Out of State Accidents
Serge Semirog
Anytime you are driving, you are at risk for a motor vehicle accident. Fortune doesn't protect you once you cross the state boundaries, so it is important to know how to handle your out-of-town accident.
Coverage Firstly, you need to check where your policy covers. For example, most policies cover accidents that occur in all of the United States (including those territories that belong to the US). Depending on the policy, it may cover accidents in North America, that is to say Mexico and Canada. Unfortunately, most limit it to the former.
Adjuster Assuming that your accident occurs in the United States, the process is much the same: file an insurance claim against the at-fault policy holder. The insurance adjuster will either be from your hometown or from the accident location, depending on the circumstances. Big insurance companies prefer the latter because adjusters are more familiar with where they live and the laws that govern.
Repairs Your car may have sustained serious property damage and therefore it will need repairs and possibly towing. Your choices are to tow to the nearest facility and repair the vehicle out-of-town or to tow your car all the way back home, however far that may be. An insurance company cannot tell you to go to a specific repair service and the amount they pay cannot be influenced for not choosing an "approved" repairman.
Towing If you plan to go back home for repairs, be prepared to fight for your towing bill. Insurance companies consider "reasonable" expenses, so they may only want to pay a portion of the bill. You are entitled to recover a reasonable amount, and according to us, that means all of it!
Counsel Finally, you must consider the laws of whichever state or country you were in at the time of the accident. This is why you need an attorney familiar with the laws of the State where misfortune struck. When in doubt, your local attorney Serge Semirog will always be happy to help!
If you are an out-of-state driver coming through Charlotte, or a Charlottean out-of-state with an unexpected accident, give us a call: 704-759-6110.