Determining who may be liable for injuries and property damage after a rental car accident can be challenging. There may be multiple sources of compensation available to injured victims. However, figuring out how and where to file a claim can be overwhelming when you’re hurt and trying to focus on your physical and emotional healing. The car accident attorneys at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad in eastern Pennsylvania are well-versed in handling rental car crash claims. They can help you understand your rights and options and guide you through the process.
Establishing Fault In Rental Car Accident Claims
Determining who was responsible for causing a crash is usually the first step in any car accident claim. Even circumstances that seem straightforward, such as a rear-end collision, may be disputed by an insurance company. Having a car accident lawyer who understands how to thoroughly investigate these types of claims is critical. Although insurers conduct their own investigations, their main goal is to protect their bottom line. Before you provide a statement, sign anything, or accept a settlement from an insurance company, it’s best to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Types of Insurance Coverage
Any time you rent a car, it’s vital to make sure you have adequate insurance. Check your own auto insurance policy to see if it provides coverage for injuries and other damages sustained in a rental car accident. In Pennsylvania, drivers must have minimum Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage of $5,000 for medical benefits, $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person, and $5,000 for property damage.
Many different factors may affect your options for receiving compensation in a rental car accident claim, including where the accident occurred. If you are seriously injured, your PIP coverage may be barely enough to cover your medical bills, let alone other types of damages such as lost wages and pain and suffering. That’s why it’s vital to contact an experienced auto accident lawyer if you’ve been injured in a rental car accident.
Many credit card companies provide coverage if you use their card when renting a vehicle. However, this benefit typically provides secondary coverage and only applies to property damage. If any of your credit cards offer this protection, make sure to use one of them when renting a car.
The extra cost of purchasing insurance from the rental car company makes sense in some cases. For example, if you don’t own a car or don’t have collision/loss damage waiver coverage on your own policy, getting an adequate amount of insurance when you’re renting a car is a must. Always review your own policy and any benefits you may have through a credit card to avoid being coerced into buying rental car insurance you don’t need. If you’re traveling internationally or for business purposes, you may need to purchase insurance from the rental car company to make sure you’re adequately covered.
When Someone Else is Responsible for a Rental Car Accident
If you or a passenger were injured in a rental car accident that was caused by another party, you may need to file a claim with their auto insurance company. You may end up using your own PIP policy as well. Each situation is different, and possible sources of compensation vary from case to case.
Why Do I Need A Lawyer After A Rental Car Accident?
Seeking the counsel of an auto accident attorney who can help you sort out your options and assist you with multiple claims can help to ensure you seek all possible avenues of compensation that may be available to you. If an accident was caused by a vehicle malfunction or negligence on the rental company’s part, your case may be even more complex and require the experience and knowledge of a seasoned personal injury attorney. An auto accident lawyer will investigate your claims, determine who is at fault, put an accurate value on your claim, and help you seek maximum compensation for damages such as medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact A Car Accident Lawyer To Learn More
At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, our car accident attorneys understand that being injured or losing a loved one in a crash can be life-altering. We are dedicated to helping injured victims of rental car accidents find the compensation and justice they need and deserve. Contact us online or call our Bath office at 610-867-2900 to schedule a free consultation today. We serve clients throughout eastern Pennsylvania.