Euless Out of State Drivers Truck Accident Lawyer
Nothing can ruin your day like a car accident. Even a minor fender-bender can be a big headache for most Texas drivers. But when the other person involved in the crash is a driver from another state, the situation can quickly become very complicated.
Like any car crash, an accident involving an out of state driver can be mild, moderate, or severe depending on the circumstances. Accidents can cause severe injuries or even deaths. In milder cases, you might be fine but your car is damaged beyond repair. This can be a big problem in its own way, preventing you from traveling to work or school and affecting your ability to care for your family.
Regardless of the circumstances of the accident, you’ll need to seek liability from the other driver. What if their out of state insurance doesn’t cover the collision? Or, worse, what if you can’t locate them after they return to their home state?
The good news is that you’re not alone. Our Euless, TX accident attorneys can help. We have experience helping people just like you with out of state driver accident cases. Our lawyers can fight for your rights and ensure you receive proper compensation. Call (469) 998-4069 to schedule your free consultation. Don’t worry — if we don’t win your case, we won’t charge for our services.
Causes of Out of State Driver Accidents
Many factors contribute to out of state driver accidents, including:
- Reckless driving
- Driver negligence
- Impaired driving
- Drowsy driving
- Poor visibility due to weather
In addition to these factors, out of state drivers face unique challenges that can make them more prone to causing an accident. First, they might not be familiar with local driving laws in Texas. For example, in some Texas cities like Euless, U-turns are illegal. An out of state driver who doesn’t know this law might break it accidentally, thus causing an accident.
Second, out of state drivers aren’t familiar with the streets in Euless and surrounding communities. Local drivers know which streets flood during rainstorms, which streets have “blind” corners or hidden driveways, and which streets have the worst potholes. A driver from another state wouldn’t know this. As a result, they may cause an accident because they don’t avoid these pitfalls.
Similarly, out of state drivers are more likely to be distracted looking at directions on their phone, a GPS device, or a paper map. If they’re struggling to find a specific address or street, they might not be paying enough attention to the cars and trucks around them. They could cause an accident because they don’t react in time to avoid a hazard. Distracted drivers are also more likely to tailgate or cause an accident by changing lanes improperly.
Finally, an out of state driver might be passing through Texas on a road trip. If they’ve been driving too long without a break, they might become fatigued. Drowsy driving lowers a driver’s reaction time, impairs vision, and inhibits their ability to control their car safely. Drowsy driving contributes to hundreds of accidents each year. This negligent behavior caused an estimated 795 deaths in 2017 alone.
Out of State Driver Insurance Concerns
In Texas, all out of state drivers are subject to the local law. This means Euless drivers are more likely to be cleared of liability if the accident occurs because the out of state driver wasn’t familiar with the local rules. Ignorance is no excuse.
However, getting involved in an accident with an out of state driver often raises insurance concerns. All Texas drivers are required to carry a minimum auto insurance liability policy known as a 30/60/25 coverage policy. This means their insurance policy must cover:
- At least $30,000 in damages for injuries per person
- At least $60,000 in total damages for each accident
- At least $25,000 in property damage
However, different states have different insurance requirements for drivers. Some states, like Virginia and New Hampshire, do not have any legal auto insurance minimums. If you’re hit by an out of state driver who doesn’t have enough insurance, the situation can become complicated. Even if the other driver is at fault, you could be stuck with exorbitant medical bills and other costs if their policy can’t cover the damages.
This is one of the many reasons why it’s important to seek legal help after a car accident involving an out of state driver. With the right lawyer on your side, you can pursue compensation to cover your damages and help you get back on your feet. A settlement against an out of state driver can pay hospital bills, repair or replace your damaged car, and cover wages you may lose while you recover.
What to Do After an Out of State Driver Accident
If you’re involved in a car crash with an out of state driver, don’t panic. First, move your vehicle to the side of the road or pull into a parking lot so you’re not blocking traffic. If anyone in your car is injured, call 911 to request medical assistance.
Then, get the other driver’s information. If it’s safe to do so, take photos and videos of the crash site. Be sure to include a photo of the out of state driver’s license plate. Highlight any damage to both cars, as well as environmental damage like skid marks or broken guardrails. This can help determine liability later on.
Next, write down or create a voice memo where you describe the accident. Do this while the collision is still fresh in your mind. Include the time of day, weather conditions, and approximate speed of both vehicles. Describe how the accident happened. This account is often important to insurance adjusters and accident lawyers.
Finally, once you’re in a safe physical location, contact our Euless, TX law office for a consultation with an out of state driver accident lawyer. Use our online contact form or dial (469) 998-4069. We are standing by to assist you.
