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Car Accidents With Out of State Drivers in Tampa

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When someone is visiting another state and gets injured in a car accident in Tampa, they often wonder where they can file their lawsuit. Can they sue them in Florida where the accident happened, or can they sue in their own state?

Anytime there is a car accident with out of state drivers in Tampa, they can sue where the injury occurred. This is because a court needs jurisdiction (the legal authority to decide a case) over both parties in a lawsuit. If the at-fault driver lives in Tampa, then the court has jurisdiction over that person.

But what about the out-of-state victim? Florida law gives its courts jurisdiction over someone who is visiting the state and is injured in the state.

Minimum Contacts with the State

To determine if a court in one state has jurisdiction over someone from another state, the law will look to see if the out-of-state person has certain minimum contacts with that state. If it does, then it can assert jurisdiction over that person, if not then the court has no authority to hear the case.

The idea is, does someone have enough ties with a state for that state’s government to assert their law over that person? Living in another state generally protects you from the laws of that state, but if you have enough contacts with that state, then the laws that deal with your contact with the state can be asserted over you.

Could Someone Sue in Their Own State if the Other Driver Lives Elsewhere?

Let’s say you live in Tampa and are injured by a motorist while visiting Alaska. We now know that you can sue in Alaska where the accident happened, but what if you don’t want to travel clear to Alaska to conduct the lawsuit.

This is when you apply the minimum contacts law in Florida. If the driver who lives in Alaska has enough minimum contacts with your state, then you can sue them in your state. However, many people have no contact with other states which would make it difficult to have jurisdiction over them in Tampa.

What if Someone Needs to Sue a Party From Another State?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident with an out of state driver in Tampa, or you were out of the state and were hit, talk to a local attorney to find out your options. An attorney is going to know the law on jurisdiction and will discuss your options with you.

Contact a Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We will answer your questions, make recommendations and provide you with a free, confidential evaluation of your injury claim, all without obligation to use our legal services.

Everyone at Hancock Injury Attorneys, from our receptionist and paralegals to our attorneys, is committed to providing our clients with exceptional legal representation and client service.

Hancock Injury Attorneys has been representing clients in Tampa and surrounding communities since 1996. Call now to get started.

Click here for a free consultation so that you can focus on healing while we take care of everything else.

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Client Testimonials & Reviews

I have received nothing but the best service I can ask for from Mike Hancock’s office. He and his office are true professionals in every sense of the word. They guided me along the process and had outstanding communication. I am more than pleased with the services they provided, and I would definitely recommend them to anybody.

— Kayla Hamilton

From first to last interactions with attorneys Mike and Claire Hancock, to all the supporting staff and legals, the office has always been courteous, knowledgeable, and professional. They have always gotten right back with me when I had a question, and would not hesitate to highly recommend them.

—Debbie Smith

Absolutely fantastic! The Attorneys and its staff are very knowledgeable. Through my entire process they kept constant communication and the return of calls. I couldn't have made a better choice.Can’t say enough. Thank you, Mike and Gabby.

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I want to express my thanks to you and your staff for handling my case. Your expertise and kindness in representing me was invaluable. Thank you so much for your professional and effective help. I won’t hesitate to recommend your firm to anyone who may need legal assistance

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I have no words to describe the wonderful experience that had been for me to do business with his legal firm . . . I really appreciate all the great effort that you guys put into my case.

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Thanks for the awesome service. You both did so much work on this and I appreciate it very much. This is a great outcome.

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Mike and his team are awesome, emails are always responded back same day and the chiropractor recommendation was great. I was in a small fender bender but was always treated as if my case was worth a million dollars. I recommend his firm 1,000% you won't be disappointed.

- Chris

Your unwavering commitment to my family, and the love and compassion you have shown by your actions, and not just words, have had a dramatic, unforgettable impact on us all. Your kindness and level headedness in your representation has helped us be able to live a decent and stress-free life from here forward.

- P.M. of Brooksville, Florida

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