If you get hit by an out-of-state driver and get injured, they don’t just get away with it. Insurance policies cross state lines with their drivers, so if you got seriously hurt in a crash or another incident, you may be owed compensation. A San Angelo, Texas car accident lawyer from our firm can help you build a case and sue a negligent driver for damages.
When Can I Sue an Out-Of-State Driver For Damages?
You can sue an out-of-state driver if you believe that they caused the crash that caused your injuries. In Texas, the party that causes a crash pays for the resulting expenses. Even if the driver is from another state, they should have liability coverage that can reimburse you for damages like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment
- Pain and suffering
So you can treat a crash with an out-of-state driver like one that involves another Texas driver. Do what you would normally do. Pull over, exchange information, take pictures of the scene and the cars, and call the police so that they can make a report.
How Long Do I Have to Sue an Out-Of-State Driver?
You have two years to sue an out-of-state driver for damages. This is the Texas statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. If the other driver comes from a state where there is a shorter or longer statute of limitations, that doesn’t matter. The crash happened in Texas, so Texas rules are followed.
Will I Need to Use My Own Insurance Policies?
While all but one state requires drivers to have liability coverage, the minimum amounts required can vary. If you are in a serious crash with an out-of-state driver, you may end up needing more than their policy can pay out.
That is when your own insurance policy can come into play. If you have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, that can help you cover the difference between what the other driver’s policy can pay and what you need.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer?
It can be tough to pursue compensation after a crash. Showing that someone else was negligent is rarely easy on your own. That’s why we recommend hiring a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can:
- Help you gather evidence
- Connect you with expert witnesses who can strengthen your case
- Communicate with all other involved parties on your behalf
- Defend you from accusations of wrongdoing
- Calculate fair compensation
- Handle negotiations with the insurance company
- Prepare you for testimony or depositions
Schedule a Consultation With Our Team
So if you or a loved one have been injured in a crash with an out-of-state driver, contact the Mathis Law Firm. We can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation for you and tell you more about what our attorneys can do to help.
