What Happens If You’re Hit By Someone Driving A Rental Car?

Car accidents bring a host of frustrations with the injury claim process for thousands of people. When you end up in an accident involving a driver of a rental car, you may be surprised that it isn’t as complicated as you might think. You can still get the compensation you deserve, but the process has hurdles that an experienced attorney could make easier to navigate.

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What To Do If You’re Hit By A Driver In A Rental Car

After the accident, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and anyone else involved in the crash. Don’t forget to get a picture of the rental paperwork, if possible, so you know the company responsible for renting out the vehicle.

Try to work with law enforcement on the scene to get a police report filed and know where to pick up a copy of it. If the police do not come to your accident location, make sure to visit your local station to get it filed.

Finally, be sure to speak with an attorney as soon as possible so you know how to file your damage and injury claim. Don’t attempt to settle your case on your own and risk missing out on important coverage benefits you need to heal.

Liability and Insurance Coverage for Rental Car Accidents

Liability determination in crashes involving rental cars operates much the same as any other accident situation. If the driver is at fault, then costs for your vehicle and other damages are their responsibility. Typically, the insurance company covering the rental car will absorb a lot of these costs, but there are other options and policy benefits that might affect your claim.

Claims Against the Other Driver’s Insurance

You might be able to recover damages that exceed the original policy limits with the car if the driver of the rental has their own personal car insurance. Often, this is a secondary insurance situation that will provide additional claim compensation if there’s a gap in coverage limits.

The Rental Company’s Insurance Coverage

Quite often, rental car companies offer additional insurance coverage for those renters who don’t have a personal policy. These protections are usually the minimum state requirements, and this can limit how much of your damages you can recover. Additionally, if the renter is not the authorized driver behind the wheel at the time of the collision, this added policy may not take effect.

Use Your Car Insurance If Hit by a Rental Car Driver

Sometimes, you might find that you’ll have to use your own car insurance after being in an accident with the driver of a rental car. This could happen because of several reasons, including:

• The other driver didn’t have a personal car insurance policy
• Rental insurance was not purchased
• The rental company didn’t carry insurance on the vehicle

In all of these situations, it’s critical to speak with an experienced car accident attorney to best understand how the law applies to your circumstances. Your car coverage provider will do everything in its power to minimize how much they will compensate and reimburse your damages.

Speak with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today

Don’t let a catastrophic accident bring your world to a standstill and leave you burdened with the exhausting process of filing a claim for your injuries and suffering. The claims adjusters will do everything to convince you that you don’t need the compensation you’re asking for and try to manipulate you into giving up. At The Barnes Firm, we will take this challenge on your behalf and put a stop to these tactics. You deserve to heal and be made whole despite what these insurance corporations tell you.

For years, The Barnes Firm has tirelessly pursued injury claims for those suffering from the trauma of an auto crash. Put our talented and highly skilled injury lawyers to work for your case and bring the critical negotiation skills to your lawsuit. We’ve received recognition in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum because of the large settlements we have earned over the years. Learn more about how our seasoned car accident legal team can help you by contacting us today.

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Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
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