If you are involved in a car accident in Connecticut but live in another state, do you know where to file your lawsuit? This can be a challenging situation.
It’s worth mentioning that if you are involved in a Connecticut car accident and are from another state, you have rights. At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we can help answer any questions you have and ensure that you take the right steps toward recovery.
Understanding Out-of-State Car Accidents
An out-of-state car accident is just what is described. If you are in an accident in Connecticut but you are from Texas, then you are in this situation. There are two important questions that need to be answered in these situations:
- Where should you file a personal injury lawsuit?
- Where can you file an insurance claim?
These are good questions and ones you need to know the answer to when involved in an out-of-state accident.
Where Can You File a Personal Injury Lawsuit for an Out-of-State Accident?
Usually, the person who is injured in a car accident can file a personal injury lawsuit in either the state where the defendant (at-fault party) resides or where the car accident occurred.
What if There’s a Business Involved in the Accident?
If you suffer an injury from a truck driver or another employee of a business, it’s possible to sue the business in the state where the incident occurred or in the state where the business resides.
What you have to figure out is where a business “resides.” Businesses reside (by law) in the state where they are incorporated or where they have their main office.
It’s also possible to sue a business (in some situations) in a state where it has an adequate number of “minimum contacts.” For example, if a business does a lot of work in one state, then it may be possible to sue them in that state.
What State Laws Apply to Your Situation?
Figuring out the location where you can sue someone isn’t the complete challenge. You also need to know what state laws apply to the situation. However, they do.
If your accident occurs in Connecticut, it’s necessary to follow the laws related to accidents in the state. This is the case even if they are different than the state you live in.
What Happens if There Are Several Defendants Involved?
While it may not seem like the case, if there are a few people involved, it may make the situation a bit easier. In these situations, it is possible for you to sue each or all defendants in the state where the accident took place or any state where at least one of the at-fault parties resides.
What Do You Need to Know About Auto Insurance Claims?
When talking about auto insurance, the most important thing that you should understand is that your car insurance will cover you no matter where you go in the U.S. If you live in Georgia but have an accident in Connecticut, you will be covered.
The good news is since your insurance policy will extend beyond state lines, it is easy to file an insurance claim (against yours or another person’s auto insurance) even if it doesn’t happen in your home state.
What to Do After an Out-of-State Accident?
While it can be frustrating to be in an accident when you aren’t near home, you still need to try to stay calm. It’s up to you to collect evidence related to the case and ensure that you know your rights.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we are here to help. We can review the facts of your situation and help determine liability. Our goal is to help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for the losses and injuries you experienced in an accident.
We represent Connecticut residents and visitors from other states. You can count on our legal team to put all our resources and expertise into your case to make it as smooth and hassle-free for you as possible.
Our goal is to help you get the compensation you deserve, even when you are from another state. Get in touch with us today to discuss your options and schedule a free consultation.
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