Car Accidents · Mesa, Arizona
Out-of-State Car Accident: What You Need to Know
Straight answers on Arizona personal injury law from a Mesa-based firm.
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Picture this: You’re cruising through unfamiliar streets, maybe on vacation, perhaps just exploring Arizona. Suddenly, a car accident disrupts your plans. What now? Whose insurance will cover out-of-state car accidents? If you got into a car accident outside Arizona, will your insurance still cover it?Â
And can someone help answer all of your out-of-state car accident questions? Absolutely.
Read the full guideThis article is part of Car Accidents: A Complete Guide for Arizona Victims — the complete Arizona guide covering statutes of limitation, comparative fault, damages, and case timeline.
What is an Out-of-State Car Accident?
Before anything else, let us clarify what an out-of-state car accident is. An out-of-state car accident occurs when the collision happens outside the state where your vehicle is registered. The situation can be confusing, especially when different state laws and insurance rules come into play.What Should You Do After an Out-of-State Car Crash?
- Prioritize Safety: Ensure everyone’s safety and seek medical help if needed. Your well-being is the top priority.
- Document the Scene: If it’s safe, document the accident scene, take pictures, and exchange information with the other driver(s).
- Notify Authorities: Contact local law enforcement to report the accident. This creates an official record of the incident.
- Insurance Information: Exchange insurance details with the other driver(s) involved.
- Witnesses: If there are witnesses, get their contact information. Their statements may prove valuable later.
- Contact a Local Car Crash Attorney: A local car crash lawyer will be familiar with local law enforcement, be adept at local laws, and can help you through the process of obtaining compensation for any injuries.
Which State Laws Apply?
Understanding which state laws apply can be puzzling. Some states operate under a “fault” system, where the at-fault driver is responsible for damages. Others follow a “no-fault” system, where each driver’s insurance covers their own injuries and damages. The laws of the state in which the accident occurs are the ones that govern the situation. Most states in the U.S., including Arizona, follow a fault-based system to determine financial responsibility for car accidents. In this system, the driver at fault bears responsibility for the damages resulting from the accident. However, it’s crucial to note that some states operate under a no-fault system. In these states, individuals initially seek compensation from their insurance policies, and only if their coverage is exhausted can they pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. Understanding this distinction is vital because the process of handling car accident claims can differ between fault and no-fault states. Typically, your insurance policy in a no-fault state would provide you with the required minimum personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Examples of no-fault states include:- Florida
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Hawaii
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- Utah
