When the driver who hit you has plates from Nevada, Arizona, or anywhere else outside California, the path to compensation suddenly feels less clear. Questions multiply: Which state’s laws apply? Where do you file a claim? What if the other driver simply goes home and ignores your calls? Understanding your rights in these situations can help you take the right steps and avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardize your claim. Make sure to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Bakersfield.
Which State’s Laws Will Govern Your Car Accident Claim?
California law applies to accidents that happen on California roads, regardless of where the other driver lives. The state where the collision occurred determines which traffic laws and legal standards govern your case. The driver who hit you can be ticketed and held financially responsible under the same laws that apply to California residents.
The same principle extends to accident reporting requirements. If your collision resulted in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, both drivers must report the accident to the California Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. The out-of-state driver can’t skip this step simply because they are heading back to Texas or Oregon.
Filing a Claim Against an Out-of-State Driver’s Insurance
Every driver traveling on California roads must carry minimum insurance coverage that meets California’s requirements. The state mandates at least:
- $15,000 in coverage for injury or death per person
- $30,000 for injury or death involving multiple people in a single accident
- $5,000 for property damage per accident
When you file a claim, you will typically work with the at-fault driver’s insurance company in their home state. The process functions similarly to filing against a local driver’s insurer, but communication may require more effort.
Distance doesn’t protect a negligent driver from accountability. If the at-fault party returns home, you can still pursue your claim. California law allows courts to maintain jurisdiction over out-of-state defendants who caused harm within the state’s borders.
Why Hiring a California Attorney Simplifies the Process
Dealing with an out-of-state driver’s insurance company adds layers of complexity to an already stressful situation. The insurer operates in another state, follows different internal procedures, and may be less responsive when the claimant lives hundreds of miles away. Without local representation, you might find yourself chasing adjusters across time zones while your bills pile up.
A Bakersfield injury attorney understands the local laws that apply to your case and knows how to navigate the procedural hurdles that arise when defendants live elsewhere. They can handle communications with distant insurers, manage cross-state legal filings, and verify that all deadlines are met. Perhaps most importantly, an attorney sends a clear message to the other driver’s insurance company: this claim won’t be ignored simply because the process is inconvenient.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a California Car Accident Attorney
You should not have to absorb the cost of someone else’s negligence just because they happened to be passing through California. If you are involved in a car accident with an out-of-state driver, call 911 to report the collision and seek medical care as soon as possible. Then, schedule a free consultation with an attorney to discuss how to move forward with your claim and hold the responsible party accountable.