If you are on a business trip, vacation, or just visiting Atlanta for the day, having an accident in a rental vehicle can seem like a nightmare. This situation is made even worse if you are injured.
Unfortunately, Atlanta roadways can be dangerous. In fact, Georgia is ranked 14th in the country for having the deadliest roads.
After any car accident, you will likely be confused and unsure where to turn. This is true for rental car accidents, too, which is why you should contact an Atlanta personal injury lawyer right away for help.
What to Do After an Accident in a Rental Vehicle
Usually, the steps you take after an accident in a rental car are the same as those you should take after an accident involving your personal vehicle. It’s possible to protect your rights and establish a foundation for your accident claim by:
- Getting medical care right away (even if you don’t feel pain)
- Follow all treatment recommendations from your doctor
- Document your pain daily and any physical limitations the accident has caused
- Gather any evidence you have access to
- Talk to eyewitnesses who were at the scene when the accident occurred
- Contact an Atlanta personal injury attorney
- Talk to your insurance provider about the accident
- Contact the rental car company to let it know about the accident
Insurance Coverage for Your Rental Car Accident
One of the questions you may have after a rental car accident is if your insurance or the rental car company’s insurance will cover the damages and injuries that occurred.
There’s no black and white answer to this question because it really depends. If someone else was at fault for the accident, then their accident will be responsible. However, it’s still necessary to cover the deductible owed to the rental company and then wait for your insurance company to act and seek reimbursement for you.
If you are at fault for any part of the accident, you must do one or several of the following things to cover the damages that occur:
- Talk to your insurance provider: All Atlanta drivers have to carry a set minimum amount of liability insurance, which usually covers rental cars. If you have collision insurance, this will likely cover damage to a rental car, too.
- Rental car insurance coverage: You have the option to pay for rental car liability insurance in case an accident occurs. Signing a waiver can eliminate your responsibility to cover any damages to the rental vehicle. Discuss this option with the rental car company.
- Credit card company: Many credit card companies provide rental car coverage as a perk of membership. However, you may have to waive the rental insurance to be considered eligible.
What if Someone Else Drove the Rental Car and Had an Accident?
If an authorized driver was driving when the accident occurred, the insurance coverage options look similar to if you were driving. However, if an unauthorized user was involved in an accident, you will likely have to cover damages. Most insurance coverage won’t handle this.
Contact an Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer to Learn More
If you are involved in an accident in a rental car accident, your best option is to get in touch with our Atlanta personal injury lawyer. We can review the facts of your case and help gather evidence to prove someone else should be liable for the damages. You can get the compensation needed for your damages and injuries with the right legal representation. We are here to help; schedule a free consultation today.
