The Legal Aspects of Car Accidents Involving Rental Vehicles

When you are on vacation, you are driving unfamiliar roads. Sudden lights, stop signs, and unexpected turns all increase the chance of being in a car accident. You may be focusing your attention on the GPS and not see what lies ahead.  

Whether you are on vacation or close to home, a car accident is always traumatic, and potentially very expensive, especially when injuries occur. 

To recover your damages, you can file a claim with your insurance provider or the at-fault driver’s insurance. But what if you are away from home and driving a rental car?

A Car Accident Involving a Rental

If you are involved in a car accident involving a rental vehicle, you must first determine if there are any injuries.

In Alabama, you are legally required to contact the police if there are injuries resulting from a car accident. Tell the police there are injuries so they can send medical assistance. You must stay on the scene.

If there are no injuries and you can move the vehicles to a safe location. Talk reasonably to the other driver without placing blame and exchange the following information: 

Names

Address

Phone number, email other contact information

Insurance company and policy number

Driver’s license number, vehicle registration, VIN of the car

Take photos of the damage. Get the contact information for anyone who witnessed the crash

Contact your auto insurance provider

If the other driver blames you and becomes hostile, it’s better not to talk to him. Instead, wait until the police arrive. Whatever you do, do not admit any fault, or apologize for causing or contributing to the accident. The insurance provider can use that admission to blame you for causing the auto accident, even if you were just being polite.

Lastly, contact the rental car company. They will need a detailed accounting of how the accident happened, including the information you gathered from above.  

Car Rental Coverage in Alabama

We’ve all had the experience at the car rental desk. The agent asks if you would like to purchase separate liability coverage. Many drivers decide to rely on their own personal auto coverage.

You should carry collision and comprehensive coverage, which generally extends to your rental car. Make sure your liability insurance extends to the rental car to pay for damage to others. It may be worth a call to your insurance agent before your trip.

If you are without adequate insurance coverage, you may opt for the insurance offered by the car rental company, including: 

Loss Damage Waiver – If a rental car is stolen or damaged, this coverage will pay for those losses.

Personal Effects Coverage – If a rental car is stolen or damaged, your belongings that go missing or are damaged will

be covered. 

Collision Damage Waiver – In the case of a car accident with the rental car, the collision damage waiver removes the renter’s liability for all or some of the damage to the car. It provides a level of protection for the renter; however, theft will not be covered. 

Personal Accident Insurance – If you are injured in an accident with a rental car in Alabama, this insurance will provide coverage.

Some credit cards may also offer rental car coverage that would help pay for any damages. Check in advance of your trip. 

Personal Injury Car Accident Coverage

If you rely on your auto insurance coverage, you must know that the deductible will still apply, even if your policy pays for the damages. That is the portion you pay out-of-pocket before any insurance coverage kicks in.

Your damages may include pain and suffering, mounting medical bills, and lost wages if you are out of work while you recover.

It would be best to speak with Mr. Nix before discussing anything with the insurance company or rental car representative. The insurance adjuster for the rental company or from the at-fault driver may try to contact you with a settlement offer. As nice as that person might be, they do not have your best interest in mind and, instead, want to get rid of your claim as cheaply as possible. 

If you are contacted, have the adjuster speak with your attorney, Mr. Chip  

Nix, at (334) 203-6669, or call that number to begin your complimentary consultation.