Car Accidents
Next Steps & Quick Tips for Rental Car Accident Victims
All car accidents have the potential to be a complicated affair. However, if you were driving a rental car at the time of your collision, an additional layer of questions and considerations spring forth, such as:
- Am I responsible for the damage to the rental car?
- What exactly did I agree to in my lease?
- Who will pay for my medical bills?
- Will my personal insurance company need to be involved?
Any number of scenarios can arise from a rental car accident, especially if you were injured. What is most important now is that you get answers from an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer who has experience handling these cases.
Boulton Law Group has successfully handled a number of rental car accident claims on behalf of injured Hoosiers. Our aim with these cases is to help ensure you understand your rights and options after the accident, as well as assist you in seeking any potential compensation or your injuries.
What Are My Responsibilities as the Renter?
In short, when you sign an agreement for a rental vehicle, you assume various responsibilities for that particular car, truck, or SUV.
First and foremost, all car rental agreements are filled with legalese and contain a detailed section that outlines your responsibility for any property damage that occurs to the vehicle while it is in your possession. This includes scratches, dents, cracked windshields, flat tires, etc. The rental car company expects you to return the car in the same condition it was in when you left their property.
In the case of a serious car accident with another vehicle, you can be held legally responsible for any damage to the rental car, even if the other driver is determined to be at fault. Of course, depending on the circumstances, your responsibility for the rental car damage may only be temporary, as we will discuss below.
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Free Case ReviewHow Does Insurance Affect a Rental Car Accident?
Until we have fully examined the liability factors surrounding your accident and injury, we cannot be certain of the role one or more insurance companies will play in covering certain damages.
That said, a large number of the rental car accident claims we have handled for injured clients are typically covered by one of the following three (3) sources:
- Your personal insurance policy – It is important to note that personal insurance policies often contain rental car exclusions that mean you will be required to pay for damages if you are found to be at fault. However, if you are found not to be at fault for the accident, the liable party’s policy will eventually be responsible for damages to property and/or person.
- The rental company’s insurance policy – Rental car companies offer additional insurance on their vehicles that will release the renter from certain damages while it is in their possession.
- The credit card you used to rent the vehicle – Some people are surprised to learn that their credit card offers rental insurance as a perk.
Ultimately, before you rent a car, it is highly recommended that you verify whether or not your existing personal policy and/or credit card fully covers you for any accident that might occur while driving a rental car.
If you are still unsure whether or not your personal insurance covers rental car accidents, you can contact us to help you review your policy at no cost.
The Other Driver is at Fault for Your Rental Car Accident
Once the Indiana accident report or your attorney has determined that you are not at fault for the rental car accident, steps can be taken to pursue a personal injury claim.
As your attorney, Boulton Law Group will develop a case on your behalf that requests for all applicable compensation, including one or more of the following:
- Present and future medical bills related to the accident.
- Lost wages due to “doctor-excused” time off.
- Pain and suffering related to the accident, e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder.
Keep in mind, if another driver is at fault for your rental car accident, their insurance company will not pay for damages immediately. It is not until your doctor has released you from their care and you have reached maximum recovery that your attorney will create a demand package requesting full and total compensation.
Free Legal Consultations for Indiana Car Accident Victims
The first step rental car accident victims should take is to contact an Indiana personal injury attorney for free legal advice. Rental car accidents add a twist to traditional collisions that an experienced lawyer can help you to properly navigate.
Attorney Matt Boulton has more than 20 years’ experience helping injured Hoosiers, including victims of rental car accidents. His approach to client care and the successful resolution of high-profile cases has resulted in him being sought after statewide.
Boulton Law Group offers all accident victims and their families a Zero Fee Guarantee. This promise helps to ensure everyone can afford award-winning legal representation.
To speak with attorney Boulton about your rental car accident claim, contact him at 317-350-2680, or write to him by using our confidential contact form.
We look forward to hearing your story and learning how we can help you.
Author Matt Boulton
