What To Do When Involved In A Truck Accident Out Of State
October 24, 2024 | Sagi Shaked | Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are a common hazard on American roads. Sometimes, the drivers are far from home.
Florida sees more than its fair share of these incidents. While only 7% of fatal truck accidents happened in the Sunshine State in 2022, it ranked third in truck accident fatalities. Statistics like these show the seriousness of out-of-state truck collisions.
Why Out-of-State Accidents Happen
Long-haul trucking is a vital part of interstate commerce. However, it comes with risks, including:
- Driver fatigue from long hours on the road
- Unfamiliarity with local roads and traffic patterns
- Distracted driving due to GPS use or communication with dispatch
These factors can lead to accidents far away from a driver’s home base.
What To Do If You’re In A Truck Accident Out Of State
It’s important to know what to do if you get in a truck accident outside your home state. Here are the steps you should take:
Seek Medical Attention
Visit a hospital as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Some injuries take time to appear. Your medical record will also serve as proof of your injuries, which will be important if you decide to file an insurance claim or take legal action.
Document Everything
Gather evidence of the accident by taking photos and videos. Make it a point to record:
- The accident scene (from multiple angles)
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Your injuries
- Adverse road or weather conditions
Collecting evidence will help you explain how the accident occurred. It can be significant if the crash happened at a location without cameras and can help you prove liability in an injury case.
Exchange Contact Information
Get the other driver’s details, including their name, contact information, and insurance info. If they were the one driving the truck, make sure to note the name of the trucking company, the make and model of the vehicles, and their license number.
Avoid personally dealing with the other driver and their insurance provider. Errant comments could be taken as an admission of fault.
Call The Police
You should always call the police after a truck accident, even if there are no injuries and the damage seems minor. The official accident report will create an objective record of what happened and serve as the most important evidence in your case.
Officers at the scene will document the conditions and gather witness statements. They may also issue citations if laws were broken.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Be polite, but don’t apologize or express guilt to anyone. Anything you say could be used against you later. Only provide the necessary information to keep your case moving.
Contact Your Insurer
Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible. Ask about your carrier for out-of-state accidents, and find out what steps you need to take to file a claim.
Hire A Lawyer
Truck accidents often involve complex liability issues. Multiple parties (the driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, etc.) could be responsible. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal aftermath of your accident.
It’s also important to understand that accidents involving commercial vehicles have different claims processes. Look for a lawyer who’s familiar with the laws in the state where the accident took place. Many attorneys offer free consultations to review your case.
Know The Deadline For Filing A Legal Claim
In the U.S., the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury case varies from one to six years. For example, if your truck accident happened in Miami, the limit is two years; in North Dakota, it’s six years. You must be aware of the applicable statute of limitations to ensure that you file your claim on time.
Handling Out-Of-State Truck Accidents
Out-of-state truck accidents are complicated, but you can protect your interests by staying calm and taking the right steps. Document everything, seek medical care, and get reliable legal help. With the right approach, you can manage the procedural challenges and focus on your recovery.
Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami car accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191