Wondering if you need a lawyer when you’ve been injured in a rental car accident? Here are reasons to call us.
Renting a vehicle can be a very convenient option when traveling for a variety of reasons. However, if you get into an accident in a rental car, things may get complicated. How the rental car company handles insurance claims and other issues regarding ownership can complicate the claims process.
As a result, car accidents that involve rental cars are sometimes handled differently than typical accidents in which both drivers own their vehicles.
If you were seriously injured in an accident in a rental car, whether you were traveling on business or vacation, or hit by someone in a rental car, a Chicago rental car accident lawyer may be able to provide legal assistance. They can help you understand your share of liability and what to expect from the legal process. They can also help you deal with rental car companies and the insurance company involved.
If you have been injured in a crash, dealing with rental car accidents can get complicated but we are here to help you understand every part of the process. To learn more about your options, contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC today.
When you rent a vehicle, it is expected that you will return the rental car in the condition you received it in. However, there are times when accidents do happen, and even if you are injured in an accident that was caused by another driver, you may still be held responsible for damages by the car rental company. This is because you are under contract due to your rental agreement.
Rental Car Companies and Insurance
As a result of these technicalities, it is usually required to have rental car insurance when you rent a vehicle. Whether it is from your own auto insurance policy from your own auto insurance company or if you opt to take out car rental insurance through the rental company itself, car rental coverage is always a must. However, it is important to know that different levels of coverage extend to different circumstances.
If you do not have adequate rental car insurance coverage, you may be held liable for damages that you did not even consider. For this reason, it may be helpful to discuss your case with a legal professional who understands the laws regarding car insurance, car rental companies, and rental vehicles.
Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC today to get a free consultation and explore all the legal options that might be available to you in your case.
Types of Rental Car Accident Insurance
Have you been injured in an accident? Get help from the experienced lawyers at The Kryder Law Group.
When you rent a vehicle, your personal auto insurance may cover the damages stemming from a collision. However, it is always important to know what kind of coverage you have if you intend to use it for a rental car, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).
Rental Car Company Insurance
You are typically offered the option to add more auto insurance coverage by the rental car company. While this is not mandatory, a rental company’s insurance could serve to cover any damages resulting from a rental car accident. It is wise to consider all your options when you purchase insurance including your own insurance policy and policies offered through your credit card.
Per the III, these are the most common types of rental car insurance coverage used for rental vehicles:
Personal Car Insurance
This is standard car insurance coverage, and if you own a vehicle, you can usually extend this coverage when you rent a car. If you do not own a vehicle and have your own insurance, you can pay for coverage from the rental company. You can ask for all available options at when speaking to an agent at the rental car counter.
If you have an accident while driving a rental car, your personal car insurance should cover you. However, if the accident is determined to be your fault, your rates could increase when you renew your policy. You may also need to pay a deductible, which is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket before your insurance company begins to pay for damages.
If you have an accident while driving a rental car, and the other driver is at fault, their insurance company will likely pay for damages. However, if the accident is determined to be your fault, you may be responsible for damages that exceed the limits of your coverage.
Personal Accident Insurance
This type of insurance is intended to cover injuries for those involved in an accident. However, your coverage options are based on the details of your own insurance company policy. A deductible may apply, and all costs related to an accident may not be covered by a driver’s insurance company.
Collision Damage Waiver
With this added coverage, the rental car company waives replacement and repair costs if damage, theft, or an accident occurs. There are usually exceptions, though, such as in the event of reckless driving or if the vehicle was driven by an unauthorized driver. If opting to purchase collision damage waiver coverage, be sure to ask the car rental company agent exactly what this does and does not cover.
When renting a car and selecting your insurance options, it is important to remember:
Collision damage waiver coverage protects you from having to pay for the costs of repairing or replacing a rental car in the event of an accident or other damage
There are usually exceptions, such as in the event of reckless driving or if the vehicle was driven by an unauthorized driver
Policies vary from company to company, so be sure to ask the car rental company agent exactly what this does and does not cover
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage is additional coverage that will pay for property damage and medical expenses for the other party if you are at fault for the accident. There may be limitations to how much this coverage pays, as it is intended to overlap your personal vehicle insurance coverage.
$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
However, if you have more extensive personal vehicle insurance coverage, you may not need to purchase the rental company’s liability coverage. In some cases, your personal vehicle insurance will provide better coverage than the rental company’s policy.
Credit Card Coverage
Many credit card companies offer some amount of rental car insurance. Be sure to review the specific policy available to you from your credit card company. Coverage levels and restrictions vary widely, so it is important to understand what is and is not covered.
Some credit cards offer primary coverage, meaning that the credit card company will be the first to pay for any damages incurred. If you have other insurance policies, such as collision or comprehensive coverage on your personal car, those policies would then become secondary to the coverage from your credit card.
A lawyer from The Kryder Law Group, LLC can guide you through the claims process. To learn more about your options call today for a free case evaluation.
Compensable Losses in a Chicago Rental Car Accident
In addition to navigating the claims process, you may be suffering from serious injuries. A Chicago rental car accident lawyer can handle all of the obligations that go into filing a successful insurance company claim or lawsuit. When you team up with The Kryder Law Group, LLC, the only thing you have to worry about is recovering from your injuries.
The cost of physical therapy and mental health counseling
You may be able to recover the cost of additional damages not listed above. Speak with an experienced car rental accident lawyer to find out about all your options.
How a Rental Car Accident Lawyer May Be Able to Help with Your Case
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. A Chicago rental car accident lawyer can help determine what you may be liable for or help you understand your rental agreement.
A lawyer can help you by:
Evaluating Your Case
An attorney can review the specifics of your accident to help determine if you have the basis for an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Saving You Time
If you are unsure about pursuing a claim after a car accident because you do not think you have the time, working with a lawyer can be a major benefit. You deserve to have your rights protected–– especially if you feel that the rental car agency is attempting to take advantage of you. An attorney and their team will handle the legal details of your case, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Working With You On a Contingency-Fee-Basis
If you are not sure whether you can afford the services of a Chicago rental car accident lawyer, you should be aware that in many cases, attorneys work with their clients on a contingency-fee-basis. They only get paid if you receive a financial settlement. The Kryder Law Group, LLC may be able to provide legal representation at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC
If you were in an accident involving a rental vehicle, it is important to understand the legal aspects of your case. A Chicago rental car accident lawyer can manage the various responsibilities involved in your personal injury case. To learn more, contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC today.
What will I get in my free consultation?
A free, no obligation evaluation of your rental car accident injury claim
Evaluation of the strength or weakness of your case
Identification of the compensation you are entitled to receive
Evaluation of the existence of available car insurance coverage
Discussion of the extent of your injuries and whether specialists are needed
Estimate of how long the case will take to complete
Answers to any questions you may have
There is no obligation. There is no cost. There is no reason not to call to find out for yourself what the value of your rental car accident case may be.
Some of Our Previous Accomplishments
Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of clients to recover millions of dollars and we’re proud of our results.
Here is a list of some of the results we achieved for our clients:
$3 million dollars for the family of a man hit by a truck.
$2.2 million dollars for a person injured in an automobile collision.
$2 million dollars for someone struck by a speeding vehicle while waiting for the bus.
$1.5 million dollars for a truck driver struck by another car on the side of the road.
(312) 223-1700