Out Of State Car Accident: What To Do
There is nothing more terrifying than being in an auto accident. It is one of those moments in life that many describe as feeling like it is moving in slow motion. It is even worse when you are in an auto accident that occurs out of state. You probably have no idea what you need to do next, and you are likely scared about what could happen to you. Luckily, this is exactly the kind of work that a Provo accident attorney can help walk you through. In fact, an accident attorney Provo can help you even if the accident does not occur in the state of Utah.
Immediate Actions To Take
Before you get too deep into anything else, make sure you call 911 and report the accident. You should also try to check to see if anyone has been injured as a result of the crash. Provo accident attorneys always say that the immediate health and safety needs of those involved in the crash are the top priority. Assuming that no one is seriously injured, the next step an accident attorney in Provo Utah would tell you to take would be to take photos of everything that has happened at the crash scene. You need to take pictures of the damage to the vehicles as well as any injuries that anyone has sustained. Those pictures are highly valuable in the hands of an accident attorney Provo Utah because they show the true extent of what has happened, and they show it in a way that cannot be easily refuted.
No Fault States
Most states are known as “no fault” states when it comes to insurance protections. This means that your own insurance company will cover your medical expenses following an accident, not the insurance of the other driver. Thus, your accident attorney Provo UT is far more likely to be arguing with your own insurance company rather than any other entity. The lawyers at Howard Lewis & Petersen are well aware of how to do this, and they can help you regardless of which state the accident occurred. You should check with your accident attorney Provo Utah to make sure you know what you are getting into, and simply to check to see if the state that you have crashed in is a no-fault state or not. There may be additional procedures necessary if the state has different laws and regulations.
Thinking About Repairs
It is quite possible that you will have no choice but to have repairs made in the state where the accident has occurred. That is acceptable as long as you check with your insurance company ahead of time to make sure they don’t have any objections or issues with this. Remember, you want to follow everything by the book as much as possible with your insurance company as you don’t need any headaches when it comes time for them to pay up for the repairs. It is a lot easier if you are communicating with the insurance company each step of the way.
The local shops in the area are likely able to do the repairs, but make sure they can do them at a reasonable rate for you. They may seek to take advantage as they see that you are out of state and in desperate need of help. Do not allow yourself to get swindled simply because you are in a spot where you need some help right away. You can and should still work to negotiate the price for the repairs that you require.
Finally, make sure that you run everything through your attorney. Don’t take any direct actions related to this incident until you have spoken with your attorney. They always have your best interests at heart, and it is best to check with them before making a mistake that could cost you dearly in terms of your compensation.
