A Guide to Getting Insurance Coverage In Your Home State After a Colorado Accident
Being hurt in a car accident can be an incredibly unpleasant and challenging experience. If you are hurt in a state other than your home state, you may wonder how getting your insurance and getting paid for your injuries works. The first step in navigating an automobile accident and the insurance companies is having a qualified auto accident lawyer on your side.
You may have a lot of questions about your case. Will your insurance cover the damages? Can you still seek reimbursement from the motorist who caused my accident? Which state laws apply to me? The car accident attorneys at Mintz Law Firm have assisted numerous clients in receiving just compensation for their losses. We can help you with any questions you may have about your out-of-state vehicle accident.
What to Do Following an Out-of-State Automobile Accident
A car accident occurs in a flash and can result in severe injuries. As a result, your priority following a collision should be to seek urgent medical treatment for yourself and any other injured persons. Everything else is secondary if you or someone you care about needs to visit the hospital for treatment that could save their lives.
If you can stay at the scene, you should follow the same procedures as if the accident had occurred in your hometown or a different state. The following actions should be taken at the scene:
Report the Accident to the Police
Let emergency medical teams know where you are so that injured accident victims can get help. Inform the police about the collision so that they can create an official accident report for you. The accident report will include useful details, such as the police officer’s observations of the crash scene and whether they determined that any party was at fault.
Document the Scene
It’s crucial to record all the specifics of the accident scene. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, the other vehicle, and any public property if possible. Photograph the crossroads, traffic lights, skid marks, or any other items that might be relevant for proving negligence. Document any details from the accident that you recall as soon as possible.
Retrieve the Required Information
Obtain the names, insurance details, and phone numbers of any other drivers who may have been involved in the accident. Check the other person’s driver’s license for an up-to-date address and obtain their phone number. This way, you and your lawyer will have the data necessary to later file a claim. There is always the possibility that some of this information will not be included in the accident report.
Notify Your Insurance Company of the Accident
It is critical that you promptly notify your insurance carrier of an accident. If you delay or choose not to cooperate, your insurance provider may use this as an excuse to refuse to pay for accident-related damages. Additionally, your policy might cover immediate needs like a rental car, towing service, and other items.
Contact a Colorado Lawyer
Your car accident case will be governed by the laws of the state in which the accident occurred. Every state has its own statute of limitations as well as laws governing insurance coverage, injuries, and so on. Furthermore, the same act may give rise to more than one criminal charge, in which case more than one statute of limitations may be applicable.
You cannot use your local attorney to help you file a claim for damages for injuries you sustained in an out-of-state accident. That is why you ought to retain the services of a knowledgeable Colorado personal injury lawyer at Mintz Law Firm. Please consult us to learn how the statutes of limitations apply in your particular case.
How Is Fault Determined in a Colorado Automobile Accident?
Colorado is an at-fault state. This means that you may submit a claim to the negligent party’s insurance provider following an accident. An injured driver will look to the other driver’s insurance policy under the state’s tort-based system of responsibility for motor vehicle accidents. As a result, an injured driver has two primary options for pursuing compensation:
- Make a claim with their own insurer: If their insurance provider pays for the loss, they will probably file a subrogation claim with the provider of the negligent driver.
- Submit a claim to the negligent driver’s insurance provider: A claim can be made with the at-fault driver’s insurance company without having to file a lawsuit. The person may file a lawsuit if the insurer declines to pay the claim.
Having an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer on your side will significantly increase your chances of obtaining maximum compensation for your injuries if you or a loved one was hurt in a motor vehicle accident in Colorado.
Reporting an Out-of-State Accident Insurance Claim
The most crucial thing to understand about auto insurance is that it will protect you no matter where you are in the country. Fortunately, since auto insurance policies cover accidents outside a state’s borders, the procedure for making a claim is largely the same as for accidents within a state.
When you contact your insurance provider to file a report, the provider will designate you an insurance agent to manage the claim, either in your or the accident state. Even if you know which states allow you to file a lawsuit, you should consult with an attorney to ensure you’re making the best strategic decision.
Consult with an Experienced Colorado Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in an out-of-state auto accident, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can guide you through the claims process and may be able to make sure you get the most money possible to help you recover from the accident.
You need an experienced Colorado car accident attorney if you were hurt in an out-of-state car accident in or near Colorado. The lawyers at the Mintz Law Firm know that you need a compassionate attorney with your best interests in mind to guide you through this complex procedure. We can help you feel in control, deal with insurance companies effectively, and may be able to get you compensation. For a free consultation, call (303) 462-2999 or fill out our online contact form.