accident took place. If it’s an at-fault state, you will not have to worry about whether or not your injuries meet the state’s serious injury threshold. In some no-fault states, you must meet the state’s serious injury threshold to step outside the no-fault system and pursue compensation from the negligent party.

Each state has its own criteria for determining what is considered a serious injury. Your car accident lawyer can review your medical records and consult with experts to determine if you meet a state’s serious injury criteria.

Contact Us Today

If you were injured in an auto accident in another state and you’ve suffered injuries, contact Friedland Law today to schedule a free consultation. An experienced car accident attorney on our legal team can meet with you, answer any questions you have, and discuss how they can help you recover compensation for your injuries and other damages. Contact us today to learn more.

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