Many people leave their hometown for vacations, business trips or family visits. Accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, and dealing with an injury while traveling can be complicated because the main contacts for such cases are not directly available. If you are injured away from your home state, it may mean that the procedures for making a claim and receiving compensation for medical bills and damages are different than where you live. It’s important to know your rights in these situations, and hiring an attorney can guide you through the procedures. Read the four steps to take if you have a personal injury out of state.
What to Do Right After Your Injury
Report your accident to local police and gather as much information as you can about how the accident happened. If you were involved in a car accident, remember to take photos for evidence later. Get medical treatment for the injuries you sustained and keep copies of all relevant records, such as your diagnosis, prescribed medications and medical bills. In this case, it is best to contact an attorney for legal advice on what to do next.
Find Out Which State Has Jurisdiction
After you have sought immediate medical treatment for your injuries, you should find out which state has jurisdiction over your claim. To do this, you will need the defendant’s address and the location where the accident occurred, among other things. It is possible that the accident occurred in the state where the defendant lives. If you only want to file an insurance claim, the procedures for out-of-state cases are similar to those for in-state cases. However, if you are filing a personal injury lawsuit, you must decide where to sue. Such injury cases usually involve different states, but there are some cases where you can sue in your own state.
Find Out Which Laws Apply to Your Case
Once you have decided which state you want to file your lawsuit in, you need to find out what laws apply to your case. The location where your accident occurred can affect your personal injury claim. This is because each state has different personal injury laws, such as statutes of limitations, fault rules, and comparative negligence rules. It’s best to hire an attorney who can steer you in the right direction and help you build your case.
Hire an Attorney
If you have a complex injury case, it is best to hire an attorney. Keep in mind that your attorney must be licensed in the right state. It is highly advantageous to hire an attorney from the state where your accident occurred to represent your case, as they are most familiar with the laws of the state, giving you the best chance at a fair settlement.
Corradino & Papa, LLC has a team of attorneys dedicated to fighting for the rights of injury victims. With over 25 years of experience, we also have the financial resources to investigate your case and provide you with the highest level of legal representation. Contact Corradino & Papa, LLC today for a free initial consultation.