The steps you need to take after a rental car accident are very similar to those you should take after any type of motor vehicle accident. You still need to call 911, document the damage, exchange contact information with the other driver, and report the accident. However, lawyers Rosenstock & Azran say that what makes these cases different than other car accidents is whether you have insurance and, if so, what type you have – your own or the rental company’s.
Steps To Take After An Accident
After any car accident, you should always call 911 immediately. Stay on the phone while you check on the other driver and any passengers involved in the accident. Let the dispatcher know if there are any serious injuries and where you are.
Police officers will arrive at the scene of the accident to take a statement from you. Only state the facts of what happened, like what you saw and heard leading up to the accident. Do not make any assumptions about how you think it happened.
Exchange information with the other driver, including your name, address, email address, phone number, and car insurance information. You should also provide information from your rental car insurance if you purchased it.
Always take pictures at the scene of an accident. It’s important to capture any factors that could have contributed to your accident, such as the design of an intricate intersection, construction or debris in the road, street signs, or other obstacles.
Go to the nearest emergency room to be assessed for injuries. Follow your treatment plan precisely.
Look at your rental agreement to find out how to report your accident. Usually, there is an 800 number in the packet you’re given that you should call.
Liability
Whether you were driving a rental car or a personal vehicle, the at-fault party is responsible for paying damages. Evidence will be necessary to prove liability, especially if you will be paying for the damages out of your own pocket if you didn’t purchase insurance through the rental company and you don’t have coverage in your personal policy.
There are different types of evidence that can be used to establish liability, such as sobriety tests and drug tests, speed limit signs and traffic signs or signals, eyewitness accounts, and the damage to both cars, which can tell a lot about the speed and direction both cars were going in.
Is my rental car covered under my insurance if I didn’t purchase supplemental insurance through the rental company?
It depends on your car insurance policy and whether or not your plan includes rental cars. You will need to check your insurance policy to see what your limits are, too.
Some credit card companies offer a perk to their customers that covers damages in a motor vehicle accident involving a rental car. You may have insurance just from using their card for your rental.
Hire An Attorney Soon
You should talk to an attorney before you talk to your insurance company. That way, you are less likely to be taken advantage of. The sooner you hire a car accident attorney, the sooner you can move forward from your pain, suffering and tragedy of an accident.
You should talk to an attorney about your accident and tell them that you were driving a rental car at the time. You should immediately send them a copy of your personal auto insurance policy as well as the rental agreement that you signed with the company. A personal injury attorney can review your policy and find out what is covered and then help you file a personal injury lawsuit to recover your damages.