What to Do If You Get into a Car Accident in Another State

Whether you’re a vacationer or a business traveler, there is always a chance that you will get into a car accident when in another state. When you do, you need to proceed a bit differently than you would in your home state. If that area happens to be St. Louis, you should talk to a St. Louis car accident lawyer. If it is somewhere else in the US, you can adjust your plan accordingly. Below, we explain what to do if you get into a car accident in another state.

Seek Medical Attention

If your injury is severe enough to warrant an emergency response, you should get the treatment you need right away. If not, you can move on to the next steps and see a doctor the next day.

Call the Police

Though you should always call the police after an accident, it is especially beneficial if your accident is out of state. What the police do is ensure that the post-accident process goes smoothly. They will talk to all parties involved in the crash, gather evidence, and write up a  report. This report does two vital things. First, it makes sure the other person is who they say they are. Sometimes a person will lie about their personal information after an accident, but the police won’t let them do that. Second, this report will likely include their story surrounding the crash. If they choose to change that story later on, there will be a record of them doing so.

Take Pictures

One of the best pieces of evidence at your disposal is pictures. What they allow you to do is have some proof that backs up your story surrounding the accident. They can convince a court that your word is better than your opponents, so it is critical that you take pictures. You should document your injuries, the damage to all vehicles, the area surrounding the accident, and any skid marks on the ground.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Though nobody wants to get into a car crash, the good news is that you will generally be covered no matter what state you are in. In fact, most auto policies cover all 50 states, US territories, and sometimes Canada. After you complete the initial necessary steps, you should give your insurance company a call and update them on your situation.

While every other step is roughly the same as getting into an accident in your hometown, obtaining compensation is different. The reason is that the state you have your collision in is the one that you need to make a claim in. That could mean a different set of rules than what you are familiar with. The best way to understand those state laws is by speaking with an attorney.

The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C.

Phone: (314) 361-4242