What to Do if You Were Injured in an Out-of-State Semi-truck Accident

You can file a claim and seek compensation after being injured in a semi-truck accident, regardless of where in the U.S. the accident occurred. Car insurance sold in the United States covers the policyholder as they drive in any U.S. state.

It can be incredibly stressful to deal with insurers and police after a commercial truck accident while struggling to recover from injuries. Your stress is sure to be compounded if you are hospitalized with truck accident injuries far from home.

A truck accident lawyer with Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC in St. Louis, MO, can help you pursue compensation after an accident in any U.S. state regardless of your state of residency or the truck driver’s residency. We have more than 20 years of experience handling truck accident claims.

Let us evaluate the details of the accident that injured you and discuss the steps you can take. You can focus on your medical recovery while we deal with the insurance companies and the claims process on your behalf. We have a dedicated team of lawyers and investigators who respond to truck accident claims. We will demand justice for you from those responsible for your injuries.

For a free assessment of your case, contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC of St. Louis by calling (314) 367-2661 today or contacting us online.

What Is an Out-Of-State Truck Accident?

An out-of-state truck accident occurs when one driver involved in the crash is not a resident of the state where the accident happened. In accidents involving interstate trucking companies, out-of-state accidents are common.

The fact that you were in an out-of-state truck accident should not affect your claim. Most auto insurance policies cover policyholders when they travel in any of the 50 states or in U.S. territories. Some policies even cover Canadian provinces.

If you change your permanent residence while your auto insurance is active, it is important to tell your insurance company so they will update your policy.

If an insurance adjuster hesitates to pay your truck accident claim because the accident was in one state and you or the trucking company are from another state, you should contact a truck accident attorney right away.

5 Steps to Take After an Out-of-State Truck Accident

If you are involved in a collision with a commercial truck, you should phone 911 to summon the police. If you or anyone else in your vehicle has been hurt, request an ambulance. If you have been injured, you should cooperate with emergency responders and accept medical care at the scene or go to the hospital.

After a truck accident, you should:

1. Call the police to report the truck accident and ask for help. The police accident report will document who was involved in the crash and may identify who was at fault. Request an ambulance who each person who is injured person. If you are in an active lane of traffic, move yourself and your passengers to a safe location when it is safe to do so.
2. Gather evidence from the accident scene. If you are able, photograph the accident scene, including all vehicles together and separately. Photograph identifying information on the truck, such as company name and location and the number on the side of the truck that is preceded by the letters USDOT. Find out from the police how to get a copy of the accident report. Get preliminary information that police have gathered from the trucker – identification, commercial driver’s license number, and employer.
3. Document your injury and recovery. Begin a file for everything that shows how the accident has affected your life. Save medical bills, wage slips showing lost income, and other related paperwork. Keep a diary to detail your pain, the hindrance caused by your injuries, and activities you miss because of your injuries.
4. Follow doctor’s orders. Attend all doctor appointments and follow all instructions for treating your injuries. Failing to do so could give the insurance company a reason to argue that you have not been badly injured.
5. Call your insurer and report the accident. Provide the basic facts to get the accident on the record, and the claim process started. Don’t exaggerate or downplay your injuries. Don’t accept blame for the accident or blame anyone else. Do not record or sign a statement unless you have spoken to an attorney who advises you to do so.
6. Contact a truck accident lawyer. You should have an attorney manage all communication with insurance firms about your accident and injuries. Having an experienced truck accident lawyer handle your case maximizes the potential value of your truck accident claim.

Why Contact Our Experienced St. Louis Truck Accident Attorneys?

Commercial truck accidents are more complicated to resolve than automobile accidents. Trucking companies often have legal teams established to fight accident claims. If the insurance company refuses to provide a proper settlement and your case requires a lawsuit, you will need the help of a skilled semi-truck accident lawyer to pursue the claim.

Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys have the experience, resources, and determination necessary to pursue an out-of-state truck accident claim. We are serious about truck accident claim representation. Attorney David Craig has written a guide for truck accident victims and their families and hosts a podcast explaining the intricacies of truck accident investigations. Our crash response team includes dedicated truck accident investigators, mechanics, and accident reconstruction specialists, in addition to lawyers. Our attorneys are aggressive negotiators and experienced litigators who prepare every case as if it is going to trial. We want to make things right for you.

If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident that was not your fault, the attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC will work to recover the full compensation available by law. We offer a free initial consultation. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis. We won’t charge a fee unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today at (314) 367-2661 or online.