If you have been driving around and get hit by someone while driving a rental car, you are in for a lot of hassle. Though in a lot of ways, handling an accident that has occurred with a rented car is similar to the one that is self-owned but there are some added layers such as rental car insurance, a rental agreement that increase the complexities of the whole case for which you should be totally prepared.
What to do After Your Rental Car Accident?
- Ensure the well-being of everyone in the accident
While this might be common sense, the first thing that needs to be done is making sure everyone is doing okay. Check the surroundings for dangers of explosion and also all the vehicles that were involved in the accident. In case of a serious injury to anyone, call 911 immediately.
- Get witness information
Look for witnesses around, if you can spot any, get their contact information. In case you are to file for compensation, these witnesses can be useful.
- Take notes and also pictures
Collecting detailed information about the accident is important such as the exact location of the collision, vehicle numbers of the other vehicles in the crash, how the accident occurred, etc. Take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident, the condition of the road and also the injuries if you have sustained any.
- Contact your car rental company
As soon as possible after the accident, call the rental company and inform them about the accident. In rental cars, there is often an emergency number given either on the dashboard or in the glove box. Your rental company can guide you on how you can go about the whole process.
If you were not at fault for the accident that occurred while you were driving the rental car, you still must pay your deductible directly to the rental company from whom you rented the car, because the company is to get that car repaired as soon as possible. Once you have paid for the damages, your insurance company will go after the responsible party, which might then result in you getting reimbursed.
How to get compensation for your Injuries?
After the accident, you can file a claim with the insurance company and the other companies that are involved in the complete episode, including your own if need be. It is a very good idea to get your claims process started as soon as you have a better understanding of your trauma, injuries and other medical diagnosis as in most cases the insurance companies deny claims even after they are reported well after the incident occurred.
Contact an Attorney
It is essential to have an experienced lawyer by your side in case of personal injury claims. Siler & Ingber law firm has some top-rated attorneys who have been representing victims in collisions involving rental cars. Contact today and get a free evaluation of your case.