Major international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup bring large crowds, increased traffic, and visitors from around the world. While these events can provide exciting opportunities for fans and local businesses, they may also contribute to a higher volume of vehicle traffic on highways, city streets, parking lots, and rideshare routes.
If you are involved in a collision caused by an out-of-state driver during the FIFA World Cup, you may have questions about your rights, insurance coverage, and the claims process. Although these cases can involve additional legal challenges, injured individuals may still have legal options available under California law.
Why World Cup Traffic May Increase Accident Risks
Large sporting events often result in significant increases in vehicle traffic. Visitors who are unfamiliar with local roads may:
- Rely heavily on GPS navigation systems
- Make sudden lane changes
- Miss exits
- Become distracted while traveling to and from stadiums, hotels, or restaurants
Common factors that may contribute to collisions during major events include:
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Unfamiliarity with local roadways
- Heavy congestion
- Aggressive driving behaviors
- Rideshare and rental vehicle traffic
- Impaired driving following celebrations
Can You File a Claim Against an Out-of-State Driver?
A driver from another state who causes a collision in California is generally subject to California traffic laws and may be held responsible for damages after showing signs of negligence while behind the wheel. However, issues may sometimes occur when the at-fault driver returns home after the accident. For this reason, gathering information and preserving evidence as soon as possible can be important.
Important Information to Collect After the Collision
Following any motor vehicle accident, it is often helpful to collect as much information as possible.
This may include:
- Driver's name and contact information
- Driver's license information
- Vehicle registration information
- Insurance company details
- License plate numbers
- Photographs of the vehicles
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Witness names and contact information
- Police report information
How Insurance Coverage Usually Works
Many people are often concerned that an out-of-state insurance policy may not apply to a California accident. In many cases, however, automobile insurance policies provide coverage when the insured driver causes a collision outside their home state.
The specific policy language, coverage limits, exclusions, and circumstances of the collision can affect how a claim proceeds. As a result, each situation should be evaluated individually.
Potential sources of insurance coverage may include:
- The at-fault driver's liability insurance
- Your own uninsured motorist coverage
- Your own underinsured motorist coverage
- Medical payments coverage
- Rental vehicle insurance
- Commercial vehicle insurance
- Rideshare insurance policies
Understanding which policies may apply can sometimes be more complex when visitors, rental vehicles, or commercial transportation services are involved.
What If the Driver Was Operating a Rental Car?
Many World Cup visitors may use rental vehicles during their stay. If an out-of-state driver causes a collision while driving a rental car, multiple insurance issues may need to be reviewed. Depending on the circumstances, coverage could potentially involve:
- The driver's personal auto insurance policy
- Optional rental vehicle insurance purchased through the rental company
- Credit card insurance benefits
- Commercial insurance policies
What If the Driver Leaves California?
One concern many accident victims have is whether they can still pursue a claim if the at-fault driver returns home immediately after the event. In many situations, insurance claims continue regardless of where the driver lives. Insurance carriers regularly handle claims involving drivers and passengers from different states.
Medical Treatment and Documentation
Seeking appropriate medical attention after an accident is important for both health and documentation purposes. Some injuries may not become immediately clear after a crash.
Medical records may help document:
- The nature of the injuries
- Treatment received
- Diagnostic findings
- Ongoing symptoms
- Recommended future care
Keeping records of medical appointments, expenses, and accident-related impacts on daily life may also be useful during the claims process.
Potential Damages in an Injury Claim
The types of damages that may be available depend on the facts of each case.
Potentially recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care costs
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Legal Guidance for Accidents Involving Out-of-State Drivers
Accidents involving visitors can present unique legal and insurance challenges. Questions may arise regarding jurisdiction, insurance coverage, evidence preservation, rental vehicles, and commercial transportation. Individuals injured in these collisions may benefit from speaking to a legal professional to better understand their rights and responsibilities moving forward.
How KAASS LAW Can Help
KAASS LAW is committed to helping individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents throughout California. Our legal team can help review accident reports, medical records, witness information, insurance communications, and other available evidence related to a claim.
We work with clients to help them better understand the legal process and the options that may be available under California law. If you were injured in a collision involving an out-of-state driver during the FIFA World Cup or another major event, you may wish to discuss your situation with an attorney to better understand your rights and available options. Call KAASS LAW today to learn more.