Car accidents are bound to happen. In fact, the average person is likely to be in four auto accidents. With that kind of statistic, it can be quite frightening to get on the road, whether it’s a fifteen-minute drive or a ten-hour road trip.
When accidents happen, there are a couple of critical steps of action you need to take, especially if you are out of state. This is because the laws from the state you had an accident can differ from the law in your home state. We’re here to help you stay prepared when you’re on the road.
What do I do immediately after the accident?
No matter where you are, the most important steps to take are the same. Close to home or miles away, the steps you must take include:
- Calling the police to file a report
- Seeking medical attention (if need be)
- Taking pictures of the accident
- Getting names of witnesses if any
- Calling your insurance company right away to file a claim
- Never admit fault throughout the case
These are the basics. It’s normal to still have unanswered questions after this, especially regarding how your or the other party’s insurance will work depending on the driving laws. Where you’re at could also affect the settlement you’ll receive if you have any injuries.
Reporting the Claim
Most insurance companies and their coverage extend across the country or any land within the United States. If you’re from Texas and get into an accident in Colorado, you should be able to file a claim with no disruption.
With that in mind, filing a claim should be rather simple, but you still have to comply with your insurer to let them know you need an adjustor from the area where you had an accident. The same applies to taking your car in for repairs. Most likely, you will need to take your car to a shop in the same state where the accident took place. It may take a while for an insurance agent to connect you to a shop that can help with tending to the damages of your car, especially if it’s out of state, but nonetheless, they’ll still be able to connect you with someone.
As long as your claim falls with the guidelines of your policy to have damages covered, you should not expect to experience any kind of trouble for that matter. If you are somehow denied coverage even though you are not at fault, speak to your attorney right away to solve the matter.
Agreeing on a Settlement with a Lawyer
An auto accident claim can go one of two ways: insurance can provide you with full coverage or a dispute may arise. This is why it is important to get in touch with a lawyer, especially if you have been in an accident out of state, that way the matters can be settled professionally.
It can become difficult to find a lawyer considering you might need someone who knows the laws of your home state and the state where the accident took place. How you decide to find the right legal representation and what you will do with the settlement you’ve just been offered depends on the severity of the car accident.
What to Do in Neighboring States
If the accident occurred in a place that’s close to home or borders the state that you are currently living in, the chances of finding a lawyer that knows the laws for both are rather likely, so you don’t have to worry too much there.
What to do In States Far Away
The further you are away from home, the more complicated it can be. Sure it’s easy to call up a lawyer you’ve hired before from your home state, but it might be better for you to hire a lawyer that either practice in the state where your accident took place or knows the laws like the back of their hand. This can save you plenty of money and time and your case could be settled in no time as well.
Get The Compensation You Need with The Law Offices of J. Martinez Jr. P. C.
Don’t let an accident control the status of your case. When you have an experienced lawyer by your side, you can get the results you need and turn the case in your favor. That’s what J. Martinez can do for you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
