At any given moment, there are countless rental cars on the road, and rental car accidents happen every single day. Unfortunately, claims for these types of accidents can be more complex than accidents involving personal vehicles.
If you’re involved in a rental car collision, you’re not alone. The Joel Bieber firm is ready to assist you.
How Rental Car Accidents Are Different
Rental car accidents share many similarities with other types of car accidents. However, if you get into an accident with a rental vehicle, there are certain details you’ll have to deal with that you wouldn’t otherwise.
First and foremost, a third party owns the vehicle, so you have to deal with the rental car company. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, they may also hold some responsibility for your accident.
Additionally, insurance can be trickier when it comes to rental car crashes. When driving a rental vehicle, the driver’s personal car insurance can be utilized, or insurance can be purchased through the rental car agency. Communicating with insurance companies is difficult enough as it is, and you may need to deal with more than one.
Rental car accident claims can be more challenging and confusing to handle. Whether you’re driving a rental vehicle and experiencing an accident or are involved in a collision with a rental car, discuss your situation with a skilled attorney.
Liability for Rental Car Accidents
Determining liability is an essential part of car accident claims. When it comes to rental car crashes, multiple parties could be liable, including:
- The other driver
- The rental car company
- The party responsible for vehicle maintenance
- Vehicle or vehicle parts manufacturers
In many cases, more than one party shares responsibility for the accident. It’s necessary to determine who is liable for your accident, as this gives you an indication of who you can hold financially responsible for your injuries and other losses.
A rental car accident lawyer can investigate your accident to figure out what caused your accident, as this can help determine who is liable. After determining liability, you can proceed to pursue compensation.
Who Pays in a Rental Car Crash?
Who pays for rental car accident? When it comes to car accidents, the party responsible for causing your collision is also responsible for paying. This is the primary reason that deciphering who is liable is so critical.
If you’re driving a rental vehicle and a negligent driver causes an accident, that driver is financially responsible. You will likely pursue compensation through their insurance, and if they are not insured, you may have the opportunity to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Alternatively, if you’re driving your own vehicle and a driver operating a rental car crashes into you, it depends on their insurance situation. If the driver caused your accident, you might seek compensation from their personal car insurance or the rental car company’s insurance.
If a third party, like the rental car company, caused your accident, they would be liable for your damages.
After a car crash, you must deal with injuries and losses. You shouldn’t have to deal with the financial burden on your own. A rental car accident lawyer can help figure out who’s financially responsible for your accident in order to pursue full and fair monetary recovery.
Compensation for Rental Car Accidents
If you’re involved in a rental car accident, you may benefit from financial compensation. The extent of recoverable damages depends on the specifics of your case.
Some of the potential compensation you may be entitled to receive include:
- Medical expenses, including treatment and hospital stays
- Therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Disability
A rental car accident attorney can calculate your damages to determine how much your case is worth. Understanding the value of your claim is crucial to ensure you obtain the most favorable recovery.
What to Do After an Rental Car Accident
If you experience an accident involving a rental car, you may be unsure what to do. After a rental car collision, follow these steps:
- Call 911: Request law enforcement assistance, and if you or another person are injured, also ask for emergency medical services
- Get Medical Attention: If you’re injured, EMTs can provide medical aid; however, you should later follow up at the emergency room or with your physician
- Gather as Much Information as Possible: If you can, get the other driver’s information, including contact details and insurance information
- Call the Rental Car Company: If you were driving a rental car, make sure to contact the rental car agency as soon as possible to inform them of the accident
- Determine What to Do with the Vehicle: When you call the rental car company, ask where they want the car, either by driving it there or having it towed
- Contact Your Insurance Company: If you did not purchase insurance from the rental agency, you need to inform your car insurance company of the collision
After completing all of these critical steps, make sure to consult with a rental car accident attorney. A lawyer can gather information, address your questions and concerns, and provide the legal advice and guidance you need.
What To Do If You Are Not at Fault For an Accident in a Rental Car?
If you find yourself involved in an accident with a rental car where you are not at fault, it’s crucial to navigate the aftermath with a systematic approach. First and foremost, prioritize safety by checking for injuries and, if possible, move the vehicles to a safe location. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party, documenting the scene with photos for evidence.
Contact the police, especially in cases of significant damage or injuries, and obtain a copy of the police report. Promptly notify the rental car company, following their specific reporting procedures, and inform your personal auto insurance company
Discuss Your Situation with an Attorney Right Away
Rental car collisions are unique, but an experienced personal injury lawyer can give you direction on the path toward financial compensation.
The legal team at The Joel Bieber Firm has over 400 years of collective experience handling car accident cases. We tailor our approach to every case, as we understand every client and their needs are different. Our lawyers can show you the compassion you need while aggressively pursuing a fair outcome on your behalf.
Contact us today to request a complimentary consultation.
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