Traveling is one of the most amazing things a person can do. Visiting different locations offers the chance to experience a variety of local cultures and create memories. From art to delicious restaurants and fashion, there’s so much one can taste and enjoy in the States alone. 

However, being an adventurous traveler comes with its fair share of risk. A single mistake can lead to an accident that can leave you facing lifelong consequences. This guide has been created to help you navigate the legal world of car accidents during your interstate travels.   

The Common Traffic Laws

While there are certain differences when it comes to traffic laws across States, there are a bunch of common ones you should know about when dealing with an accident. Being prepared during such instances can aid in seeking fair compensation.

Prioritize Safety

The first thing you need to do after a vehicle accident is to assess the status of the parties involved. You should check for any possible injuries. You can’t fix the vehicle right now. But what you can do is ensure people get the required medical assistance. Don’t think that if visible scars and bruises aren’t present, there’s no injury. Many vehicle-related injuries tend to be internal.

Notify the Authorities

The police should be contacted immediately. They can help with documentation and provide necessary assistance such as medical attention, crowd control, and vehicle towing (depending on the accident’s severity).

Exchanging Information

You should exchange information with the involved parties. It should include names, phone numbers, addresses, license plates, and insurance policy numbers. Try not to claim full responsibility for the accident during the exchange process.

Proper Documentation

Well-detailed documentation is crucial during legal proceedings. The information exchange process, notifying the police, and seeking medical attention add to the documentation. You should also take pictures or video of the accident and locale. Ask for witness information, too.

Traffic Laws Across States

Knowing the State’s traffic laws concerning accidents will help you build a roadmap toward possible fair compensation.

The steps you can take, regardless of the State you are in, are:

Research

You should familiarize yourself with the traffic laws of the State you are traveling to. Of course, each State has its own rules and regulations when dealing with car accidents and related liability and insurance coverage. 

There is also the varying car accident statute of limitations you should know about. States like Alabama, Alaska, and Arizona have 2 years, while California and Colorado are at 3 years. Florida and Georgia are at 4 years. And Tennessee is only 1 year long.

Contact the Insurance Provider

Have a conversation with your insurance provider about handling car accidents in your State as well as others. There could be a possibility your insurance provider doesn’t offer coverage for accidents in another State. Be familiar with the company’s policy.

Contact Authorities

Staying in touch with authorities is crucial if an accident occurs in another State. Ask for a copy of the police report to strengthen documentation.

Seek Legal Guidance

Depending on the nature of the accident, it might not be resolved out-of-court. The legal world can be daunting when dealing with insurance claims and medical expenses. That’s why it’s recommended to seek legal support.

A car accident attorney can help you throughout the legal process of filing a lawsuit, collecting proper documentation, addressing insurance claims, and more to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Experienced lawyers are very important when dealing with car accidents in another State.

Linking back to the statute of limitations that was mentioned, a Spring Hill car accident lawyer can help you navigate legal proceedings concerning an accident in Tennessee or, depending on the circumstance, in another State. Other legalities include not requiring personal injury protection (PIP) in Tennessee.

A fun long car ride for a trip to Walt Disney World can become a nightmare if a car accident occurs and you don’t know how to properly handle it. A vehicle accident attorney can lend you much-needed assistance.

Conclusion

Traveling, while fun, has its own set of challenges. An accident can occur in a blink of an eye. That’s why it’s imperative that you do your best to follow traffic rules. If such an unfortunate event does occur, you should be aware of the steps you can take to navigate the complex legal world of car accidents, especially car accidents in another State. 

Staying informed of local laws and demonstrating due diligence during the accident’s aftermath and the documentation process can help streamline legal proceedings to protect your well-being.