Vacations, work trips, family visits—there are countless reasons Louisiana residents hit the road and cross state lines. But no matter how carefully you drive, car accidents can happen anywhere, and getting into one while out of state adds a layer of stress and confusion.
If you’re from Covington, New Orleans, or anywhere on the Northshore, and you’ve been in a car accident in another state, you may be wondering:
- What state’s laws apply?
- Can I still file a personal injury claim back home?
- What do I do first?
At Banck Law, we’ve helped countless Louisiana residents navigate the legal aftermath of out-of-state car accidents—and we’re here to make sure you know your rights, what to do next, and how to protect your injury claim.
First Things First: What to Do Immediately After an Out-of-State Accident
Regardless of where your accident occurs, the initial steps are always critical to your health, safety, and legal case.
1. Call 911 and Get Medical Help
Always prioritize your safety and health. Call 911, report the accident, and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. Even if injuries seem minor, symptoms can appear later—and medical documentation will support your personal injury claim.
2. Get a Police Report
Having a police report from the responding officer is essential. It includes key details like who was involved, statements from drivers and witnesses, and often the officer’s initial judgment of fault. This document is often a cornerstone of your claim.
3. Exchange Information
Get the name, phone number, address, license plate, driver’s license, and insurance information of all parties involved. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact info too.
4. Take Photos and Videos
Document the scene. Capture images of your vehicle, the other car(s), any visible injuries, road conditions, signs, or damage to public property. This evidence will help strengthen your case.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance provider as soon as possible to start the claims process. Provide them with accurate details and a copy of the police report once it’s available.
Understanding Out-of-State Car Accident Laws
Here’s where things get a bit more complicated: Every state has different traffic laws, insurance rules, and deadlines.
Jurisdiction and Filing Your Claim
Generally, your personal injury claim must be filed in the state where the accident occurred—not your home state. So if you’re from Louisiana and the crash happened in Texas, Georgia, or Florida, you’ll likely need to file your claim there.
An experienced personal injury lawyer (like us at Banck Law) can help connect you with trusted attorneys licensed in that state while continuing to guide your case from here at home.
Fault Laws May Differ
Louisiana is a fault-based state that follows pure comparative fault, meaning you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. But other states may follow different rules, such as:
- Modified comparative fault (you must be less than 50% at fault)
- No-fault states, where your own insurance may cover injuries regardless of fault
Understanding the laws in the state where your accident occurred is critical to how your claim is handled.
Statute of Limitations
In Louisiana, you have two years to file a personal injury claim—but other states may allow one or even three years. Don’t assume you have plenty of time. The sooner you act, the better.
Common Scenarios We See at Banck Law
- A Louisiana resident is rear-ended while visiting family in Mississippi
- A Covington couple is hit by a distracted driver while vacationing in Florida
- A Northshore worker gets sideswiped on a work trip to Texas
- A New Orleans driver is involved in a rental car crash in Georgia
In all of these cases, Banck Law can help. From working with local attorneys in the accident state to managing medical records and insurance communication, we coordinate the details so you don’t have to navigate this alone.
How Banck Law Helps Louisiana Residents Injured in Out-of-State Car Accidents
When you’re injured in a car accident outside Louisiana, you’re not just dealing with another driver—you’re often dealing with another state’s legal system, unfamiliar insurance policies, and confusing jurisdictional rules.
That’s where we come in. At Banck Law, we:
- Guide you through the claims process, no matter where the accident happened
- Help you understand which state laws apply
- Work with local attorneys if needed, without losing sight of your needs here at home
- Ensure all documentation is properly submitted, on time and in the right place
- Fight for maximum compensation, including for medical bills, lost wages, travel-related losses, pain and suffering, and more
We understand how stressful it can be to manage a legal case across state lines—so we make it our mission to keep things simple and clear for you.
Final Tips for Louisiana Drivers Traveling Out of State
- Always carry your insurance info, license, and registration with you
- Consider uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for added protection
- Know that you have legal options, even far from home
- If you’re injured in an out-of-state crash, don’t wait to seek legal advice
Have Questions About an Out-of-State Car Accident? Banck Law Is Here to Help
Whether you were injured on vacation, on a business trip, or while visiting family, you deserve to understand your rights and get the compensation you’re owed.
If you’re a Louisiana resident hurt in an accident outside the state, let Banck Law be your first call. Call us today at (985) 900-2440 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Let us handle the legal stress—you focus on recovery.
