You can still file an insurance claim or lawsuit against an out-of-state driver if they hit you here in Pennsylvania. But such cases can get complicated easily. Different insurance laws, out-of-state policies, and even jurisdictional issues can make it harder for you to get the compensation you deserve. That’s why it’s in your best interest to talk to a local attorney after a crash with an out-of-state driver.
At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, our car accident lawyers in Lewisburg can help investigate the cause, identify who’s at fault, and make sure you get the compensation you’re owed.
Challenges of Handling a Crash with an Out-of-State Driver
Pennsylvania uses a different auto insurance system than many other states, and that difference can seriously affect your case when an out-of-state driver hits you. For instance, the state has the option of adopting no-fault insurance rules. This means you must pick between full tort and limited tort insurance when you buy auto insurance here. Your choice will ultimately impact your rights after a crash.
Your ability to sue for pain and suffering is restricted unless your injuries meet certain thresholds, like having a “serious” injury, if you have limited tort. Out-of-state drivers typically don’t have this restriction, and some insurers will argue that your limited tort status still applies, even if the at-fault driver is from another state. That’s something a Lewisburg car accident attorney can dispute, especially if your injuries justify a full claim.
How Insurance Coverage and Jurisdiction Complicate These Cases
Likewise, every state has its own rules. Some require more insurance coverage than Pennsylvania, while others need far less. For instance, an out-of-state driver may carry only $15,000 in liability coverage, which can fall far short of your actual medical bills and other damages. If this is the case, you may have to turn to your underinsured motorist coverage to make up the difference, and even that can turn into a battle with your insurer.
The situation becomes even more complicated when insurance adjusters from out-of-state insurers attempt to apply their state’s laws instead of Pennsylvania’s. They will question whether Pennsylvania even has jurisdiction. But if the accident happened here, your case is almost always governed by Pennsylvania law.
Why You Need a Lewisburg Car Accident Lawyer
When an out-of-state driver hits you, you don’t just file a claim and wait. You’ll be dealing with another state’s insurance laws, unfamiliar adjusters, and possibly even legal challenges. If your case proceeds to litigation, the out-of-state driver’s legal team or their insurance provider will try to leverage their unfamiliarity with Pennsylvania’s specific court rules and procedures, potentially to their advantage or to delay proceedings. Our professional lawyers can:
- Interpret both PA and out-of-state insurance policy language
- Handle negotiations with all insurance providers
- Fight for full compensation under PA law
- Coordinate communication between insurers and drivers from different states
- File a lawsuit in PA courts if needed
Let Our Lewisburg Car Accident Lawyers Handle Your Claim
It’s frustrating enough trying to navigate your insurance claim. Add in the issue of an out-of-state and a new set of legal rules, and, understandably, you feel overwhelmed. At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, we help people across Pennsylvania navigate auto injury claims, no matter where the other driver is from. From dealing with insurance to filing a lawsuit if necessary, we’ve got your back. Contact us online or call 717-229-6580 to schedule your no-cost consultation with our Lewisburg car accident attorneys.