If you are injured in a car accident in Virginia, it can be overwhelming to determine how to obtain the compensation that you deserve from the negligent driver. Your claim can be even more complex if the at-fault driver does not live in Virginia. Here, we discuss how this could impact on your claim.
Virginia Is an At-Fault State No Matter Where the Negligent Driver Lives
Virginia is an at-fault state, and the negligent driver who caused your auto crash is responsible for compensating you for your injuries. The good news is that this is true whether or not the driver lives in Virginia or another state. Out-of-state drivers are required to drive in a safe manner and obey Virginia traffic laws while in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Can You Sue an Out-of-State Negligent Driver in Virginia?
In order to sue a driver who caused your accident but lives in another state, the court in Virginia must have personal jurisdiction over this individual. What is personal jurisdiction? It is the authority of the court to make a decision about a person in a specific situation. For example, a court in Virginia may not have personal jurisdiction over a person in New York who never entered Virginia or had anything else to do with anyone in Virginia. However, a driver’s act of driving in our state would most likely give a Virginia court personal jurisdiction over him if he caused your car accident. This means that you most likely can sue him in Virginia rather than the state where he lives.
You Need an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Norfolk
If you were injured in an auto collision caused by an out-of-state driver, you need an experienced car accident attorney in Norfolk and not the state where the other motorist resides. A local attorney will understand the Virginia laws that apply to your case, including whether there is personal jurisdiction over this person. He can thoroughly investigate your crash and negotiate a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company. To learn about our extensive experience fighting for the rights of accident victims and your legal options, fill out our online form to schedule your free initial consultation.
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