No matter how carefully you drive, car accidents do happen. Things get even more stressful if you were driving a rental car on your vacation. There will be legal responsibilities involved from your side. It is always good to be aware of how to deal with such incidents and follow the proper protocol required thereby avoiding further confusion.
- Check if everyone is ok: Look around and see if anyone involved in the accident is injured. Do check the other cars and call 911 if someone is injured. If there’s a fuel leak or danger of explosion, move away from the car.
- Exchange information with the other party and gather evidence: Exchange personal contact information and insurance information with the other party. Take pictures of the scene. Avoid revealing that you are driving a rental car as some may this information to their advantage.
- Contact your car rental company: The glove compartment will usually contain contact details of the car rental company. Call them and inform about the accident. They’ll let you know how to proceed.
- Reach out to your auto insurance company: Inform your insurance company knows about the accident even if it wasn’t your fault. The opposite part could have raised claims against you. It is important to file a claim at the earliest.
Protect yourself with legal help:
A rental car accident involves more steps and paperwork than a usual accident. It can feel quite confusing. Hire the services of a competent attorney to sort it out. If you are injured in a Houston car crash, contact Baumgartner Law Firm. They have a good track record for handling car accident cases. They’ll help you receive the maximum possible compensation.
Is it important to purchase optional insurance coverage provided by the insurance agency?
Since you were the one who rented the car, you are responsible for returning it in good condition to the rental company. The costs incurred will be high. To cover those costs you could turn to your personal car insurance company, the insurance provider of the rental car or your credit card.
Check if your auto and health insurance covers the damages incurred before renting a car. Depending on your insurance plan, you can choose the add-ons provided by the car rental agency to boost coverage. Their usual add-ons are:
- Collision damage: It covers financial losses resulting from damage/theft of a vehicle. This doesn’t cover bodily injury.
- Liability: If you are at fault and you are facing a lawsuit, liability claim covers claims raised against you.
- Personal accident insurance: This covers medical costs.
- Personal effects coverage: It covers the items you that were transported in the car like luggage, personal items, and electronics.
It is recommended for licensed drivers who don’t possess automobile insurance and renter’s insurance to purchase the insurance provided by the car rental company. Insurance protects you from the unexpected. When it comes to car accidents, even if you aren’t at fault the other party may hold you responsible. Professional legal assistance would help you sort such issues out.
