I Crashed My Rental Car. Now What?

You’re on vacation. The sun is shining, the windows are rolled down, and you don’t have a care in the world. Until …crash. You’re in a car accident.

All of a sudden a million thoughts go rolling through your head. You’re fine, but you don’t know what to do next because you were driving a rental car.

All too often, this scenario becomes an unfortunate reality for vacationers and travelers all around Davie, Florida and their long-anticipated vacation or busy work trip gets cut short. If you ever find yourself in an auto accident while you’re driving a rental car, here are some answers to questions you might have!

HOW DO I KNOW WHO IS AT FAULT FOR A RENTAL CAR CRASH?

When you get into an accident while driving a rental, it’s important to abide by the laws of the state you’re in. That applies whether you’re driving your own car or a rental. Florida, for example, is a no-fault insurance state, which means if you’re in a car accident, you cover the initial costs of repairs for the car you were driving and your own medical bills.

DOES MY AUTO INSURANCE COVER A RENTAL CAR?

If you carry an insurance policy on your own vehicle, the same limits of liability apply to your rental car. It’s important to note, however, that if you do not carry insurance on your personal vehicle or only have a liability policy, your rental car won’t be covered.

All rental car companies offer the option to add an insurance policy to any rental. The best rule of thumb to help you decide whether you need to purchase that insurance is to call your insurance company before you visit the rental office. Your insurance company should be able to inform you of what your personal auto insurance policy does and doesn’t cover.

IS THE RENTAL CAR COMPANY LIABLE FOR MY CAR ACCIDENT?

When you rent a car, you sign a contract. Most of the time that contract omits the car insurance company from any liability if you get into an accident. Furthermore, in the state of Florida, there are statues and laws that alleviate the burden of liability for car rental companies. The only exception to the rule, however, is if the car rental company’s negligence causes the accident. For example, if the rental company failed to replace the tires when it was necessary and one of the tires blew out, causing an accident, they could be held liable.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I WRECK MY RENTAL CAR?

If you’re involved in an accident while driving a rental car, it’s important to take immediate action.

• Call the local authorities to file a police report

• Call your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process

• Call the rental company to report an accident with their vehicle and give them the claim information

Follow these steps to avoid additional conflict and ensure the situation is handled as quickly and efficiently as possible.

SUCCESSFUL CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN DAVIE, FLORIDA

Some accidents are far too complicated to handle on your own. If you’ve been involved in an auto accident and are having difficulty navigating the process, you need the help of a trustworthy and successful car accident attorney.

At McCullough & Leboff, P.A. we’re committed to providing excellent representation for all our clients. Our offices are located in Davie and Hollywood, Florida and we’re proud to assist the residents of those communities. With more than 48 years of experience handling personal injury cases, we are committed to serving our clients.

Call our office at 954-989-3435 or contact us online for your free case evaluation.