If you get injured in an accident with an out-of-state driver, you may be wondering what your options are. Well, out-of-state drivers can also be blamed for an accident. They are also supposed to carry insurance coverage. So if you need to seek damages, a car accident lawyer in Queens can tell you what to do next.
What Should I Do If I’m Hit By an Out-Of-State Driver?
It doesn’t matter where the other driver comes from. You should still take the same steps after an accident. Pull over and:
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Call the cops so that they can make a report
- Talk to any witnesses and get their contact information
- Take photos of the cars and the accident scene
- Avoid saying anything that could be construed as admitting fault
Can I Sue an Out-Of-State Driver?
You can sue an out-of-state driver when they hit you. If your injuries are serious and your own personal injury protection coverage isn’t enough, you could end up looking at a stack of medical bills and dealing with other expenses, like vehicle repairs or replacement.
Your compensation can help with more than that though. A fair offer from the insurance company should also help make up for things like mental anguish, anxiety, and pain and suffering caused by the crash.
Just keep in mind that some states have lower amounts of required insurance coverage. For example, New York requires $25,000 bodily injury liability per person. Nearby Pennsylvania sets a minimum of $15,000 in the same coverage. So it is possible that you will sue and an out-of-state driver’s policy does not have enough to fully reimburse you. In situations like this, your own uninsured/underinsured driver coverage might be able to help make up the gap.
How Long Do I Have to Sue an Out-Of-State Driver?
It’s also important to note that if the accident happened in New York, your case is going to follow New York’s rules. That means that you have three years to sue for damages. NJ and PA have shorter statutes of limitations, but that’s not an issue here. New York’s laws are the ones that matter.
Should I Hire a Lawyer?
Proving negligence on your own can be tough. It’s also a pain to negotiate with insurers across state lines. Our lawyers have plenty of experience with matters like these though. They can also help you:
- Calculate fair compensation
- Prepare for testimony or depositions
- Gather evidence
- Connect you with expert witnesses who can strengthen your case
Your lawyer can also help you deal with any other complications that could arise when you’re suing an out-of-state driver for damages.
Schedule a Case Consultation
If you are considering suing an out-of-state driver for damages, schedule a consultation with our team. Just contact the Law Offices of George Poulos and we’ll help you figure out if you have a valuable case on your hands.
