If you were recently injured in a car accident in Arkansas but don’t live there yourself, you may be wondering what comes next. Filing a lawsuit as an out-of-state plaintiff can be complicated, so the best thing you can do is hire a lawyer who will guide you through the process.
Immediately after sustaining injuries in an Arkansas car accident as a non-resident, call the police, exchange information, and seek medical attention. Taking these steps is crucial to create evidence and protect your ability to file a successful lawsuit in Arkansas as a non-resident plaintiff. Next, hire an attorney. Your lawyer will help you understand if Arkansas has jurisdiction in your case and will help you through the difficulties of filing a lawsuit in a state where you don’t reside.
Our skilled lawyers are dedicated to helping car accident victims throughout Arkansas recover compensation against negligent drivers. For a free case evaluation, call our Fayetteville car accident attorneys today at (479) 316-0438.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Arkansas if You Live Out of State
After a car accident of any kind, there are several things victims should do to ensure they have access to compensatory damages. Taking these steps becomes even more important if you’re injured in a car accident in Arkansas but don’t live in the state. Recovering compensatory damages after a car accident in a state you don’t reside in can be challenging. So, it’s important that victims immediately contact law enforcement officials, exchange information, and seek medical attention.
Call Local Police
Immediately after a car accident in Arkansas, it’s important that you call the police. Officers will create a crash report that details a collision’s events and notes any vital pieces of information. Getting a copy of this report can be difficult if you don’t live in Arkansas, as some local police stations only provide copies in person. Your Springdale car accident attorney can obtain a police report for you if you’ve returned to your state of residence after a collision.
Exchange Information
Identifying a negligent driver is crucial if you plan to sue for compensatory damages. When you’re involved in a car accident in your state of residence or even your hometown, you may personally know the negligent driver responsible for the crash. Even if you don’t know the driver personally, tracking them down afterward can be easier if they live close to you. When you’re injured in a car accident in Arkansas but don’t live there, you may be unable to identify a negligent driver in the future if you don’t exchange information. Always try to get a negligent driver’s insurance, registration, and driver’s license information after a crash.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Whether you’re in Arkansas on business or on a road trip, you may not think you have time to visit the hospital after a car accident. However, you must. While seeking medical attention after a collision may derail your vacation, going to the hospital after a car accident is vital. When you’re injured in a crash in a state you don’t reside in, it’s important to act quickly. Don’t wait until you’re back in your state of residence to see a doctor. Even if injuries appear minor, go to the hospital. A doctor’s assessment of your injuries can be vital evidence in a lawsuit against a negligent party.
Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Arkansas Even if You Don’t Live There?
Generally speaking, lawsuits must be filed in the state where the crash occurred. That means, even if you don’t live in Arkansas, but your car accident took place there, you will likely have to file your car accident lawsuit in Arkansas. Jurisdiction issues can get complicated, so it’s important to ask a Fort Smith car accident attorney for clarification.
If you were injured in a car accident in Arkansas, you will likely have to file a lawsuit in that state. This is the case for out-of-state plaintiffs as well. Filing a lawsuit in another state can be complex, so hiring an attorney is crucial. Your skilled lawyer will be familiar with Arkansas’ laws regarding car accident lawsuits and will be capable of helping you recover sufficient damages.
Understanding jurisdiction can get confusing when a defendant is also not an Arkansas resident. If, like yourself, a defendant doesn’t live or do business in Arkansas, you may have to file a lawsuit in their state of residence. Again, this can get complicated, so it’s important to hire an attorney so that you can successfully sue a negligent driver after a car accident in Arkansas.
What Else Do You Need to Know About Filing a Lawsuit in Arkansas as an Out-of-State Plaintiff?
Things get complicated when you file a lawsuit in a state where you don’t reside. Non-resident car accident lawsuit plaintiffs likely have various questions regarding the filing deadline and the impact an out-of-state lawsuit will have on their lives. Instead of worrying, consult an experienced attorney who can help you navigate a car accident lawsuit in Arkansas as an out-of-state plaintiff.
One of the first things you should know if you plan to file a car accident lawsuit in Arkansas as a non-resident is the statute of limitations. In Arkansas, car accident victims have three years from the date of injury to sue. This applies to residents and non-residents who are injured in car accidents in Arkansas.
Generally, the concern of inconvenience may prevent some car accident victims from filing a lawsuit in a state they don’t reside in. If you’re severely injured from a crash, you may think suing a negligent driver for compensatory damages in another state isn’t worth it. While that’s an understandable concern, don’t let it stop you from getting the damages you deserve. Your Arkansas car accident attorney can help you navigate the process and inform you of any mandated court appearances. Advancements in technology have made suing easier for out-of-state plaintiffs and enable them to focus on healing while getting justice.
Call Our Arkansas Attorneys if You Were Injured in a Car Accident Today
If you were recently injured in a car accident in Arkansas and live out of state, our lawyers can help. For a free case evaluation, call our Harris car accident attorneys today at (479) 316-0438.