What Happens if an Out-of-State Driver Hits You?
Millions of people visit Arizona each year, either for business or pleasure. Many of them rent a car or drive their vehicle, so it’s never a surprise when we receive phone calls from people who were struck by an out-of-state motorist. At Karnas Law Firm, PLLC, we seek financial compensation for accident victims.
We can negotiate a settlement for anyone injured in a wreck, but you should call us as soon as possible. Below, we highlight how these cases might differ from the usual car accident case.
Different Insurance
Arizona requires any motorist to carry minimum insurance coverage to register a vehicle. However, a driver who lives in a different state and registers a vehicle there might have different policy limits.
In Arizona, minimum coverage is 25/50/15:
- $25,000 for bodily injuries or death to one person
- $50,000 for bodily injuries or death to two or more people
- $15,000 for property damage, including car repairs
Other stats might not require that drivers carry as much insurance. New Mexico, for example, only requires that a driver have $10,000 in property damage. If the at-fault driver doesn’t carry enough insurance, we might need to negotiate with your underinsured motorist insurer, which you should have in Arizona. Hire a lawyer experienced in those types of claims.
Possible Rental Car Insurance
The driver liable for the accident could have rented a car while visiting. That means we might ultimately end up having to negotiate with the rental company. Drivers should still be covered by their liability policy for their car at home, even when they rent.
But some buy insurance at the rental counter. Other drivers don’t have any insurance on their cars at home, which means the rental car company will have to use their insurance to pay a settlement. We have experience with rental car cases and know that rental companies strongly resist paying anything.
Call Karnas Law Firm today.
Lawsuits
Few cases end up going to trial. But when settlement talks hit the wall, then you might need to file a lawsuit since that is the only way to receive compensation. Generally, the case will be held in the state where the accident happened.
That’s good news for our clients who reside in Arizona and are injured here. However, the defendant might try to get a case removed from their home state. They might claim it’s more convenient to litigate at home because most of the evidence is there.
That might be true if you are involved in a truck accident, where the truck is owned by an out-of-state transportation company. Usually, however, the trial should be held in Arizona. There is also a choice of law issues when a case involves parties from different states.
For example, your case might be tried in Colorado, but Arizona law applies. We know all of these issues and can properly litigate your claim.
Call Us for Help after a Crash with an Out of State Driver
Karnas Law Firm has won millions for people like you, and we can meet for a free consultation.