When you get into a vehicular crash, this can be a high-stress situation. If you were driving a rental car at the time of the accident, this can feel even more stressful because you do not own the vehicle that was wrecked.
You might feel similarly overwhelmed if the other driver in the accident was the one with the rental car. With another party involved in the event (the rental car company) you might feel unsure about the actions you need to take.
What to Do If Involved in an Accident with a Rental Car
You will need to follow similar protocols in an accident with a rented car as you would with one that you own. But the rental car company will need to know about this incident too. Read on for steps that you can take if you get into a car accident involving a rental vehicle.
Stay Safe and Document the Scene
The first step, no matter what type of vehicle you were driving, is to make sure you, your passengers, and any other individuals involved are safe. Call emergency services for anyone hurt at the scene of the accident. Safety should remain your priority after a car wreck.
If another vehicle was involved in this accident, exchange contact details and insurance information with the other driver. Document the scene by taking photos of any damage with your phone. Take notes about what happened as well if you can. This information will be important when you speak to the rental company and insurance representatives later.
You will need to contact the local police to file a report about the accident too. The insurance company and the rental car company will both want this type of official documentation of the event for their records.
Call the Rental Car Company
If you were behind the wheel of a rented vehicle during an accident, you will need to let the rental company know about this incident. They should have an emergency line listed that you can reach at any time of day.
The rental car company will arrange for recovery of the vehicle if it is no longer drivable along with any repairs. If you can still drive it, they will tell you where to bring your car.
Note that you still maintain responsibility for the vehicle until this exchange. The company will also want to file its own report about the incident. So prepare to share details with a representative.
Contact Attorney Big Al, Law Office Of Richard Klein
If you were not at fault for this car accident and you intend to file a claim with your insurance agency, you should contact a personal injury law firm before reaching out to the insurance agency. A lawyer can review your case and help you sort through the details to determine your eligibility for compensation.
If you are not at fault for an accident, the other driver’s insurance will pay for personal and property damages. If they were driving a rental car, insurance coverage for the vehicle may vary. An experienced attorney can navigate the different layers of insurance coverage to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. To learn how we can help you after a car collision where you got hurt and were not at-fault, see Personal Injury.