If you have been involved in a car crash out of state, it is good to know that your car insurance will cover you wherever you travel in the United States. However, the laws vary from state to state so the laws of the state where the crash occurs are applicable.
The minimum insurance coverage requirements can vary from one state to another. So, as an example, if you live in a state that requires a minimum of $25,000 physical injury coverage but you travel to a state that requires $50,000 physical injury coverage, your insurance will provide the additional coverage when you travel to the other state without charging you any additional fees for the coverage difference.
Whose insurance is responsible for the damages also varies from one state to another.
What is Covered by Auto Insurance?
,p>If you travel to a state that has lower minimum insurance coverage requirements and the other driver is at fault, you might have to file a claim with your own insurance policy to make up the difference.
Just as you would anywhere, make sure local law enforcement is called to the scene to complete an investigation and to file an accident report.
You will need a copy of the report if you file a claim with your insurance company or if you attempt to file a personal injury claim to recoup compensation for your damages. You need to keep all documentation and preserve all evidence to support your claim.
Maintaining Documentation to Support Your Claim
You need to keep medical records, medical bills, written estimates for repairing damage to your vehicle, receipts for towing, receipts for rental car usage, and documentation that shows lost wages resulting from missed work. If possible, take photos of the damage to your vehicle as well as photos of any visible injuries. Make sure you document everything.
Remember, the laws where you are from will not apply. Instead, the laws regarding auto accidents and insurance coverage in the state where you had the accident will prevail.
Accidents are handled on a case by case basis, so how your claim is resolved could vary significantly.
What to Do After a Crash Out of State
When you plan to travel out of state, you should direct any questions to your insurance agent regarding your coverage. Your risks of an accident increase when you are traveling because you are not familiar with the roads. If you have been involved in a car crash when out of state, you might be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim to recover your damages.
You should consult with a personal injury attorney to learn how to proceed. Your attorney can determine your damages and should be familiar with the laws in the state where the accident happened.
There are strict time limits for filing a claim and those vary from one state to another, so you should act right away.
Every accident is different and the laws of each state differ greatly, so no two accidents will have the same outcome. Schedule a free case evaluation with an auto accident injury attorney today.
