Being involved in a car accident while traveling in a different state than yours can be a daunting challenge, as the distance from your home can add a level of uncertainty when dealing with injuries and medical bills.
If you were a victim of a car accident in another state, you may feel overwhelmed. Particularly if you are dealing with painful physical injuries, and expensive medical bills. It is important to get legal assistance to help you determine the best next steps to protect your rights.
Get Medical Attention
One of the frequently asked questions our attorneys answer is: Should I get medical attention even if I feel completely fine? And the answer is: Yes. If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident in another state, your priority should be to seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they appear superficial and you are not in immediate pain.
Some injuries can take days or weeks to present symptoms. Look out for your wellbeing and for your passengers, and seek legal assistance as soon as possible after the accident.
Call Emergency Services
It is important to call 911. Particularly if the accident caused serious injuries or significant damage to vehicles and passengers. Also, the Police Department will write an official report of the accident, which can be an essential piece of evidence if you decide to file a claim for damages.
Collect As Much Evidence As Possible
If your physical condition allows it, collect evidence at the scene. Use your cell phone to record and take pictures. Focus on vehicle damage and other important details, such as a broken traffic light or obstructed traffic sign. Exchange contact information with any witnesses. All these details may be valuable if you need to take your case to court.
Do Not Admit Fault
If an insurance adjuster arrives at the scene it is important to remain calm and share as little as necessary. Determining responsibility is complex and must be carried out by the relevant authorities and investigations.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents can be very different from one state to another. A couple miles in the road can mean the difference between getting compensation for damages, or coming back home empty handed. That’s one of the reasons why it is important to get a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer with experience in many states’ jurisdiction.
Compensation You Can Claim After an Out-of-State Car Accident
When you are injured in a car accident in another state, you may be entitled to seek compensation for different types of damages, such as economic and non-economic.
Compensation for Economic Damages
This type of compensation covers damages with a monetary value. Some economic damages you can recover after an out-of-state car accident include:
- Medical expenses. The costs of medical attention, including doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation and drug therapy. As all future medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Lost wages. If your injuries prevented you from working, you may be able to seek compensation for the wages you lost while you were disabled. Additionally, if your earning capacity is affected, you may also seek compensation for the loss of future income.
- Property damage. If your vehicle or other personal items were damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to get compensation for those damages.
- Transportation and travel expenses. If you need to travel for medical treatment or to attend appointments related to your case, you may seek compensation for transportation expenses.
Compensation for Non-Economic Damages
These are subjective damages that may not have clear value, such as emotional and physical damages. Some examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering. Which includes physical and emotional pain you may have experienced due to your injuries and the trauma of the accident.
- Emotional distress. If the accident has significantly impacted your mental and emotional well-being, you may be able to seek compensation for emotional distress.
- Loss of life’s enjoyment. If your injuries have affected your ability to participate in activities you used to enjoy, you may be able to seek compensation for the reduction in your quality of life.
Every case is different and you should look for professional legal advice to know exactly how much you can recover. A skilled attorney can assess your damages and losses and work for the compensation you deserve.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
What Is Comparative Negligence, and does It Affect Accident Claims in Different States?
Comparative negligence is a legal concept that plays a crucial role in accident claims in different states. It is important to understand how it works, as it can affect the compensation you recover in your case. In simple terms, comparative negligence refers to how liable every party is.
In some states, “pure comparative negligence” applies. That means you can recover compensation even if you are partially responsible for the accident. While some others are “modified comparative negligence”-states. Under this rule, a victim is not entitled to damages if they are more than 50% liable for the accident.
Call an Experienced Attorney After a Car Accident in Another State
Dealing with an out-of-state car accident may be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. If you find yourself in this situation, seek the assistance of an out-of-state car accident attorney. We are ready to answer all the hard questions and explain your legal options.
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