What to Do in Out-of-state Auto Accidents?
You plan all year for your vacation, and you want everything to be perfect. However, out-of-state auto accidents can turn dream getaways into nightmares. Fortunately, experienced legal experts, like the attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau Law, can take much of the stress out of these accidents. We will explain the complexities of car insurance and how your policy works when an accident occurs out-of-state. If the incident involved serious injuries or property damage, we can often help you obtain the compensation to which you are rightfully entitled. To learn more about out-of-state auto accidents, contact our Daytona Beach practice today.
On the Scene of the Accident
Whether you are around the block from your home or half a continent away, safety should be your first concern following a car accident. Whenever you are involved in a wreck, check to make sure there are no injuries before doing anything else. If needed, call 911. If you can do so without further damage, move the vehicles out of the way to reduce the risk to other cars on the road. You should also file a police report if the incident is anything more than a fender bender.
Only after everyone is safe should you begin exchanging information. You should obtain the other driver’s:
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Car make, model, and year
- Insurance company
- Insurance policy number
You should also take pictures of the accident and gather the names and phone numbers of all eye witnesses. This information will make it easier for your insurance company and legal team to determine who was at fault for your accident.
Car Insurance: Your Roadside Companion
The good news about out-of-town accidents is that your insurance should apply across state lines - and even in Canada. If your policy covers the cost of towing at home, it will likely do so out-of-state, as well. In some cases, it may even help defray the cost if you choose to have it towed home for repair.
What to Know about No-Fault States
Florida is one of 12 states with no-fault car accident laws. Under these regulations, drivers will submit their claims to their own insurance companies, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Accordingly, injured parties will get faster assistance. Usually, the insurance company will pay 80 percent of all medical bills after the deductible. However, companies will also set a ceiling on each personal injury protection (PIP) plan. Most drivers cannot collect over $10,000 from their insurance companies.
Although Florida is a no-fault state, your state’s laws will determine how your company handles your claim. Therefore, if your state has fault-based laws, but your accident occurred in Florida, you should check with a legal expert at home. He or she can guide you in the best ways to file your claim and collect your rightful compensation.
Finding an Attorney for Your Out-of-state Accident
As a Florida resident, you should find a local attorney, even if your accident occurred somewhere else in the country. Florida has no-fault car accident laws. Nevertheless, you still have a legal right to sue a negligent driver for compensation if your bills and property damage exceed $10,000. Our attorneys can investigate your case and fight for the money you deserve. We will stop at nothing to obtain justice. We will not let state lines keep us from providing you with detail-oriented, hard-hitting legal representation.
Contact Chanfrau & Chanfrau
Wherever your accident occurred, we are ready to provide assistance here at home. Contact our office for a consultation and case evaluation.