What to Do After an Out-of-State Car Accident 

Knowing what to do after an out-of-state car accident is important. Getting into a car accident is never a pleasant experience. But if a driver is traveling out of state, the process may be even more stressful. Fortunately, the steps that a person should take after a collision are identical, regardless of where the accident takes place. Talk to a professional attorney for more information.

Steps to Take Following an Accident

• Move your car to a safe place, if you are able. This will prevent any further collisions with other cars and keep everyone safe
• Check on all the people involved in the accident: All states require that motorists assist injured people if possible. Even if all a person can do is call for emergency services, this is enough to satisfy the requirement
• Call the police: No matter the circumstances of the accident or if people are injured, the police should always be called to the scene of an accident. In many states, this is required by law, but in any event, the police will create a report that is helpful for insurance claims
• Take pictures of the scene: Having pictures of all the vehicles involved, and where the accident took place, can assist a driver in filing an insurance claim
• File a claim with your insurance company: Regardless of who is at-fault in an accident, a driver’s insurance company will handle their property and bodily injuries. An individual should check their insurance policy to see which categories of coverage apply

Insurance for Out-of-State Car Accidents

One interesting thing about car accidents that happen over state lines is how people’s insurance policies interact with different state laws. For example, Florida requires that car insurance policies protect their owners with a minimum of $10,000 personal injury protection and $10,000 property damage liability.

In contrast, Georgia increases these requirements to $25,000 for both bodily injury and property damage coverage. If a Florida resident is driving in Georgia and is involved in an accident, Georgia’s rules will apply.

Thankfully, insurance companies understand these changing minimums and any valid Florida insurance policy will automatically ramp up a driver’s protections in a Georgia accident to the required minimums, leaving no gaps in the coverage.

Contact a Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer

After getting into an accident while driving out of state, an individual should simply follow the above guidelines that they would follow in any accident.

Contact a Florida car accident lawyer who understands how differing state’s law affect car accident cases, and represents individuals in personal injury claims arising from accidents that happen all over the country. For more information on what to do after an out-of-state car accident, call a qualified attorney today.