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Figuring out if you have the coverage you need and how to file a claim after a Dallas rental car accident is rarely simple. Understanding how insurance works when you rent a car and how these claims work after a crash is important, though. It can mean the difference between getting the compensation you deserve and being on the hook for the other driver’s medical treatment and the damages to the rental car.
At Lovins Law, PLLC, our Dallas car accident attorneys know how the insurance companies work. We have extensive experience dealing with rental car companies as well as insurance policies that offer you coverage during a crash. A rental car accident lawyer in Dallas from our firm can handle the entire claims process for you, protecting your rights and ensuring you receive all the insurance coverage you need.
Call our Dallas office today at 214-484-1930 to schedule a complimentary case review with one of our knowledgeable rental car accident lawyers.
What do I need to do if I am in a Dallas rental car accident?
It pays to put your health first after any car accident. If you suffered any injuries, seek immediate medical care. If you did not receive medical care on the scene, you should still visit a local emergency department or see your doctor as soon as possible to ensure you do not have any internal injuries or injuries that have not manifested yet.
The primary difference after a rental car crash and any other motor vehicle accident is that you need to notify the car rental company rather than an insurance company. Each company has a different procedure in place for this notification, but most require you notify them as soon as possible. Look over your paperwork, call the company’s roadside assistance line, or visit the website to learn what to do in the event of an accident.
Once you have a handle on how to report the accident, follow the process closely. Sometimes simply following the right procedure is key in these cases.
What happens if I am at-fault in the crash?
Most people use their own car insurance liability policy to cover injuries and damages in a crash they cause, even if they are driving a rental car. Many car insurance policies cover any vehicle you drive, although some do specifically exclude rental cars. It pays to review your policy before you rent a car to ensure it provides the coverage you need.
As long as your liability policy covers you while you are piloting a rental car, you have coverage (up to your policy limits) to pay for:
- Medical care for your passengers
- Medical care for any other drivers or passengers in other vehicles
- The repair or replacement of the other driver’s vehicle
Read your policy carefully to determine your coverage type and amount. Insurance policies are notoriously complicated. Our team has experience with these policies and waivers and will be glad to translate yours into simpler terms.
In some cases, we can also help you recover compensation for your injuries if you were partially at-fault for the crash. We will defend your case against accusations of fault and help you get the most compensation possible.
Do I have coverage to pay for the damage to the rental car?
Because all car companies require liability insurance, the sticky situation many people find themselves in after a Dallas rental car accident is how to pay for the damages to the rental car. Your liability coverage pays for repairs to the other cars involved in a crash you caused, but this policy does not pay for repairs to a car you drive.
If you carry collision coverage on your personal vehicle, this policy should pay out to repair the rental car as well. You may also have coverage if you used a credit card to pay for the rental car because many offer insurance as a bonus.
Lastly, you had the option to waive liability for an extra fee when you rented the car. If you opted in and signed the Collision Damage Waiver, you are not financially responsible for repairs to the rental vehicle.
Many people find out too late they did not cover all their bases before they rented a car. The rental car company will likely attempt to recover compensation for the damages through a lawsuit or other means. If this is happening to you, call us as soon as possible. We can review your insurance policies and try to find an option to cover this type of damage.
What if another driver crashes into my rental car?
When another driver causes an accident and your rental car suffers damage, the at-fault driver’s liability policy should cover repairs as well as any medical treatment you require.
We can help you build a strong case and prove the other driver was behaving negligently. This makes it much easier to get the compensation you need, and keep yourself off the hook for damages to your rental car.
When is the rental car company liable for a crash?
Very rarely, a defective part, poor maintenance, or improper repairs cause a rental car crash. When the rental car company knew about these issues — or should have known about them — this is negligence. This means the rental car company is liable for the injuries of anyone involved in the crash as well as the repairs to all vehicles involved.
Car rental companies have insurance to cover this type of situation, but their legal team will likely fight the assertion they acted carelessly. We can usually recover the compensation due to our clients in this type of claim, but it requires building a strong case against the rental car company.
If you think the rental car company might be liable for your Dallas rental car accident, give us a call before you file any type of claim. We can investigate any lacking maintenance, parts defects, or other issues and determine how they affect liability.
Where can I get help from a rental car accident lawyer in Dallas?
At Lovins Law, PLLC, we understand it can be difficult to determine how insurance coverage works after a Dallas rental car accident. We can help you figure out which coverage applies, and even file your claim for you. We get you the compensation you deserve and prevent you from paying out when you do not need to.
If you suffered injuries or damaged your rental car in a Dallas car accident, give us a call today at 214-484-1930. We will schedule a time for you to meet with one of our Dallas rental car accident lawyers.