How Do You Recover Compensation if the Motorist Who Struck You Was Driving a Rental Car?

Being struck by another motorist is a terrifying event under any circumstances. After a collision, you may be left to deal with medical bills for your injuries and repair bills for your vehicle. When the accident was caused by the other driver, you need to know that you can recover compensation for the expenses their actions caused.

Every car accident is unique. Most are highly complex events with multiple contributing factors. It’s not always easy to figure out how to obtain compensation on your own. Things can become even more complicated when you discover the other motorist was driving a rented car, not their own vehicle. How do you recover compensation if the motorist who struck you was driving a rental car?

At Pittman Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, we know there isn’t one simple answer to this question. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be able to obtain compensation from the insurance company covering the rental car, the driver’s personal auto insurance, a renter’s insurance policy purchased by the driver, or your own insurance company.

If you were involved in an accident caused by a driver in a rental car in Mississippi, contact our Jackson office for a free case consultation. We’ll evaluate your case at no cost to you and advise you of your legal options for recovery.

What To Do After an Accident With a Rental Car

Like any car accident scenario, it’s important to first confirm the safety of all involved parties. Check the condition of all vehicle occupants and call for emergency medical services if necessary. If it is safe, move the vehicles to the shoulder of the road and out of the way of traffic.

Once everyone’s safety has been ensured, there are a few critical steps you should take in the moments following a collision with a rental car. In a situation involving a rented vehicle, it’s even more important to document the information that can support your car accident claim. Be careful to complete the following actions and record information as accurately as possible.

• Exchange information with the other driver. Ask for their name and contact information, driver’s license number, personal auto insurer, any additional insurance coverage they secured for the rental car, and the name and location of the rental company.
• Take pictures of the accident scene. Include both vehicles, any injuries, surrounding property damage, the other vehicle’s license plate, and traffic, weather, and lighting conditions. Take photos of any other factors that could have contributed to the accident, like a broken traffic signal or road debris. This is standard for all car accidents. In this particular situation, you should additionally make sure to take a clear photograph of all pages of the other driver’s rental agreement. While you may not completely understand the terms of the rental agreement, your lawyer can review the document and apply any relevant information when filing your claim.
• Call law enforcement to the scene and have a police report filled out at the accident site. Obtain a copy of this police report for your records. The information contained within can be valuable to your car accident claim.
• Report the accident to your insurance provider. No matter what type of accident you are involved in, you will need to notify your insurance company. Only share the basic facts of the incident with your insurer. Don’t discuss the cause of the accident or who is liable. Basic information like the names of involved motorists and when and where the accident occurred should be the focus of your report.
• Speak to a car accident lawyer promptly so they can get started on your claim. There may be added delays and complications when working with a car rental company. You and your attorney will need to make sure legal actions are taken within the timeframes dictated by statutes of limitations. You’ll also need to work effectively to make sure that evidence is preserved at each stage of your recovery. Your lawyer will be able to advise you regarding how to properly document your medical treatments, time off work, and other losses associated with the accident.

Recovering Compensation After Being Struck by a Rental Car

Many drivers of rental cars are still covered by their own personal auto insurance policies. Your lawyer will be able to evaluate the circumstances and pursue compensation on your behalf through the appropriate channels. The best option may be to file a claim with the at-fault motorist’s insurance provider. In other cases, it may be more suitable to file a claim with the insurance company covering the rental car or through the renter’s insurance purchased by the driver.

If the driver of the rented vehicle is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to apply your insurance policy’s own uninsured or underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage. If you’re not sure about the terms of your insurance policy and how it applies to a collision involving a rental car, speak with your car accident attorney before proceeding. Car insurance companies are known to take advantage of policyholders and deny them full compensation. At Pittman Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, we have the experience to recognize dishonest insurance practices. We’ll protect your rights and make sure the company fulfills its obligations.

Contact an Attorney With Experience in Rental Car Accidents

Car accidents involving rented vehicles require expertise not every attorney possesses. If you were injured, lost wages, and sustained property damage because a motorist struck you in a rental car, you need an attorney you can depend on. You need someone who knows how to help you recover compensation—so you can afford quality medical care and vehicle repairs.

Contact the Jackson, MS office of Pittman Roberts & Welsh, PLLC today. We’ll work with your schedule to set up a free initial case evaluation.