People don’t think about it, but when you travel out of town for the holidays, you’ll be sharing the road with thousands of other people. You won’t be as familiar with the roads and traffic rules in other states. Even if you’ve traveled through there before, you’re going to be less at ease than you are in your hometown. Just because you got into a car accident in another state, doesn’t mean the rules change.
There are certain things you need to do if you get into a car accident. It doesn’t really matter where it happens. These are the things you have to do after your crash:
- Call the police. Sometimes, when you get into a crash, the other driver asks you not to call the police. They can come up with a dozen reasons why this is a good idea. Don’t ever agree to this. You need the police to come out and do their investigation. They’ll also prepare a police report your lawyer can do to help prove your case.
- Seek medical treatment immediately. Even if you’re not familiar with the area, you still need to go to the hospital. You won’t have to drive there yourself. The local police will call and have an ambulance come and take you there. This way, you’re sure to get the medical treatment you need. If you don’t go to the hospital, you won’t be able to prove your injuries.
- Call an experienced car accident lawyer in Augusta. No matter what town or state the crash happens in, call a local attorney. If they can’t handle the case, they can refer you to someone they trust who can.
Will You Be Entitled to Damages if You Get Into an Accident in Another State?
If you get into an accident while traveling to your friend or family’s house, you may be entitled to damages. It really depends on the type of accident you get into. Generally speaking, even if you suffer minor injuries, you’ll still be entitled to damages. The more serious your injuries, the more money you receive.
Your accident attorney in Augusta, GA will still have to prove your damages. They’ll do this with the police report and your medical records. They basically have to show the jury that you were not at fault. They also need to show that you were actually injured. The fact that your accident took place outside of Georgia won’t change how much you’re entitled to. However, depending on that state’s rules about comparative fault, your settlement could be reduced.
Your Augusta car accident lawyer will demand the following when it comes to damages:
- Medical Bills: You can show proof of your emergency room visit and ambulance ride. You can also submit copies of any copays and prescriptions fees you had to pay.
- Lost Wages: Nobody wants to miss work. It means you won’t get paid. Your attorney can demand that you be compensated for any time missed from work.
- Property Damage: Your car will suffer some dents and scratches. It may even need major repairs. The defendant should be responsible for this.
- Pain and Suffering: Car accident victims can suffer very serious injuries. This means they’re in a lot of pain. There are certain types of damages to compensate you for this.
After an out of state accident, you’ll be shaken up. You may not know where to turn. This is why you should call an experienced lawyer who’s been there before and knows exactly what to do.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Augusta, Georgia
The holidays can be a frantic time. You may travel to visit your parents or siblings this time of year. You could end up the victim of a car crash no matter what state you’re in. This can be devastating. All you want to do is visit your family and enjoy the holidays. If you are injured in a car accident in another state, call and talk to an experienced lawyer in Augusta right away.
When you meet with your lawyer for the first time, they’ll listen to your story. If they don’t think you have a case, they’ll let you know. Or, if they think you need to hire an out of state attorney, they’ll refer you to someone they trust.
Call today and schedule a short, initial consultation. It’s absolutely free and you pay nothing until you win or settle your case.
