What To Do When Involved in an Out-of-State Accident?
Being involved in an automobile accident can be very scary; even more so if it happens out of state, and your surroundings are unfamiliar. Though no one ever wishes to be in such a situation, it is important to be prepared and have a plan if an event such as this should occur.
First and foremost, assess your injuries. You are the most important factor in all of this. After you ensure your safety, ensure the safety of your passengers or anyone else involved in the accident.
Call the police to help with the accident, but contact the paramedics if anyone is remotely injured.
Car accident injuries can be much more severe than they seem to be at first glance; have a professional assess any potential injuries. This will also help support your case and potential compensation if the situation is brought to court.
Once injuries are cared for and law enforcement is contacted, safely take any pictures of the situation that you can and get the other individual’s information if you can.
It helps to get names and accounts of the incident from any witnesses present. This information can help insurance help you. Luckily, most. insurance companies offer coverage through the United States. This allows you to report out-of-state insurance claims with ease.
When contacting insurance about the accident, they will most likely direct you to an
insurance adjuster within the state of your accident. After this interaction, you should contact a local accident attorney.
The Ledger Law Firm in Newport Beach is renowned for the success in auto-accident cases throughout Southern California.
Their expert attorneys may be able to represent you or your loved one if you are involved in an out-of-state accident in California.
You can contact the firm by visiting ledgerlaw.com for a free consultation.
A Few Things to Remember:
Different states require different minimum insurance rates. In California, the minimum rates are $15,000 per person for bodily injuries, but that rate is $30,000 in the state of Texas.
The insurance companies will likely raise your rates to meet the minimum of the state in which the accident occurred.
When you contact your insurance to inform them of the accident, be sure to ask how an out-of-state accident may affect your minimum rates.
During the accident, it is important to stay calm, even if you are severely distressed. Staying calm will prevent further injury that may ensue due to panic.
Furthermore, remaining calm will help you have a more accurate recollection of the accident and the events surrounding it. T
his clear account will help you if you choose to seek compensation after filing your claim.
Finally, never admit that you are at fault. If you admit fault in front of the other
individual, any chance of compensation will be diminished.
You should not speak to the other individual about anything other than insurance and contact information.
The panic of the situation may cause one to take the blame even if he or she is not at fault, thus changing the situation entirely.
