What to Know about Filing an Injury Claim if You’re Hurt in a Rental Car

Rental cars are a valuable option for people whose vehicles are in the shop or when traveling in locations without reliable public transportation. There were 3,362 car rental businesses in the U.S. as of 2023, and 44.5 million cars were rented in 2019 alone.

While accidents in rental cars are uncommon, they’re still a possibility, whether you’re on city streets or country roads. It’s important to know what to do if you are hurt in a rental car crash to protect your rights and health.

Our Green Bay car accident lawyers can assist you after a rental car crash. We specialize in deciphering complex rental agreements and helping you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

What to Do After a Rental Car Accident

Taking immediate steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights is crucial in a rental car accident. Here’s what to do after any car collision:

• Call 911 to report the accident and move the car to a safe location if possible.

• When police arrive, provide a factual statement without admitting fault and get the report number so you can use it for insurance claims.

• Exchange information with other parties involved in the crash, including names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance information, and license plate numbers.

• Document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles involved, any visible damage, and the surrounding area.

• Get medical attention, even if you feel fine, to get appropriate treatment, document your injuries, and connect them to the crash.

• Notify your auto insurance company about the accident for guidance on the next steps and assistance with the claims process.

Extra Steps to Take with the Rental Company or Insurance

Crashes involving rental cars can require additional steps beyond a standard collision. This is because rental vehicles often come with multiple insurance options and coverage levels, making liability more complex. Here are the steps to take with the rental or supplemental insurance companies:

• Inform the Rental Company: As soon as an incident occurs, contact the rental company to report it. Provide details such as the incident’s date, time, and circumstances. The rental company will guide you on the next steps, including returning the vehicle or completing an incident report.

For instance, Enterprise advises calling the local authorities, followed by Roadside Assistance, who can file a damage claim and arrange towing if you’re in a crash.

• Review and Use Your Rental Insurance: Check if you opted for insurance coverage through the rental company at the time of rental. Understand what your policy covers, such as damage to the rental car or liability for damages to others, and follow the company’s procedure to activate the claim.

• Contact Your Credit Card Insurance: If you declined the rental company’s insurance because your credit card provides rental car coverage, notify your credit card company about the incident. Follow their directions on filing a claim and get details about covered perils and deductibles.

• Gather and Submit Required Documentation: Collect all necessary documents, including the rental agreement, photos of the damage, police reports, and correspondence with the rental company. As part of the claim process, submit these to the relevant insurance provider, whether the rental company’s insurance, your personal car insurance, or credit card insurance.

How an Attorney Can Help

Dealing with a rental car crash can be complex, requiring you to interpret multiple insurance policies and contracts. A qualified attorney can help you through the process, ensuring you understand your rights regarding insurance coverages and contractual obligations.

Our team at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can do the following to protect your interests:

• Clarify Contractual Obligations: Rental agreements often include various coverage options and waivers that can affect liability. We can help interpret the rental agreement and insurance contracts, identifying who is responsible for damages and under what circumstances.

• Determining Liability: In rental car accidents, liability can be complicated. Was the accident due to the rental company’s failure to maintain the vehicle, a defect from the manufacturer, or the actions of another driver? A lawyer can assess the situation, gather necessary evidence, and determine the most appropriate action.

• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We are skilled in negotiating with insurance companies and can help you receive fair treatment and compensation for damages. This can include coverages for medical bills, lost wages, a new rental car, or intangible losses like pain and suffering.

• Legal Representation: If the case goes to court, our experienced team can advocate on your behalf, prepare your case for a jury trial, and argue it effectively to win you maximum damages.

Get Legal Guidance After a Rental Car Accident

Accidents can happen on the road at any time. If one occurs when you’re driving a rental car, it can lead to a complicated claims process that leaves you feeling overwhelmed. At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, we’re happy to take the stress off your shoulders and manage your claim. 

With our help, you can focus on recovery after a collision while we get you a fair settlement for damages. Contact us today for a free consultation.