Navigating a Rental Car Accident: What You Need to Know

Aside from handling potential injuries after a rental car accident, you may be overwhelmed with insurance policies and liability disputes. If you're hurt in a rental car crash, support is available to help you navigate the process. Taking the appropriate actions now can ease the financial and emotional burden of a rental car accident and help you move forward toward recovery.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what to do immediately after a rental car accident, how to handle insurance and rental policies, and how to secure the compensation you may be entitled to if you've been injured.

Someone Hit My Rental Car

If you were involved in a rental car accident, your first priority should be safety. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries, and, if possible, move to a safe location away from traffic. Dial 911 to report the accident, especially if anyone is injured. A police report will serve as an official record of the incident, which can be valuable when dealing with insurance claims.

Thorough documentation can be crucial in supporting your case if you pursue a claim. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and nearby traffic signs or signals. Also, remember to exchange information with other drivers and anyone else who might have witnessed the accident.

And remember, even if you think you're unharmed or feel perfectly fine, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is vital to prevent delayed car accident injuries. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time. Having a medical professional assess your condition soon after the accident establishes a record of your injuries, which can be critical in supporting any claims for medical expenses.

What's the Next Step?

You must notify the rental car company as soon as possible, as most rental agreements require that you report accidents within a specific timeframe. You might be asked to complete an accident report form and return the vehicle to a designated location. The rental company will likely inspect the car for damages, and their report can become part of the evidence in your case. If you have your auto insurance policy, it may extend coverage to rental cars. You can call your insurance provider to inform them about the accident and confirm whether your policy covers damages and injuries in a rental car accident.

Liability in a rental car accident can be complex, especially if multiple parties are involved. Depending on the specifics, responsibility could lie with the rental car driver, another driver, the rental car company, or even a third party if defective parts or poor road conditions contributed to the accident.

In cases where you're hurt in a rental car crash and another driver was at fault, you may be able to pursue a claim against their insurance. Unfortunately, cases involving rental cars can be very complicated, so it's always advisable to consult with a legal professional before you call your insurance provider or rental car company. An experienced attorney can manage negotiations with insurance companies and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Need a Personal Injury Attorney in North Hollywood or Burbank?

When you're injured in a rental car accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and damages for property loss. Rental car accidents can often involve multiple insurance companies, so understanding your rights can significantly impact the outcome of your case. A personal injury attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation and ensure you receive a fair settlement.

As an established law firm in North Hollywood, Yepremyan Law Firm has represented clients in Southern California since 1998. With 24/7 support, we offer free consultations so injured victims can receive the legal advice needed for their case. Whether you're seeking guidance from our car accident lawyers in North Hollywood or wish to speak with our dedicated personal injury lawyer in Burbank, we're just a phone call away.

Contact our office and schedule your appointment today. At Yepremyan Law, our attorneys work on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters. No recovery, no fee.

*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.