What to Do If You’re an Arizona Driver Hit by a Tourist in Another State

Car accidents are stressful enough when they happen close to home, but when you’re an Arizona driver traveling out of state and a tourist from another location hits you, the situation becomes even more complicated. Multiple jurisdictions, unfamiliar insurance rules, and questions about where to file a claim can leave drivers overwhelmed.

If you’ve been hit by an out-of-state tourist, you still have rights and protections. Here’s what the Tempe car accident attorney team recommends you know and do to protect yourself.

Step One: Focus on Safety First

Immediately after the collision, move your vehicle to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Out-of-state crashes often happen in unfamiliar areas—busy tourist destinations, highways, or even rural roads you don’t know well. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical attention if anyone is injured.

Even if you feel fine, seek medical evaluation. Injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage can worsen after you leave the scene, and having documentation now will help if you need to file an insurance claim later.

Step Two: Exchange Information and Document Everything

Accidents involving tourists can be more complex because their vehicles may be rentals or registered in another state or even another country. Be sure to:

• Get the driver’s license information and note their state or country of origin.

• Collect insurance details and confirm whether the vehicle is privately owned or a rental.

• Take multiple photos of all vehicles, license plates, damage, skid marks, and the overall accident scene.

• Get witness names and contact information when available.

This documentation will be invaluable if liability is disputed or if the tourist returns home before your claim is resolved.

Step Three: Notify Law Enforcement

Having an official police report is crucial when dealing with an out-of-state driver. The report documents what happened and creates an unbiased record, which is especially helpful if the other driver is unfamiliar with local traffic laws or tries to contest responsibility later.

Ask the responding officer for a case number and instructions on how to obtain a copy of the report, as procedures vary depending on where the crash occurred.

Insurance Challenges With Tourists

If the Tourist Is Driving a Rental Car

Rental vehicles often have insurance coverage through the rental company, the driver’s personal insurance, or even a credit card policy. Determining which insurance is primary can be time-consuming.

If the Tourist Is International

Tourists visiting from outside the United States may have limited or no insurance coverage recognized in the state where the crash occurred. In that case, your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply to cover your damages.

Where Do You File Your Claim?

Your claim will typically be filed in the state where the accident happened, even if you live in Arizona. This means:

• The local fault laws of that state will apply.

• Insurance adjusters handling your claim may be located outside Arizona.

• If the case goes to court, you may have to file a lawsuit in that state rather than back home.

For example, if you were hit while visiting Nevada, you’ll need to follow Nevada’s comparative negligence rules, which differ from Arizona’s pure comparative negligence system. Understanding these differences early helps set realistic expectations for claim outcomes.

Will Your Arizona Insurance Cover You?

Yes, your Arizona auto insurance generally covers you anywhere in the United States. Your liability, collision, and medical payments coverage still apply, and your policy limits automatically adjust to meet the minimum requirements of the state where the crash occurred.

This is especially important if the tourist is uninsured or has minimal coverage, as your own UM/UIM protection can step in. It can also cover rental car expenses if your car is too damaged to drive back to Arizona.

What About Serious Injuries?

Accidents involving out-of-state tourists sometimes occur in high-traffic vacation destinations where speeds are higher, and injuries can be more severe. If you suffer injuries like spinal cord trauma or traumatic brain injury, make sure to keep thorough medical documentation from both the state where you were treated and your follow-up care in Arizona.

Medical expenses and lost wages can add up quickly, and having complete records is critical when dealing with an unfamiliar insurer or pursuing damages from a tourist who may leave the country.

Steps After Returning to Arizona

Once you’re home, notify your insurer immediately and provide them with all documentation from the accident. If you need continued treatment, keep records of your ongoing medical expenses and any missed work.

Because your accident happened out of state and involves a non-local driver, claim resolution may take longer. Be prepared for additional follow-up and possible coordination between your insurer, the tourist’s insurer, and any rental car company involved.

What If the Tourist Leaves the Country?

If the driver who hit you is an international tourist and returns home, recovering compensation can become more complex. Their U.S.-based insurance (if they had any) may still respond, but if they were uninsured or coverage is disputed, your own UM/UIM policy may be your primary option.

This is why having uninsured motorist protection is so valuable—it helps protect you in unusual situations like these where the at-fault driver isn’t available or properly insured.

Final Thoughts

Being hit by a tourist while driving out of state can feel overwhelming, but your rights as an Arizona driver don’t disappear. Your insurance still protects you, and you still have the ability to seek compensation from the at-fault driver, their insurer, or even your own UM/UIM coverage if necessary.

The most important steps are to document everything at the scene, notify law enforcement, and keep thorough records of your medical treatment and repair costs. While claim processing may take longer and involve multiple states, knowing what to do right away can make a big difference in protecting your recovery.