Out-of-State Drivers and Accident Recovery

Car accidents are stressful enough, but when the at-fault driver is from another state, things can quickly become even more complicated. If you’ve been in a collision in Tennessee and the other driver lives elsewhere, you may wonder how this impacts your ability to recover damages and whether you can still hold them accountable. Talk to a Nashville personal injury lawyer about how to get your claim resolved.

Can You Still Pursue Compensation?

Yes, you can still seek financial relief if you are involved in an accident with an out-of-state driver. Yet the process may be more challenging. Tennessee law applies to accidents that occur within its borders, even if the other party is a visitor. But when an out-of-state driver leaves Tennessee, it may require additional steps to locate them and bring them into the legal process.

In some cases, your own insurance may step in temporarily to cover your damages if the other party is unresponsive. That said, if you need to pursue compensation directly from the out-of-state driver or their insurance, you may need legal assistance to ensure proper service of legal documents and adherence to both Tennessee law and the other driver’s home state insurance requirements.

Also, it is not uncommon for out-of-state drivers to return home soon after an accident, especially if the incident occurs during travel or vacation. Leaving the state does not excuse them from responsibility, but it can make locating them and securing their participation more difficult.

Injury professionals can take steps to track down the out-of-state driver. This may include:

• Investigating vehicle registration records.
• Working with insurance companies to obtain contact information.
• Coordinating with law enforcement for police reports that may include the driver’s home address.
• Utilizing private investigators, if necessary.

Additionally, when you hire an attorney, they can handle communication with the driver’s insurance company, even if it’s located in another state.

What About Witnesses Who Were Just Passing Through?

Sometimes, witnesses to a crash are also from out of state. If they were just passing through, they may leave the area quickly, and you may worry that their testimony will be lost. This is another situation where working with an injury attorney makes a difference.

The sooner you involve an attorney, the more likely it is that witnesses can be contacted and preserved as valuable parts of your claim. An experienced lawyer will act quickly to secure witness statements while details are fresh and obtain their current contact information for follow-up. Plus, they can issue subpoenas if necessary to ensure their testimony is available during negotiations or trial.

Moving through an accident claim with an out-of-state driver involves legal nuances that can be overwhelming on your own. A Nashville personal injury lawyer can handle the complex issues of tracking down drivers, preserving evidence, and negotiating with insurance providers from other jurisdictions.

Do you want help tracking down an out-of-state driver? Connect with the lawyers at Calhoun Law, PLC. Attorneys will fight for your recovery while you focus on getting your daily life back on track. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.