What If I Was Driving a Rental Car During an Accident?
Accident recovery is often stressful, but the situation can be even more confusing if you were driving a rental car at the time of impact. Unlike collisions involving your personal vehicle, the insurance and liability questions surrounding a rental car crash may seem murky. To learn about where compensation might come from, have a conversation with a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer.
Where to Access Recovery Funds
Whether you made a wrong move and are responsible for the collision or another driver struck you, the process of seeking financial support depends on several factors. If you caused the accident, liability coverage may come from a few different sources.
- The rental company’s insurance. Most rental companies offer liability coverage when you rent the vehicle. If you purchased this coverage, it may help cover damages to the other party.
- Your personal policy. Many personal insurance plans extend coverage to rental vehicles, but this depends on the terms of your policy.
- Credit card coverage. If you used a credit card to rent the car, some credit card companies provide secondary insurance, which may cover certain damages after your personal insurance is exhausted.
Of course, there are situations where an accident occurs but you were not at fault. In situations when another party should be held accountable, you may be able to access financial funds from other sources.
- At-fault driver’s insurance. In Florida, at-fault drivers are generally responsible for damages. That said, Florida’s no-fault insurance laws mean your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will likely be the first source for medical expenses, regardless of fault, then other avenues of compensation can be pursued.
- Uninsured/underinsured Coverage. If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, this coverage on your personal policy (if you chose to invest in it) may help cover your damages.
The reality is compensation can come from a combination of sources, including the at-fault driver’s insurance, your personal insurance, and policies tied to the rental vehicle. Damages may cover medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering.
Complex Negotiations Are Possible
Rental car accidents add layers of complexity to insurance recovery, but there are best practices you can follow, such as taking photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, and any injuries sustained so that documentation is in place. Also crucial for insurance and legal purposes, notify the police to file a report and contact the rental company. Be prepared to provide the rental organization with a copy of the police report and other details.
As you move through the complexities of insurance claims and fault determinations, lean on the expertise of a legal expert. A Boca Raton personal injury lawyer can help identify all avenues for compensation and advocate for your rights, ensuring you eventually have access to the financial support you need.
Should you talk to a lawyer? If you’ve been in a rental car accident in Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, or Pompano Beach, the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez can help you move forward with confidence. Call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.
