I Was Injured In a Different State – What Do I Do?
Getting injured out of state injured out of state can be confusing, especially if the personal injury laws differ from your own state. That’s why you should always consult with a local attorney that can guide and educate you.
When you are in Arizona, you should reach out to a reputable law firm locally. A Tucson attorney can guide you on the next steps after you were badly wounded out of your own state.
Depending on where the injury occurred and the circumstances surrounding it, filing a claim or lawsuit outside of your home state can be complex. However, you don’t have to handle everything on your own. An experienced personal injury lawyer familiar with out-of-state claims can help.
Steps to Take When You Were in an Out of Area Accident
You need to immediately take the following steps:
Call 911
Regardless of the state you were in, always call 911 if you’re injuredand need medical attention.
Exchange Contact Information
Exchange insurance information with the other involved parties. Make sure to write down their full name, address, phone number, and insurance company and policy numbers.
Gather Evidence
If you were in a personal injury accident, take photos of the scene and get contact information from any witnesses who may have seen it happen. Doing this as soon after the accident occurs can help make sure that valuable evidence is not lost or forgotten.
Get Medical Attention
Go to your doctor or a hospital right away for any necessary medical treatment. Make sure to keep detailed records and receipts of all your medical expenses related to the injury.
File an Insurance Claim
If possible, you will want to file a claim with your health insurance company as soon as possible. When the accident occurs out-of-state, it may be difficult to do this without an attorney who is familiar with the laws in that state.
Receive Legal Advice
Contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in out-of-state claims as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help you with the logistics of filing a claim or lawsuit in another state, and can ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for your injury.
Most Personal Injuries Are Car Accidents
If you are driving in Tucson, Arizona, stay alert to the laws that may differ from your home state. Here are Tucson driving laws that differ from other states:
No Cellphone Usage Behind The Wheel
There is an Arizona law prohibiting drivers from using their cell phones while behind the wheel. This means even if you are using one for navigation, you must pull over to the side of the road first.
Seatbelts Are Mandatory
In Tucson, both the driver and passengers in the front seat must wear their seatbelts at all times. Additionally, any child under the age of 5 or under 40 pounds has to be buckled into a car seat.
Speed Limit
In Arizona, the speed limit is generally 65 miles per hour unless otherwise stated. Be aware of speed limits when driving in Tucson as they can differ from other states.
Auto Insurance Coverage
Additionally, all drivers must have auto insurance with at least $15,000 of property damage liability coverage and $30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage.
Filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit across state lines is not always easy, but with the help of an experienced lawyer, it can be done. Don’t go through this alone. Contact an attorney today to discuss your options and make sure that your rights.