Spring break is here, and hundreds of thousands of individuals will be renting cars to get around their vacation destinations. As you excitedly take the keys to your rental car this spring break, it is important to remember to drive safely and responsibly!
Getting into an accident while driving a rental car is not only a quick way to ruin your vacation; It also presents a myriad of logistical challenges for your insurance claim and for your personal injury attorney to deal with afterwards.
Here are some of the challenges an auto accident of this nature poses:
Insurance Coverage Disputes
One complication that arises as a result of a rental car accident is determining whose insurance policy covers the damages that were incurred. Your personal auto insurance, the rental company’s coverage, or a credit card’s rental insurance can all potentially be used.
Liability Ambiguities
Establishing liability is another aspect of a personal injury case that is complicated when a rental car is involved. Questions arise about who bears responsibility for such an accident; is the vehicle owner, the renter, or the platform that the vehicle was listed to rent on at fault?
In some rare instances, inadequate vehicle maintenance (on part of the rental company or vehicle owner) can lead to situations where your rental car is unsafe to drive. In cases like this, fault for an accident can potentially be placed on the parties who failed to properly service the vehicle.
This highlights the importance of doing a thorough inspection of your rental car before hitting the road.
The Out of State Element
If your rental car is involved in an accident that occurs outside of the state you live in, an entirely new element of complexity and confusion is introduced.
Personal injury and auto accident cases are much harder to pursue when the injury or accident takes place outside the state in which the injured party lives. See our past blog on Vacation Injuries, for a full explanation of the complications that arise in situations like this.
Surprise Charges and Fees
A final complication that arises in rental car accidents is the surprise charges and fees that rental companies will try and put on you. Administrative fees, loss-of-use fees, and diminished value claims are all ways that these companies will try and punish you for your accident and extract as much money from you as possible.
Get David Get Paid
If you are involved in an accident while driving a rental car, its important to get an injury attorney who understands the intricacies of such mishaps. David Femminineo is experienced when it comes to these matters and will fight for you without hesitation.
Call us at 855-65-CRASH or visit our website at getdavidgetpaid.com, today!
