Auto Accident Attorney Tip: How to Handle a Rental Car Accident
A motor vehicle accident is a shocking and difficult situation in anyone’s life. When it comes to your own car, most drivers are knowledgeable about the dos and don’ts in case of a car wreck, but what if it is a rental car?
Proving the damages and your claim is difficult enough for your car, so you can imagine the hassles you will face if the car you have hired is in an accident. The best way to deal with such a scenario is to speak with an experienced auto accident attorney who can help you file a case as well as deal with other parties on your behalf.
To avoid any pitfalls and to prevent anyone from fooling you in case of a rental car accident, there are some basic things you need to be aware of.
Steps to take in case of a rental car accident
Ensure safety: The first thing you should check is if you and others in the car are safe and if there are any injuries. Call 911 for immediate assistance. Even if there is no apparent damage or injury, still, inform the police and get the police accident report. Note down important information and collect witnesses’ contact details. Take as many photos as possible.
Make important calls: Next, inform the agency from where you have hired the car. When you sign the rental car agreement, there are clauses regarding any possible accidents, so they will take care of moving the vehicle and related logistics. Also, inform your insurance company so that you can file your claim and get the compensation without delay.
You should also call your credit card personnel because they also provide damage coverage for rental car accidents.
The next most important person to call is a car accident attorney because dealing with the rental agency, and insurance companies can be overwhelming and too confusing.
Important points to know about rental car accidents
The most important point to know is about the car insurance schemes available. In addition to your own insurance, the rental car agency also provides waivers in case of accidents. Thus, before you sign the agreement with the agency, it is important to read all the points as well as understand the procedures in case you are involved in an accident.
Credit card companies also provide accident insurance but you need to check their conditions. Also, note that the collision damage waiver will cover the damages to the car but you will still have to copay an amount.
No matter what type of insurance you have or the damages you have incurred, having a personal injury lawyer with you will always help considering that you'll have to deal with multiple agencies. Considering you will be required to pay a deductible, it is best that the car accident lawyer deal with the figures and clauses so that you do not end up as the one with all the losses in addition to the injuries.
If you are conversant with the conditions of rental car insurance, then you are on the safe side, but there could be various loopholes that could work against you. That is why hiring a lawyer’s service will always be beneficial for you.
If you or your loved ones have been in a rental car accident, it could be traumatizing, to say the least. The Law Offices of Alvin F. de Levie can help you in times like these to make sure that you are not taken for a ride and you can claim damages. Give us a call at 844-777-2529 if you have any questions about your case.
Alvin F. de Levie is a 1973, Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and a 1976 graduate of the Villanova University School of Law. He is an expert in Pennsylvania Law revolving around medical malpractice and personal injury.
Mr. de Levie has consistently been voted by his peers to receive Martindale-Hubbell's "AV Preeminent" 5.0 out of 5.0 rating. An AV Preeminent rating is the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards.
