Posted on Thursday, June 18th, 2020 at 11:29 pm
Sacramento is a popular tourist destination. People also travel to Sacramento for business purposes. When people travel to Sacramento, there is a chance that they may be involved in a car accident. An out-of-state driver is expected to follow the traffic laws for California. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. If an out-of-state driver causes a car accident, the driver can be held liable for damages and losses just like any other California driver.
However, filing a personal injury claim against an out-of-state driver can be more complicated. If the insurance company for the other driver refuses to settle the claim, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. Forcing the party to return to California for a trial may be more challenging and costly than you anticipated.
Working with an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer can give you the best chance of a positive outcome in your case.
Filing An Insurance Claim Against an Out-of-State Driver
In most cases, the easiest and most efficient way to settle a car accident with an out-of-state driver is to file an accident claim with the driver’s insurance provider. If liability is clear, the insurance company may agree to settle the claim without lengthy negotiations or litigation.
If the insurance company refuses to agree to a fair settlement, you may need to file a lawsuit. Your attorney explains the pros and cons of filing a lawsuit against an out-of-state driver for an accident claim. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, it may be best to accept a lower settlement figure to avoid litigation, file the lawsuit in California, or file the lawsuit in the state in which the driver resides.
Regardless of the facts in your case, your best choice is to speak with an attorney before taking any action regarding an out-of-state driver car accident.
What To Do After a Car Accident Involving a Driver From Another State
If you are in an accident with a driver who lives out of state, you should:
- Call 911 to report the accident.
- Ask the driver to exchange information.
- Take a picture of the driver’s license tag.
- Try to document the accident scene with photos and videos.
- Ask witnesses for contact information.
- Seek medical care immediately.
- Notify your insurance provider about the accident.
- Contact an attorney to discuss the steps you should take next to protect your legal rights.
What Happens With Out-of-State Insurance Coverage?
The state in which the driver resides might have lower limits for car insurance coverage. The driver may live in a no-fault insurance state. These factors could impact your ability to recover full compensation for your injury claim.
Don’t wait to talk with a lawyer about your claim. Accidents involving out-of-state drivers are more complicated than your typical auto accident claim. Seeking legal counsel as soon as possible after the accident can help you avoid making mistakes that could hurt your chance of success.
Contact a Sacramento Car Accident Attorney for More Information
Our legal team is ready to help you with your car accident claim. Contact our office at (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Sacramento.
