Car accidents involving your personal car can be complicated enough. But if you’re in an accident while driving a rental car, the legal complexities can increase significantly, especially if you suffer an injury.
Whether you’re a Florida resident or just here on vacation, understanding your rights and legal options is crucial if you are in a rental car accident. Contact Cardoso Law, PLLC for a free consultation with an experienced rental car accident attorney.
Typical Causes of Rental Car Accidents in Florida
The causes of rental car collisions are mostly the same as any other car accident. However, a few causes are more prevalent when rental vehicles are involved. Some of these causes include:
- Distracted Drivers – Distracted drivers are among the leading causes of car wrecks. Drivers who look at their phones or are distracted in other ways are likely to cause an accident.
- Aggressive Drivers – Drivers who speed, tailgate, or weave through traffic put other motorists at risk, including those in rental cars.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance – The rental car company may not maintain its fleet as well as it should. Poor vehicle maintenance can cause parts to break or malfunction, leading to collisions.
- Road Defects – You may be driving a rental car because you’re from out of town. If you’re not familiar with the area, you may be unable to avoid road defects like blind turns, missing traffic signs, or faded road lines that can lead to crashes.
Legal Complexities of Rental Car Accidents
Rental car accidents present several unique legal challenges. Florida is a no-fault state for car insurance injury claims, which can make things tricky. Typically, if you suffer injuries in an accident, you first file a claim with your personal injury protection (PIP) policy. However, you may not have this coverage if you’re from out of state.
Rental cars also make things more complicated in the following ways:
- Insurance Coverage – Rental car companies typically prompt you to purchase additional insurance coverage if your own policy does not meet their criteria, which adds an extra layer of complexity. An attorney can help you determine when to file a claim with your personal car insurance, the at-fault driver’s insurance company, or the rental car company’s insurance.
- Rental Car Company Liability – In some cases, such as if poor maintenance contributed to the accident, the rental car company may share some liability. This can be important if you need to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Third-Party Liability – Insurance claims and injury lawsuits can become even more complex if the accident involves a third party. You’ll need the assistance of a rental car accident attorney.
Why Hire a Rental Car Accident Lawyer?
After a rental car crash, hiring a lawyer is crucial. An experienced personal injury attorney can assist you through the entire legal process by:
- Identifying Liable Parties – Your lawyer will investigate the incident to identify all liable parties and gather evidence of their liability. They may collect witness statements, traffic camera footage, and photographic evidence from the accident scene.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies – Insurance companies always want to pay as little as possible to settle claims and lawsuits. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement that covers all your expenses.
- Representing You in Court – If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney will take your case to trial and seek the maximum compensation.
What to Look for in a Rental Car Accident Lawyer
When choosing a rental car accident attorney, you need one with the experience and knowledge necessary to demand the compensation you deserve. You should look for an attorney who has:
- Experience with Similar Cases – Car accident injury case experience is vital, as you want an attorney who’s used to dealing with auto insurance companies. If they have handled rental car accident cases, that’s even better.
- Knowledge of Florida Laws – An attorney who solely practices within Florida will have extensive knowledge of Florida’s unique laws related to car wrecks and insurance.
- A Successful Track Record – Hiring a lawyer with a proven history of obtaining favorable settlements and verdicts for clients can provide you with peace of mind.
- Client Testimonials and Reviews – Most attorneys are happy to display their client testimonials and reviews. Always read client reviews to learn how the attorney communicates with and assists their clients.
Steps to Take After a Rental Car Accident
If you were injured in a car crash while driving a rental, there are some key steps you should take to protect your legal right to seek compensation for your injuries and strengthen your case. In general, you should:
- Notify the rental company. Reporting the collision to the car rental company is vital so you can file a claim with their insurance company. If you can no longer drive the car, the rental company will send someone to retrieve it and may provide you with a replacement car.
- Seek ongoing medical treatment. Follow through with your medical treatment so the insurance companies can’t claim that your injuries aren’t serious. If you end your treatment early, they could use that against you.
- Keep medical bills and accident-related receipts. Your attorney can use your bills and receipts to calculate your total medical expenses and other losses.
- Record your memory of the accident. While the collision is fresh in your mind, write down all the details you can remember. These notes may be helpful later.
- Avoid admitting fault. When talking to other drivers, police, the rental car company, or insurance companies, never admit fault for the accident. Doing so could hurt your insurance claims and potential lawsuit.
- Consult a lawyer. Contact an experienced rental car accident lawyer in Florida to handle every aspect of your case. Your lawyer will protect your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Florida Rental Car Accident Attorney for Help
Were you injured in a rental car accident in Florida? Contact Cardoso Law, PLLC for a free consultation with an experienced rental car accident lawyer. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options for pursuing compensation, and answer any questions you have.
Cardoso Law, PLLC has been serving Floridians for 15 years, helping injury victims secure the money they need to recover from their losses. We have many happy clients, including Dana W., who says: “Ryan is a fantastic attorney with experience, grit, and integrity. We feel absolutely blessed to have the opportunity to have his guidance, counsel, and professionalism in law. His team was responsive, kind, and thorough. 10/10 will recommend to anyone in need of an attorney.” Reach out today to see how we can help you, too.