Dealing With a Rental Car Accident: Causes, Fault & Legal Options

Whether you are on vacation, or your vehicle is in the shop for repairs, renting a car can be a simple and convenient solution. However, when an accident occurs involving a rental car, navigating the legal landscape can be complicated. In this blog post, we’ll provide valuable insights into rental car accidents, including insurance coverage, liability, and legal options for seeking compensation. We understand the challenges you may be facing after a rental car accident, and we are here to help you understand your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Accidents Involving Rental Vehicles

One study indicates that the overall accident rate for rental cars is higher than that of non-rental cars. The most common causes of rental car accidents include distracted driving, speeding, and failure to obey traffic laws. While some accidents may be attributed to the driver’s actions, others may result from road infrastructure issues or the negligence of other drivers sharing the road with rental vehicles.

One contributing factor to the frequency of rental car accidents is the temporary nature of rental car usage, which may contribute to a lack of familiarity with the vehicle’s handling and features, leading to a higher risk of accidents. Renters may not be as familiar with the car’s braking system, blind spots, or overall performance, potentially making them more susceptible to making errors while driving. Additionally, driving in unfamiliar territories and adjusting to different traffic regulations can pose challenges for some rental car drivers, leading to road mishaps.

What Kinds of Insurance Apply to Rental Car Accidents?

Figuring out which insurance applies can be really tricky after a rental car accident. There are many types of policies that might provide coverage, including the following:

The Renter’s Auto Insurance

When you rent a car, your personal auto insurance policy may extend coverage to the rental vehicle. This coverage is known as a “collision coverage extension” and could protect you from paying out-of-pocket for damages to the rental car in the event of an accident. However, it is essential to review your insurance policy or speak with your insurance provider to confirm the specifics of your coverage.

Credit Card Car Rental Insurance

Many credit card companies offer rental car insurance as a cardholder benefit. If you pay for the rental car using an eligible credit card, you may receive secondary coverage for damages to the rental vehicle. Secondary coverage means that it will kick in after your personal auto insurance policy pays its portion. It is vital to understand the terms and conditions of your credit card’s rental car insurance to ensure you have adequate coverage.

Insurance Purchased Through the Car Rental Company

When renting a car, the rental company will typically offer additional insurance options. Some common types of insurance offered by rental car companies include:

• Damage Waivers: Damage waivers, often referred to as “collision damage waivers” or “loss damage waivers,” are optional insurance coverages that relieve you of financial responsibility for damages to the rental car in case of an accident, theft, or vandalism. These waivers can be costly, but they may provide peace of mind if you are concerned about potential repair expenses.

• Supplemental Liability Insurance: Supplemental liability insurance (SLI) provides additional coverage beyond your personal auto insurance policy’s liability limits. It can protect you if you are involved in an accident that results in injuries or property damage to others.

• Personal Accident Insurance: Personal accident insurance (PAI) covers medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident. If you have health insurance or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, you may already have adequate medical coverage and may not need PAI.

• Personal Effects Insurance: Personal effects insurance covers your personal belongings if they are stolen from the rental car. If you have renter’s insurance or homeowner’s insurance, you may already have coverage for your belongings.

Can the Rental Company Be Held Liable for Damages?

In some cases, the car rental company could be held liable for damages resulting from a rental car accident. However, this is generally not the case unless the rental company’s negligence directly contributed to the accident. For example, if the rental company failed to properly maintain the vehicle, resulting in a mechanical failure that caused the accident, they may be held partially liable for any injuries to you and your passengers.

Seeking Compensation for Injuries and Losses

The process of seeking compensation after a rental car accident can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and who was at fault. Here are some scenarios and the possible avenues for compensation:

You Were at Fault for the Accident

If you were at fault for the rental car accident and have collision coverage on your personal auto insurance policy or purchased a damage waiver from the rental company, your insurance or the waiver should cover the damages to the rental vehicle.

You Are in a Rental Car and Another Driver Is at Fault

If another driver’s negligence caused the accident while you were driving a rental car, their liability insurance should cover your property damage and medical expenses. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your personal auto insurance policy may provide coverage through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

A Driver of a Rental Car Hit Your Vehicle

If you are involved in an accident caused by a driver in a rental car, the rental car company’s insurance should cover your property damage and medical expenses. However, dealing with a rental car company’s insurance can be complex, and it is advisable to seek legal representation from a car accident lawyer in Baton Rouge to ensure your rights are protected.

Contact Dudley DeBosier for Help After a Rental Car Accident

Dealing with the aftermath of a rental car accident can be complicated, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our team has the experience and resources needed to handle complex rental car accident cases.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rental car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for a free case evaluation. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovering and getting your life back on track. Contact us today to speak to a knowledgeable Baton Rouge car accident lawyer at Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers.

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