Spring Break Road Trips: What to Do If You’re Injured in an Out-of-State Car Accident
Spring break is the perfect time for a road trip—whether you’re heading to the beach, visiting family, or exploring new places. But what happens if you’re in a car accident in another state? Being far from home can make an already stressful situation even more overwhelming.
At Zaber Law, we know how confusing it can be to navigate an out-of-state accident, especially when dealing with unfamiliar laws, medical treatment, and insurance companies. Here’s what you need to do if you’re injured in a crash while traveling.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your health and safety come first. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately and request medical help. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor—some symptoms, like whiplash or concussions, can take hours or days to appear.
Step 2: Report the Accident to the Police
Always call local law enforcement to report the accident. A police report will document the details of the crash, which can be critical when filing an insurance claim or seeking legal action.
Ask the officer:
✔️ How to get a copy of the police report
✔️ If there are any special reporting laws in that state
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
If it’s safe to do so, collect as much information as possible, including:
📸 Photos & Videos – Take pictures of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs.
📝 Driver & Witness Info – Get all parties’ names, phone numbers, and insurance details.
🚗 License Plates & Vehicle Info – Note all vehicles’ make, model, and plate numbers in the crash.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your auto insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident. Be cautious when speaking with them—stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault.
If another driver’s insurance company contacts you, do not give a recorded statement or accept any settlement offers without consulting a lawyer first.
Step 5: Seek Medical Treatment
If you weren’t treated at the scene, visit a local urgent care or hospital to get checked out. Document all medical visits, prescriptions, and recommendations from doctors. Your health comes first, and having medical records will support your injury claim.
Step 6: Understand State Laws That May Affect Your Case
Every state has different rules when it comes to:
- Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance – Some states require your own insurance to cover damages (no-fault states), while others place responsibility on the at-fault driver (fault states).
- Statute of Limitations – This is the deadline for filing a claim; it varies by state.
- Comparative Negligence Laws – Some states reduce compensation based on your percentage of fault in the accident.
These differences can complicate your case, which is why working with an experienced personal injury attorney is essential.
Step 7: Contact a Lawyer for Legal Guidance
If you’ve been injured in an out-of-state accident, it’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer who understands multi-state claims. At Zaber Law, we can:
✔️ Review your case and explain your legal options
✔️ Handle insurance negotiations so you don’t settle for less than you deserve
✔️ Help you recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Hurt in an Out-of-State Accident? Call Zaber Law Today
Being injured in a crash far from home can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. At Zaber Law, we fight to get accident victims the compensation they deserve—no matter where the accident happened.
📞 Call us today at 216-367-5665 to schedule a FREE consultation.
Your road to recovery starts with the right legal team—let us fight for you!
