Rental Car Collisions Lawyer
Collisions involving rental cars can present some unique challenges, especially when the crash results in an injury. Many people have questions about which insurance policy they should file their claim against, what compensation they are eligible to recover, and what to do after an accident occurs. A rental car accident lawyer at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation if you’ve been in a rental car collision.
Which Insurance Applies in a Rental Car Crash?
After a crash in a rental car, the insurance policy you utilize for your claim will depend on the details of the collision and applicable insurance policies. Here is what you need to know about which insurance coverage will apply in an accident involving a rental vehicle:
The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
If the at-fault driver in a rental car accident has auto insurance, their liability coverage will typically provide the primary coverage for injuries and damages. The at-fault driver’s auto insurance company will pay up to the coverage limits of their policy. The injured party can pursue additional compensation from other applicable insurance policies if the damages exceed those limits. It is essential to identify the at-fault driver and their provider so your car accident lawyer can promptly file your insurance claim.
Rental Insurance
Rental car companies are required to provide minimum liability coverage on all their vehicles. Renters can purchase additional insurance from the car rental company for more protection. This insurance is supplemental liability coverage. This extra car rental coverage acts as primary insurance if the renter causes an accident. It may also provide coverage if an uninsured or underinsured driver hits the rental car. Without rental insurance, the renter’s personal auto insurance would have to cover damages to the rental vehicle. Rental car insurance is an optional add-on but is often a wise choice for the extra protection it provides.
Driver’s Regular Insurance
For the driver of a rental car, their personal car insurance policy may provide coverage for a collision, especially if they do not purchase extra car rental insurance. The renter’s own auto insurance company may extend medical payments, liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage from their own insurance policy to the rental car. This depends on the terms of the renter’s policy and whether they purchased additional coverage. Prior to renting, drivers should check with their insurance provider to confirm coverage for injuries and repair costs in the event of a rental vehicle accident. If the renter’s personal insurance does apply, it acts as secondary coverage above and beyond the primary rental car coverage or at-fault driver’s insurance.
Credit Card Insurance for Rental Cars
Many credit card companies provide rental car insurance coverage as a cardholder benefit. This insurance coverage acts as secondary protection if an accident occurs. Credit card rental coverage may pay for damages to the rental vehicle after the renter’s auto insurance limits are exhausted. It may also cover liability for injuries to passengers and other parties. Cardholders should check coverage details with their credit card company, as policies differ. This insurance can provide an extra layer of protection without having to purchase costly rental company coverage.
Compensation in Rental Car Collisions
Suffering injuries in a rental car crash can result in excruciating pain and overwhelming emotional trauma. Accident-related injuries can also be the cause of significant financial losses. Depending on the nature of your injuries and the severity of the wreck, a successful claim may allow you to recover compensation for the following losses:
- Medical expenses, including ambulance rides, emergency room visits, doctor appointments, diagnostic scans, physical therapy, surgical procedures, and medication
- Lost income from missed time at work due to a disability or attending medical appointments
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries have caused a long-term disability preventing you from returning to your previous job
- Physical pain and psychological suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to disability, disfigurement, or the inability to participate in favorite activities and pastimes
- Wrongful death for family members who have lost loved ones in rental car crashes
Speak to a knowledgeable Illinois car accident attorney from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. to better understand how much compensation you may be eligible to recover for your losses.
What to Do After a Rental Car Wreck
The steps you take following a rental car collision can profoundly impact your physical and financial recovery. Here is what you should do following a collision involving a rental car:
Report the Accident to the Police
Until recently, Illinois law required a motorist involved in a crash to report an accident to local law enforcement authorities if it resulted in injury, death, or property damage of more than $1,500. However, the laws have changed, and reporting is no longer required unless an employee of the state is involved. However, contacting the police after any accident is wise. The responding officer will prepare an accident report that will serve as essential evidence in your case.
Take Photos and Videos of the Collision Scene
Visual evidence of the accident scene can be powerful. Insurance adjusters, judges, jurors, and accident reconstruction experts can use the details of photos and videos to determine how a crash happened and who was at fault.
Report the Crash to the Rental Car Agency
Your rental agreement will likely require you to notify the rental car company as soon as possible if you are involved in a wreck in one of their vehicles. Reporting the crash immediately will allow all relevant parties to investigate the incident and determine who is liable.
Keep Records
Good record-keeping can make a significant difference to the outcome of your insurance claim. Maintain the following documents to preserve evidence of the collision, your injuries, and all resulting expenses:
- Medical bills and invoices
- Medical records relating to your injuries, including doctor’s notes, scans, and test results
- Employment records demonstrating lost income because your injuries prevented you from working, such as tax forms, pay slips, and correspondence with your HR department
- Evidence of the costs to replace your property that was broken in the crash
Follow Medical Advice
Many people encounter delays or denials of their insurance claims because they fail to follow their medical professional’s advice. This allows insurance adjusters to argue that much of the medical treatment you have received is unnecessary or that you could have mitigated these expenses. Adhere to your doctor’s prescribed regimen as closely as you can.
Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Today
Sustaining severe injuries in a rental car accident can be devastating. The attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. understand how challenging life can become after such an accident. Our legal team has recovered over $2.5 billion for injured victims in Illinois. We are ready to put our successful track record to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
