What to Do If You Have a Rental Car Accident

Being involved in a car accident in Baltimore can be uniquely stressful if the car isn’t yours. A rental car crash introduces complications you’d be less likely to encounter if the vehicle were your own. You could face two parties, the other driver and the rental car company, who want to shift the liability and expenses onto you.

Knowing what to do if you have a rental car accident and talking to our experienced car accident attorneys can help you avoid the most severe legal and financial consequences.

What Should I Do If My Rental Car Is Wrecked? 

The first steps after a rental car accident should mirror what you would do after a crash in your own vehicle, with a few exceptions:

• Report the accident. A police report documents the crash and includes vital information about the other driver’s actions, such as intoxication or speeding. That can help determine liability later on.
• Get medical care. Even if you feel fine at first, go to the emergency room, an urgent care center, or your doctor’s office to get a thorough exam. Sometimes, it is challenging to determine injuries in the immediate aftermath when your adrenaline levels are high.
• Share information. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. You do not have to volunteer that you are driving a rental car, but be truthful if asked.
• Document the scene. Take pictures of the accident, including visible damage to the rental car and other vehicles, skid marks, and other important information from the accident scene.
• Contact the rental car company. Check the rental agreement for contact information and proper accident reporting procedures for dealing with the rental car company.
• Talk to an attorney. Our attorneys can assess the situation, review your auto coverage and the rental agreement, and help you understand your legal options.

Who Pays After a Rental Car Accident?

What happens if you crash a rental car? Who pays if another driver causes the accident and injures you? Determining financial responsibility for a car accident claim after a rental car crash involves several factors, including:

• The type and amount of insurance coverage you have – including your personal auto policy and any coverage you may have purchased from the rental agency
• Who is at fault for the collision (or primarily responsible)
• The extent and nature of expenses related to personal injuries and property damage

Typically, paying for auto accident-related injuries and losses comes from these sources: 

• Other driver’s insurance – If the other driver caused the accident, their insurance should pay for your medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering, and other losses. It should also cover the damage to the rental car.
• Your own insurance company – Many auto policies cover rental cars and the injuries and losses from car accidents while driving rental vehicles. If your auto insurance policy provides liability coverage, your insurance policy deductibles and limits will apply.
• Rental company’s insurance – If you choose rental insurance like a collision damage waiver, you might have coverage from the car rental company, but there are often exceptions. Some rental car policies might not cover your losses if you are at fault.
• Credit card insurance – Sometimes, a credit card issuer offers rental car insurance when you use their card to pay for the rental.

How Our Rental Car Crash Attorneys Can Help

If you’re involved in a rental car accident in Baltimore, a rental car accident lawyer from the law firm of Cohen & Dwin, P.A., wants to help you with your car accident case. Our rental car crash attorneys can help you navigate insurance and legal issues and protect your rights. Here’s how: 

• We will review all applicable insurance policies to determine the available coverage for the rental car collision.
• We will examine the evidence to determine who is liable for your injuries and losses.
• We will communicate and negotiate with all insurance companies and rental car companies to seek the most favorable outcome.
• If necessary, we will represent you in court.

If you’ve been in a rental car crash in Baltimore, contact a rental car accident attorney at Cohen & Dwin, P.A., today. We’ve protected the rights of the injured since 1977, and we’re here to help. Get in touch for a free consultation about how our legal representation could help you recover compensation.