Chicago Rental Car Accident Lawyer

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Have you or a loved one been injured in a Chicago rental car accident? Get help from the experienced lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers. Each personal injury lawyer on our team is here to help you understand the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.

What Do Car Rental Companies Require?

Typically, you need a valid driver’s license, a credit card in the driver’s name, and sometimes an additional form of identification.

Rental age requirements vary, but most rental car agencies set the minimum age at 21 or 25. Younger drivers may face additional fees.

What Happens in the Event of an Accident?

In the unfortunate event of an accident:

  1. Make sure everyone involved in the rental car crash is safe and seek medical attention if needed.
  2. Report the accident to the rental car company and local authorities.
  3. Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicles involved.
  4. Get contact information from any witnesses.
  5. Do not admit fault or sign any paperwork without discussing it with your lawyer first.
  6. Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers for guidance on how to proceed with your case.

Do I Need a Lawyer When I’ve Been Injured in a Rental Car Accident?

Injured in a Rental Car? Here's How a Lawyer Can Help

Yes. If you were seriously injured in an accident in a rental car—whether the accident was your fault or not—it may be helpful to discuss your rental car case with an attorney. We can help you by:

  • Helping you understand your rental car agreement
  • Clarifying your legal rights and explaining the intricacies of rental car accidents
  • Evaluating your case to determine if you have the basis for an insurance claim or lawsuit
  • Negotiating with the insurance company and the car rental company
  • Guiding you through the claims process
  • Representing you in court, if the settlement is not fair or reasonable
  • Handling all communication with the car rental agency and the insurance company, allowing you to focus on healing

What Happens When I Have a Rental Car Accident?

When you hire a car, you’re expected to return it as you found it. If an accident happens, even if it’s not your fault, the rental company may hold you responsible for damage, based on your rental agreement and contract.

Rental car insurance is typically necessary when renting a vehicle. It can be from your personal auto insurer or the rental car agency.

If your insurance is insufficient, you could be accountable for unforeseen damages. Therefore, consulting your own insurance company or a lawyer who is knowledgeable about car insurance and rental laws, can be beneficial.

How Long Do I Have to File a Rental Vehicle Accident Claim?

When you are a rental car driver in Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including a rental vehicle accident claim, is typically two years from the date of the accident (735 ILCS 5/13-202). However, certain circumstances may affect this timeline, so it’s recommended to seek legal counsel promptly.

Types of Rental Car Accident Insurance

It is always important to know what kind of insurance policies you have if you intend to use them for a rental car, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).

Commonly used by rental car drivers, insurance types include:

Rental Car Company Insurance

Rental companies often offer extra car insurance. This isn’t required but could cover damages from accidents involving rental cars. Review multiple insurance companies’ choices, including those offered by your own auto insurance company and credit card policies.

Personal Car Insurance

Your personal auto insurance may extend to rental vehicles. If you lack personal coverage, the rental company can provide its own auto insurance policy. Should an accident occur, your policy, depending on fault, can bear the costs. Personal accident insurance accommodates accident-induced injury expenses, subject to policy specifics.

Collision Damage Waiver

Collision damage waiver covers rental cars, car repairs, theft, or accident costs and:

  • Protects you from having to pay rental car replacement and repair costs
  • Exceptions may include reckless driving or if the vehicle was driven by an unauthorized driver
  • Policies vary from company to company, so ask the car rental company agent about coverage

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage on your insurance policy pays for others’ property damage and medical expenses if you’re at fault in an accident.

Rental car companies typically offer liability coverage that is equal to the state’s minimum liability coverage requirement. In Illinois the minimum insurance requirements for rental car crashes are:

  • $25,000 in coverage for injury or death of one person in an accident
  • $50,000 in coverage for injury or death of more than one person in an accident
  • $20,000 in coverage for damage to property of another person

Credit Card Company Coverage

Credit cards may offer primary rental car insurance. Be sure to check the policy details for insurance coverage and restrictions.

What Compensation May Be Available in a Chicago Rental Car Accident?

Some compensable losses from your rental vehicle accidents or car accidents may include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Disability
  • Medical bills and medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Reduced future earning capacity
  • The cost of physical therapy and mental health counseling

Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers


At The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident and Injury Lawyers, our dedicated team of accident and injury lawyers is committed to helping you navigate the aftermath of a rental car accident. We understand the complexities of a rental auto insurance policy and vehicle accidents, and we are here to help you every step of the way.

Call Us for a Free Consultation

In a free consultation, our experienced attorneys will assess your case, provide legal advice, and discuss possible routes to pursue compensation. We will answer your questions, explain your rights, and outline the next steps in your rental car accident claim. There is no financial or legal obligation for this first meeting.

How Can I Afford an Attorney for My Rental Car Accident Case?

Uncertain about affording a Chicago rental car accident lawyer? Rest assured, at The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident and Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we’re only paid when you secure a settlement.

Let us help you get justice for your injuries and losses. We are here to support you in your time of need.

Chicago Rental Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Chicago rental car accident, get help from the experienced lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC.
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Tyler S.

I was involved in a pretty serious car accident. I had to have surgery and could not work. I initially hired a lawyer that I was not familiar with. The communication was lacking and I felt like I was not a priority. After several months of patiently waiting for things to improve, I decided to look for another attorney. Read More…

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The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, 134 North LaSalle St. Suite 1515 Chicago, IL 60602
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(312) 598-1012


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