What Should You Do After Collision with an Out-of-State Vehicle in SC?
A collision with an out-of-state vehicle can present challenges for drivers who reside in South Carolina. Each state sets its own insurance requirements, which may create confusion when trying to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. These are hassles you don’t need while you’re hurt. An auto accident attorney from Wilson Law Group, LLC can help. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
What is an Out-of-State Vehicle Collision?
An out-of-state vehicle collision occurs when a South Carolina driver is involved in a crash with a car from another state. Because auto insurance laws and requirements vary from place to place, you need to understand how these regulations apply to your case before recovering compensation.
Out-of-State Car Accident: What Should You Do?
The steps to take after an out-of-state vehicle accident in South Carolina are essentially the same as any other collision. You should:
- Call 911 – This is especially important in out-of-state vehicle accidents. Without a police report, the other driver may argue the crash never occurred. A 911 call also brings paramedics to the scene if someone sustained injuries.
- Get the other driver’s information – Be sure you collect the other driver’s name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. You need this information to file an injury claim.
- Document the crash – Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved in the collision. Include pictures of injuries and evidence related to the accident.
- Seek medical treatment – Get to a hospital or see your doctor as soon as possible. Delaying treatment could worsen your injuries and impact your ability to obtain full compensation.
- Report the accident to your insurance company – Your insurer needs to know what happened, but keep the details vague until you have spoken to an attorney.
- Contact an SC car accident lawyer – There could be additional legal headaches that come with out-of-state car accident claims. Your attorney can report the collision for you and manage all future communication with the insurance company.
Medical Treatment for Your Injuries
Seeking medical treatment is always important after a wreck. First, it helps ensure that all your injuries are diagnosed and treated. It also shows the insurance company you did everything possible to prevent your injuries from worsening.
Symptoms of some injuries, like whiplash, don’t show up for hours or days after a crash. That’s OK. Make an appointment with your provider as soon as you begin experiencing symptoms.
Out-of-State Car Insurance Claims
Even if the negligent driver is from another state, their auto insurance should still cover you in South Carolina. If they are responsible for the accident, you will seek compensation from their insurer. If you share fault for the crash, your insurance company and their insurer will assign a percentage of fault to each party before making a payout.
There are a few scenarios where the insurance rules get more complicated. Some states have a no-fault insurance system, where drivers seek compensation from their own insurer before pursuing a claim against another driver. But South Carolina is a fault state, where claimants seek compensation directly from the negligent driver’s insurance company. In addition, neighboring North Carolina has a harsh negligence law that could impact your ability to recover compensation. A lawyer can determine how those different systems may apply to your personal injury lawsuit.
Contact Our Experienced SC Car Accident Attorneys Today
Out-of-state vehicle accidents in South Carolina may feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the car accident attorneys at Wilson Law Group, LLC have the experience and skills to make a difference for you. Call or contact our firm today for a free case review.