The average personal injury claim settlement is $52,900, but payouts range from $3,000 to $75,000, according to Martindale-Nolo Research. If you are involved in an out-of-state car accident, the first question you will probably ask is how and where do you file an injury claim. Although out-of-state car accidents often happen, when you are involved, the unfamiliar surroundings can cause anxiety that may lead to poor decision making.
When involved in a car crash far from where you live, and you decide to file a claim for personal injuries and property damage, you can rest assured that the claim process is similar to that in your state. However, if you choose to hire a personal injury attorney to represent you, the process can be complicated because you must factor in geographical issues. In this guide, you will find out what you should do to win a claim for an out-of-state car accident.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Whether the accident was the other driver’s fault or your fault, never leave the accident scene. Instead, call the police, collect evidence, exchange details with the other driver, and do not admit fault. If you experience severe injuries, seek medical attention in the state where the accident happened. You can consult your physician as soon as you arrive home, to get specialized treatment.
Even if your injuries are minor, do not delay treatment. Sometimes you may not notice an injury immediately after the crash. Refusing or delaying treatment can be dangerous, and it may weaken your claim should you file an injury lawsuit. To strengthen your injury claim, get more on this site about what to do after an out-of-state car accident.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
When seriously injured in an accident far away from home, finding out where you should file a lawsuit is crucial. Is it in your home state or the state where the collision occurred? In such situations, you can only file a personal injury claim in the country you got into an accident, meaning you will abide by the statutes and limitations of the state where the crash happened.
Additionally, the laws of the state where the collision took place might affect your claim positively or negatively. That is why you need to contact a personal injury attorney soon after a car crash. You will need expert advice on how to handle the injury lawsuit to maximize the chances of receiving fair compensation for personal injuries and property damage you or your loved one might have experienced during the crash.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer
If your claim is small and straightforward, you can settle the matter with the at-fault driver’s insurer without the help of a lawyer. But if the accident caused severe injuries and damage, hiring an accident attorney is critical. However, you must decide whether to hire a lawyer from your home state or where the accident happened.
Remember, when hiring a lawyer, you will not only follow the rules of the state where you were involved in the crash. You must also factor in travel expenses, as you will be required to attend court sessions in that state. In this case, consider hiring an attorney licensed to practice law in that state and understands the laws in that jurisdiction.
Conclusion
Out-of-state car accidents occur often, but filing personal injury claims can be challenging if you are not familiar with the laws of the state where the accident occurred. That is why you must hire an experienced car accident attorney to guide you through the process.
