A rental car is useful for those times when you are away from home and need a reliable ride. Whether you are on vacation or a company trip, a rental car gives you the freedom to travel. One risk of driving a rental is that you don’t own the vehicle but are responsible for it for a short period of time. For this reason, the issues of liability and insurance coverage can be tricky after a rental car accident.
If you’ve been injured in a rental car accident, don’t wait to get help. Contact a car accident lawyer at William Mattar law offices today at (844) 444 - 4444. We know that a serious injury can turn your life upside down. Our experienced car accident attorneys can assist you with your personal injury claim and fight to get you maximum financial compensation.
What to Do After a Rental Car Accident
After a rental car crash, you can generally take the same measures and steps that you would after any other type of car accident. It’s important that you, along with all others involved in the crash, are safe. Injured motorists often seek immediate medical attention, particularly if they have suffered a serious injury.
Next, you should generally consider contacting the police to file an official police report, notifying the rental car company, contacting your personal insurance company, and documenting any noteworthy details of the accident scene. Information, such as photographic evidence, driver contact information, and the make, model, and license plate number of the vehicles involved in the crash may be important to bring a personal injury claim in the future.
When you rent a car, you are temporarily responsible for that car during the rental period. If you’re involved in an accident in a rental car and the vehicle is still operational the rental company may ask that you bring it directly back to the company’s office location. In other cases, you may need to call roadside assistance or have the car transported to a repair shop. This will depend on the type of damage to the vehicle.
Who is Responsible for a Rental Car Crash?
In the event of a rental car collision, you will need to file a claim with insurance companies. You may be at fault (or partially at fault), or another motorist on the road may have caused your collision. Whatever the circumstances, your options for insurance coverage can vary. Depending on the circumstances, you may have to deal with insurance adjusters from different insurance companies. Keep reading to learn more about common insurance options for a rental car accident.
Personal Auto Insurance Coverage
Car insurance is required in New York State. So, if you’re a New York motorist, you likely already have personal auto insurance. If you were involved in a rental car accident, you may be able to receive insurance coverage from your personal policy for associated damages.
At-Fault Driver Insurance
Another driver may be responsible for your rental car accident. If this is the case, he or she may have to pay for damages (such as personal injury or property damage) through his or her own personal car insurance policy.
If you’ve suffered a serious injury in a rental car crash due to the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Contact an experienced car accident attorney at William Mattar today to tell us about your personal injury case.
Rental Car Company Insurance Coverage
Most rental car companies offer some form of supplemental insurance coverage to their customers. Each type of coverage typically comes with an additional fee. In the event of an accident in a rental car, rental insurance may cover damages and other expenses. The level of available coverage, however, ranges depending on the company’s policy. Some rental companies may offer more comprehensive coverage options than others. You will normally sign up for this enhanced coverage when you sign up to rent the vehicle.
Another form of rental company coverage is a “collision damage waiver” or “loss damage waiver.” If you opt for a collision damage waiver for your rental, the rental company will generally waive vehicle repair or replacement costs if the vehicle is damaged. It also protects you if the vehicle is stolen during the rental period. Again, your personal insurance policy may include collision coverage that serves similar purposes.
Contact a Dedicated Car Accident Attorney Today
Those who have been seriously injured in a rental car crash can turn to William Mattar for help. Our dedicated personal injury lawyers have the experience and knowledge to handle any accident case. Take advantage of our No Fee Until We WinSM, a promise which says that you will not owe us any fees unless we settle or win your personal injury case. Call (844) 444 - 4444, or fill out our online form, to schedule your free initial consultation.