Steps to Take if You Get into an Accident Out of State

When you are on vacation in another state, the last thing you would want to happen is to get in an auto accident or suffer an injury. This can be stressful, because you may not know all of the specific traffic laws in that state — and that lack of knowledge can lead to trouble down the road if you do not have a lawyer to help you navigate the different laws. If you live in Salt Lake City, chances are you have taken a road trip to Las Vegas or to Yellowstone National Park – both of which are outside of the state of Utah.

There are few things that you should keep in mind if you have been involved in an auto accident outside of your state. Initially call the police so that they can file a police report, which will be helpful for your car insurance company. Document the scene and any damage that was done to your vehicle. If you can, get some names and numbers of people who saw the accident because they may be helpful witnesses for your lawyer later on.

Once you have contacted the police, you should call your insurance company to file a claim. The company will be able to direct you to local collision repair shops — and contact a local tow truck if needed. Traveling outside of Salt Lake City should be an enjoyable experience; your insurance company will make handling the repairs less complicated, and a lawyer will help you navigate another state’s traffic laws.

It is important if you have been in an auto accident to not admit fault — this can be important especially when you do not understand the traffic laws in another state. Only collect the evidence of the damages and let the police file the report for the accident. Your local lawyer in Salt Lake City can handle the case better because he or she will know the particular state’s laws, as state laws can vary regarding who is at fault for traffic accidents.

When traveling outside of Salt Lake City to another state, it is important to keep your eyes on the road. It can be difficult — especially when you are in an unfamiliar area — to pay proper attention to the road. Having your passengers assist you in navigating another state will help you avoid an auto accident. It is much easier to prevent an accident than risk handling one while you are traveling in another state. 

Lura Briggs is a legal writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry. Follow on Twitter.