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

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 follow New York law and 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

According to one of The Barnes Firm’s best car accident lawyers in San Diego, 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, a San Diego car accident lawyer says 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.