Getting into a car accident is unfortunate, regardless of where and when. However, the problem may be compounded when it occurs outside your home state. What do you do in the event of an out-of-state car accident?
What to Do After the Collision
The steps to take immediately after an auto collision are more or less the same. This means:
- Contact local police to file a report
- Acquire the other driver’s insurance information and record the vehicle’s license plate number
- Take multiple photos and/or video of the scene and damage
- Acquire names and statements of witnesses
Pre-Trip Preparation
It helps to prepare if you’re driving outside of Washington. Contact your insurance provider to make sure your policy covers out-of-state collisions. Most coverage plans apply across all 48 contiguous states.
It also helps to understand the laws of the state you’re traveling to or through. If you’re going to neighboring Oregon, for example, is it a no-fault state regarding road accidents? Do you know if Washington is a no-fault state? Neither of the states, by the way, are no-fault states.
Attorney Assistance
If you’re filing a claim, you may require attorney representation. You will need to hire a lawyer from the state where the accident occurred.
On a side note, if you’re considering a lawyer, do not give any official statements except to the police. An insurance adjuster may show up and request a statement; again, no official statements to any entity other than law enforcement.
We Handle Out-of-State Car Accident Repairs
Even if you were in a collision out of state, you can still bring the car back to Washington for repairs. This includes dent repair and auto paint restoration stemming from the accident. Bring your car to Doug’s Auto Collision Center; we restore automobiles even if they were involved in an out-of-state car accident.
Vehicle Collision Repair and Dent Restoration
Serving Customers in Bellevue, Renton, Highlands, Factoria, Issaquah and Mercer Island