Are you struggling to figure out how to handle a car accident involving an out-of-state driver in New Mexico? Snowbirds, tourists, and other out-of-state visitors still owe you a duty of care on the road. The process of holding them civilly accountable for a car accident looks identical to the process of holding locals responsible for your losses.
In other words, you can work with one of our car accident lawyers from Dominguez Law to file a personal injury claim against the out-of-state driver responsible for your recent accident, regardless of the fact that they are not local. We can advocate for your right to damages in or out of civil court.
Car Insurance Follows Drivers Throughout the Country
Auto insurance policies are not locked to the state where they were purchased. Most policies follow their drivers, with policy limits adjusting depending on what state a driver is in.
With that being said, there is a distinction to be made between tourists traveling through New Mexico and snowbirds. Snowbirds have an obligation to contact their insurance providers to make sure their limits comply with the state’s when they intend to spend several months in the area.
New Mexico may require snowbirds and other long-term residents to purchase additional coverage while in the state. Some snowbirds may even have an obligation to register their vehicle with New Mexico’s Department of Motor Vehicles. However, so long as a driver has coverage, they can fall back on that support after getting into an accident, regardless of where they keep their permanent residence.
What Steps to Take After an Accident With an Out-of-State Driver
We recommend you get in touch with police officers and emergency services before you begin thinking about insurance policies. You should never neglect your health in favor of sorting out insurance information. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you break down the nature of your losses after you are back in good health.
If it is safe for you to remain at an accident scene or even drive away, consider taking pictures of the scene before you leave. Pictures of damage, video statements from witnesses, and a liable driver’s contact information can all help you recover in the long run.
When to Take Civil Action Against a Negligent Driver
You are not legally obligated to sue an out-of-state driver for the damages you need to recover from an accident. However, if an out-of-state driver does not have enough insurance coverage to pay for your recovery, you might consider filing a personal injury claim against them.
Personal injury claims allow you to recover accident damages based on economic and non-economic losses sustained in accidents with negligent drivers. You can book a free car accident case assessment with our team to determine what losses you can include in your claim, how long your statute of limitations gives you to file, and what evidence you need to make your claim.
Do Not Let Out-of-State Drivers Take Advantage: Contact Our Compassionate and Aggressive Lawyers Today
Out-of-state drivers do not waive their duty of care the moment they cross state lines. Drivers everywhere have an obligation to keep the people on the road alongside them as safe as possible. If their negligence puts you in harm’s way, you retain the right to sue them for damages based on your car accident losses.
Our team can guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim against the bad actor responsible for your recent car accident. You can call us at (505) 850-5854 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation. We also speak Spanish.
