Stay Safe & Know What To Do If You Are in an Accident in Another State or with an Out-of-State Driver
If you are traveling this Thanksgiving, you can expect a lot of company on the road. According to AAA’s latest report, more than 55 million people have made plans to travel 50 miles or more away from home this holiday weekend - most of whom will be driving to and from their destination. [1]
A dangerous combination of traffic, stress, distracted drivers and developing weather storms that are expected to bring heavy rain and snow throughout the week, puts everyone on the road at risk. We at Sheeley Law want you to get to your destination safely. Nothing can put a damper on your plans like getting in an accident, particularly if the crash happens while you are driving in another state.
Safety Tips to Prevent an Accident
1) Prepare For Your Trip - Wherever you are headed for the holiday, it’s important to make sure your vehicle has been fully vetted. We recommend you check your car’s fluids, tires, battery, and brakes. Also, make sure your windshield is clean and your wipers are functioning properly, and that you have plenty of washer fluid.
2) Communicate Your Plans - Map out your destination and check the weather and road traffic conditions before you go. Also, make sure to let a friend or family member know your destination and expected time of arrival.
3) Avoid Distracted Driving - Don’t text or talk on the phone while driving. Keep your radio at a reasonable level and, if you are traveling with others, have them work your car's navigation system.
4) Use Caution When Driving at Night – as you know, visibility diminishes significantly after dusk, so it best to try and do the bulk of your driving during daylight hours. Also, do not drive when you are tired and fatigued…you cannot rely on coffee to get you through your trip safely.
5) Never Drink & Drive – driving impaired not only puts yourself at risk but it puts everyone else in danger around you. Law enforcement will be out in full force this Thanksgiving monitoring all roadways closely.
If You’ve Been in an Accident Out-of-State or with an Out-of-State Driver:
Sheeley Law routinely represents people who have been injured in out-of-state car and truck accidents, as well as those who have been injured by out-of-state drivers. Knowing what steps to take immediately following an accident is important to ensure you receive the care and compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages and any other losses you may incur.
The first thing you need to know is that no matter how far away from home you are, you are most likely covered by your auto insurance policy. While the majority of car insurance policies cover all areas within the U.S., we still recommend that you double check your policy’s territory limits as an added precaution.
If you’ve been injured in an accident due to another driver’s negligence while traveling across state lines, you should proceed the same way you would as if you were in your home state. That means remaining calm, assessing yourself and passengers for any injuries, and contacting the police immediately. For more tips on what to do after an accident, read our blog: Eight Critical Steps You Need to Take If You’ve Been in a Car Accident
The most important thing you should do after an accident – in addition to getting medical treatment if needed – is contact an experienced personal injury attorney in your home state, even if the accident occurred in another state.
Sheeley Law has successfully represented injured clients throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts, as well as accidents that have occurred in New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Florida, to name just a few states. Attorney Ann Sheeley will guide you through the process, protect your rights and ensure you get maximum compensation.
For more information or a free consultation, contact Rhode Island Personal Injury Attorney Ann Sheeley at 401-619-5555 or email asheeley@sheeleylaw.com.
No matter your destination, Sheeley Law hopes you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
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