What to Do After an Accident with an Out-of-State Driver
Being involved in a motor vehicle crash can be traumatic, and in many cases, you’ll need to file a claim against the driver who struck you so you can recover compensation for your losses. However, pursuing a claim against the driver when they are from another state may give you pause.
In cases like these—and really any type of car accident case—you’ll want to have a qualified attorney to represent your best interests. This will help to ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the liable party, and that you are awarded compensation that adequately meets your needs.
Below, we go into further detail about building a case against an out-of-state driver, and how we will go about calculating the value of your claim.
Building Your Case
Many car crash survivors are under the impression that an accident with an out-of-state driver means they can’t be held accountable. Nothing could be further from the truth.
There are several factors that will come into play in these situations, which includes whether the driver stopped at the scene of the accident. If they did, chances are they will be responsible and handle their civil responsibilities appropriately.
However, if the out-of-state driver fled the scene of the accident, we can get help discovering their identity from the Rockford Police Department or the Illinois State Police, if applicable, in order to determine who should be named as liable in your case.
Your attorney will be able to provide you with more personalized answers to your questions for claims like these, but it is important to remember that as long as the accident occurred within the state of Illinois, you have the right to file a claim in Illinois courts to recover your losses.
How Much Is Your Claim Worth?
While we work to determine the identity of the out-of-state driver who struck you, we will also be working to calculate the value of your lawsuit. The impact of the accident and the extent of your injuries will determine what your claim is worth. Some of the most commonly sought damages in a car accident claim such as yours include the following:
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Inconvenience
- Emotional distress
- Lost earning capacity
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of household services
It’s possible you could even be awarded punitive damages if the judge finds that the actions of the out-of-state driver were abhorrent or intentional. These are not issued often, or lightly, but your attorney will be able to give you a better idea of what you can expect to be awarded as your case proceeds.
Get Help from a Car Accident Lawyer in Rockford
If you’ve been injured in a collision with a driver who is from another state and you are interested in holding them accountable for their negligent actions, meet with a qualified Rockford car accident lawyer at Mahoney & Mahoney, LLC.
We offer complimentary consultations to injury victims across Rockford and its surrounding cities. You can take advantage of this opportunity by submitting the online contact form we have provided at the bottom of this page or give our office a call at 815-656-4600.
