Getting into a car accident is inconvenient, especially if you’re out of town. Whether you’re on vacation or traveling for business, getting into a wreck when you’re nowhere near your insurance company can be a major problem for you.
Lucky for you, a number of insurance companies have policies that protect you when you cross state lines. Here are some steps to take after getting in an out-of-state car accident.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
After you have made sure that everyone in your vehicle is okay, you should check on the other car involved in the accident. While you’re there, be sure to exchange insurance information. After calling emergency services, take pictures of your vehicle’s damage as well as any injuries that you might have sustained. It’s important to document any evidence related to your accident. Gathering information will help you later in your case.
Do your best to avoid communication while you wait for professionals. If you are having trouble determining who is at fault, consider seeking legal help. Professionals like The Radmore Law Firm can provide guidance throughout your case to determine which party is at fault. In addition, a legal professional can walk you through each step of the case.
Prepare to Submit Your Claim
Using the details you gather at the scene, you’ll want to submit your claim as soon as possible. It’s important that your claim is submitted quickly since the statute of limitations only provides you with a certain amount of time before you can no longer take legal action.
Have the police come to the scene so you have a report for your claim. You should also seek emergency care if you’ve sustained serious injuries. Once you get home, you can have an official examination by your physician.
Hire Professionals
Although most accidents can be easily resolved, some have trouble coming to a consensus of who is at fault. In this case, having a lawyer determine fault will help your insurance companies determine which party will pay for damages. It’s important that you refrain from apologizing after an accident even when doing so may seem natural. You may end up legally admitting fault even when you were not responsible for the accident.
They can also let you know if you’re in a no-fault or tort state. If you’re in a no-fault state, your insurance companies will pay for your claims rather than the other party. If the accident occurs in a tort state, you’ll have to go after the driver rather than the insurance company. In some cases, you may get limited to no compensation if you are partially responsible for the collision.
Car accidents can be confusing, especially when you’re traveling. In most states, insurance policies are generally the same. So, if you have the unfortunate luck of getting into an accident, you take similar precautions as you would in your home state. Just in case, travel with your legal and insurance information. That way, you can seek medical treatment and trade insurance information in case of an accident.