Recovering compensation for sustained injuries, expenses incurred, and property damages after an out-of-state-accident relies on the existence of a good insurance policy. Steps that are taken immediately and days after the accident are also an important part of the compensation recovery process.
Out-Of-State Car Accidents
No-fault rules and minimum car insurance coverage requirements vary from state to state. In an out-of-state car crash, however, most insurance policies conform to the rules and requirements of the state in which the crash occurred. Auto insurance policies cover all states in the U.S. along with provinces and areas of Canada. An injured person is entitled to accident coverage and protections stated under his or her car insurance policy conditions in out of state car crashes.
Fault and the No-Fault States
If an accident happens in a no-fault state, the driver’s policy will treat the crash as if it was a no-fault policy. For instance, if a driver from a fault state like Nevada gets into a crash in a no-fault state like Utah, he or she must comply with the regulations of the no-fault state when seeking compensation for injuries and damages.
If a Nevadan driver causes an accident in a state where minimum coverage limits are slightly higher, his or her policy will adjust to suit the necessary higher minimum coverage. In certain instances, the other state’s limit may be lower than that of Nevada, and the limits of the other driver may not be adequate to cover damages.
Taking Crucial Steps after an Out-Of-State Crash
When a driver gets into an out-of-state accident, there are a few important steps he or she should take immediately after the crash. They include:
- Taking photos of the crash scene
- Getting names and addresses of eyewitnesses
- Seeking medical help from a recognized hospital
- Never admitting fault
- Notifying his or her insurance company
Filing an Insurance Claim
The process of reporting out-of-state accidents to an insurance company is as straightforward as it would be in the home state because car insurance policies extend beyond state lines. Once a driver calls his or her insurer, the company may choose an adjuster from the driver’s hometown or the region where the crash happened, depending on the policies of the company. If the driver opts to have the damaged car repaired at a shop near where the crash occurred, his or her insurer would be in a position to assist him or her through a network of mechanics, towing services providers, and adjusters across the country.
Filing an Injury Claim
If a driver is injured in an out-of-state crash, he or she may file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver. The injured driver can recover compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damages, and additional travel costs incurred from the other driver. In most cases, the injured driver will be guided by the laws of the state where the crash happened when filing an injury claim. The specific state where the crash happened may have its own limitations and provisions that could positively or negatively impact the claim.
