Accidents Caused by Out-of-State Drivers

Car Crash Lawyers Representing Victims on Cape Cod

At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III, our dedicated Cape Cod car accident attorneys represent people in many Massachusetts communities who have been injured in motor vehicle collisions. These include accidents caused by out-of-state drivers, which can raise tricky jurisdictional and other issues. Mr. Manoog and his team of lawyers handle each case with the care that it deserves, investigating the circumstances of the crash and preparing convincing arguments for trial while working with insurance companies and opposing counsel to negotiate favorable settlements when possible.

Insurance Issues Involving Out-of-State Drivers

Most motorists in Massachusetts carry Personal Injury Protection, or “no fault” insurance coverage. This form of insurance is designed to help an accident victim efficiently get benefits of up to $8,000 from his or her own insurer without having to prove that another driver was at fault. It is available to cover medical expenses and lost earnings due to time away from work, among other costs. State law also requires car owners to hold at least $20,000 in bodily injury coverage and an extra $5,000 in property damage coverage. That insurance may be used to pay out claims by another person who has been injured in an accident with the policy holder.

An out-of-state driver is not bound by Massachusetts’ insurance requirements, however, and may not carry PIP coverage. Instead, each individual state dictates which insurance protections a driver must have. As a result, a person hurt in a crash that involves an out-of-state driver may need to file a lawsuit to get the compensation that he or she deserves. If the accident happened in Massachusetts, the lawsuit should be filed here, and the state’s negligence law applies.

Massachusetts law obligates drivers to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner and generally holds them responsible for any crashes that occur when they fail to do so. In order to prove negligence, someone injured in a collision generally needs to show that the driver responsible for the crash failed to live up to this “duty of care.” This may be established by showing that the driver was drunk, texting behind the wheel, violating a rule of the road, or simply just negligent, among other behaviors. The victim also must show that this behavior caused the accident and that he or she incurred quantifiable costs and losses because of the crash. The damages usually available in these cases include money for medical bills, missed wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Consult a Car Accident Attorney on Cape Cod

We have more than 146 years of combined experience representing clients in car accident cases, including those that involve out-of-state drivers. Founding partner John C. Manoog, III previously worked in the insurance industry, giving him helpful insights into how these cases are handled and the tactics that insurers often use to try to limit claims. Our history of success in personal injury matters includes a number of six- and seven-figure settlements.

The Cape Cod car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III are ready to help our neighbors in their times of need. We are conveniently located in Hyannis and Plymouth. Our motor vehicle collision lawyers are also happy to travel to you if you cannot make it to us. We do not charge a fee in many cases unless we are successful. Call us at 888-262-6664 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Nós Falamos Português.