Car crashes are traumatic enough when they happen near home, but what do you do if you are involved in an out-of-state car accident and are injured? Who do you talk to? Who should you not talk to?
Car accidents are bad enough when they happen in the city or county where you live. But what happens if you travel out of state (or to Canada) and get into a car crash? How do you pursue compensation? What about the other driver? How is this different from claims involving in-state crashes?
Questions invariably arise as to where and how the claim should be file, insurance, and applicable local laws in the jurisdiction where the car accident occurred. The best piece of advice you can ever take in such a case is to consult with an experienced car crash accident attorney. Seeking knowledgeable legal help can make sure you get the compensation you deserve in order to get your life back together after the accident, especially if there is significant property damage and you or your loved ones have sustained serious injuries.
Which Laws Govern Your Accident?
When you travel out of state or out of country, you must follow the laws of that jurisdiction. If you vehicle is registered in New York State, NYS no-fault laws may govern. But what if you travel to a state which is an at-fault state? Generally, insurance coverage extends across the USA, so if you sustained injuries in another state, you would still be eligible for coverage as defined in your insurance policy. The insurance company may assign a claims adjuster in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred, or they may assign an adjuster from New York State.
Insurance companies are notorious for trying to settle an automobile accident claim for as little as possible, and even trying to deny the claim entirely. This is where an experience Syracuse car accident lawyer can help because they can ensure that the negligent parties are held to account and you get the maximum judgement and compensation to which you are entitled.
Since may out-of-state car crash accidents can often be complex, particularly when serious or life-threatening injuries are involved, it is important that you talk with a knowledgeable, experienced, trusted car accident attorney to discuss your situation in detail and to make sure that your rights are protected.
What About “PIP” Insurance?
With respect to your required New York State automobile insurance, Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance is required by New York State since New York is a “no-fault” state. Personal Injury Protection insurance provides coverage for medical costs that you and your passengers incur in an accident regardless of who is at fault. Unfortunately, many automobile owners only take out the minimum coverage required by law, which is $50,000 per person. This amount can often be exhausted in a matter of minutes, since it is used to cover medical expenses, hospital bills, costs related to rehabilitation, and work loss resulting from accident-related injuries.
Get Legal Help for Out-of-State Car Accidents
Being involved in a car crash in another state or province can be extraordinarily stressful. At the law offices of McMahon, Kublick PC in Syracuse, our dedicated New York personal injury attorneys have over 40 years of in-depth experience and knowledge in all aspects of motor vehicle accidents, claims, and settlements. We are committed to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. We encourage you to contact us today.
We do not charge you any legal fees unless we win compensation for you. And since we work on a contingency fee basis, that means that you don’t pay a penny unless we win your case. We don’t get paid unless you do.
Call today to speak with one of our experienced car accident attorneys for a free case evaluation.
