If you are in a car accident in another state, you should seek medical attention and gather evidence just like you would in any crash. The laws of the state where the accident occurred will typically apply to your personal injury claim or lawsuit, so you should also consider hiring a lawyer experienced with that state’s laws.
Recovering compensation for your losses after an out-of-state car accident can be challenging. If you were involved in an accident in Colorado but live in another state, working with a Colorado car accident lawyer familiar with local laws could reduce your stress and help you recover the money you need.
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What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Car Accident in Another State?
Knowing what to do and how to prioritize your time and energy after a crash is important. If you are in an out-of-state collision, you should:
Get a Prompt Medical Assessment and Care
If you have obvious injuries, pain, or other signs of an injury after a crash, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Allow first responders to assess you at the scene and go to the nearest emergency department or trauma facility in an ambulance if they recommend doing so.
If they do not believe you have any serious injuries, you should still schedule an appointment to see a doctor or go to an urgent care clinic for an evaluation as soon as possible.
Get an Accident Report
If your injuries allow, call the police to the scene and ask them to create an accident report. The police report is often key evidence in a car accident claim. It contains critical information about the accident, witnesses, and insurance coverage. It also provides an unbiased view of what happened and who might be liable.
Document the Crash Scene
If possible, take photographs of the scene and all cars involved. Take close-up images of vehicle damage and any hazards that might have contributed to the crash, as well as wide-angle pictures of the entire accident scene.
Photograph any visible injuries and the front and back of other driver’s licenses and insurance cards.
Identify Eyewitnesses
Get contact information from anyone at the scene who witnessed the crash. This allows your personal injury attorney to contact them and interview them about the accident.
Eyewitness statements often prove crucial in building a strong claim and negotiating fair compensation. This is especially true when no video of the collision is available.
Discuss Your Options With a Car Accident Lawyer
It can be difficult to know what to do if you are hurt in a car accident in another state. You should contact a personal injury law firm in the state where your accident occurred to learn more about your rights based on that state’s applicable laws.
What Damages Can I Collect After an Out-of-State Car Accident?
Most states, including Colorado, have fault-based car accident laws. That means you will pursue the at-fault driver’s insurance company for compensation for your losses. Your car accident attorney can help you seek various damages, including:
Economic Damages
These damages are financial losses that come with bills, invoices, or receipts. Examples include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Vehicle damage
Non-Economic Damages
These damages compensate you for the physical, mental, and emotional consequences of the accident, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one in an out-of-state car accident, our Colorado wrongful death lawyers can help your family seek damages such as:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of household income
- The decedent’s medical bills
- Loss of companionship and guidance
The amount of compensation you qualify for will depend on your unique losses. Your personal injury lawyer can explain what damages you qualify for.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help You After an Out-of-State Crash
Hiring a lawyer after an out-of-state motor vehicle accident can provide great benefits. You can focus on recovering from your injuries while they handle the entire legal process for you, including:
- Interviewing eyewitnesses
- Requesting a copy of the accident report
- Gathering other evidence of the at-fault party’s negligence
- Developing a personalized legal plan for you
- Completing all required paperwork
- Giving you regular updates on your case
- Filing your personal injury claim or lawsuit
- Negotiating with the liable party’s insurance company on your behalf
- Fighting for your right to fair compensation in court, if necessary
When Should I Talk to a Car Accident Attorney About My Accident Injuries?
You should act as soon as possible after a crash to determine your options. Each state sets a statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit based on car accident injuries.
In Colorado, CO. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-101 sets a three-year deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent driver who caused your crash. Missing this deadline could jeopardize your right to sue.
It also takes time to build these cases. You should discuss your options with an auto accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash so you know what steps you must take and how much time you have to prepare your lawsuit.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
You may be hesitant to seek legal representation because of its costs. However, most auto accident attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means you pay nothing upfront or out of pocket to secure legal assistance.
Instead, your lawyer’s fees will come out of your final settlement or court award. If your lawyer doesn’t secure compensation for you, you will owe them nothing.
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Discuss Your Car Accident With a Car Accident Attorney From Our Team
If your crash occurred in Colorado, Matlin Injury Law is here to help you. We have over 50 years of combined experience and have helped clients recover over $25 million in compensation.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation with our team. We will review your legal options and discuss how we can help you pursue compensation for your injuries, medical care, and other expenses and losses.
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