Advocating for Victims of Long Beach Accidents Caused By Out-of-State Drivers
Long Beach is the sixth largest city in California and a renowned shipping port. With an urban yet small town feel and a diverse culture, the city is famous for its waterfront attractions, shopping and dining scene, and exciting nightlife. Many visitors are drawn to the area for these and other reasons, which means more out-of-state drivers on the roads, and an increased risk of a traffic crash.
Car accident cases can be more complicated when a driver involved in the crash is from out of state. If you have been injured in a wreck caused by an out-of-state driver, speak with an experienced Long Beach car accident lawyer as soon as you are able.
Why Are Out-of-State Driver Accidents So Common?
An abundance of out-of-drivers in the area is one reason why these accidents are common. Drivers from other states may be unfamiliar with California roads and traffic laws. They may be distracted by their GPS systems and the new sights around them. Out-of-state drivers may be fatigued from traveling and more likely to make performance errors than local drivers.
How Does Insurance Work When the Driver Who Hit You Is From Out of State?
Like all drivers in California, out-of-state drivers are required to follow the rules of the road, stop at the scene of an accident, and report any crash that causes more than $1,000 in damage to the DMV within 10 days. It is possible to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your injuries if you were hit by an out-of-state driver, although there are some important legal considerations, such as where to file a lawsuit, which state’s laws apply, and how insurance works.
California courts can exercise jurisdiction over out-of-state drivers provided those drivers have minimum contact with California. Anyone driving within the state is required to have auto insurance that complies with state law, which is minimum liability coverage of:
- $15,000 bodily injury or death for one person;
- $30,000 bodily injury or death for more than one person; and
- $5,000 for property damage.
If the out-of-state driver’s insurance coverage is not valid in California, you may be able to recover compensation from your own insurance company under your uninsured motorist coverage, or pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s assets.
What About Accidents Involving Out-of-State Truckers?
In 2020, 4,965 people were killed and approximately 146,930 were injured in crashes involving large commercial trucks, as stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Some of the top corridors for interstate truck traffic in the state run through the greater Los Angeles metro area. If you have been injured in a collision with a large commercial truck, it is likely that the driver is from out of state.
There may be multiple potentially liable parties for truck accident injuries, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and vehicle or parts manufacturers. Truck accidents are complex cases involving federal and state regulations. If you have been hit by an out-of-state trucker, your best chance of recovering full compensation is to have an experienced Long Beach truck accident attorney handling your claim.
The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV has successfully represented injured clients in a wide range of car accident cases. If an out-of-state driver is at fault for your accident and injuries, we will pursue your claim tirelessly until we recover the compensation you are entitled to receive for your medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses. Call us to schedule a free consultation at (562) 901-0840 or toll-free at (888) 454-5569.