FAQ: Car Accidents Involving Rental Vehicles
If you have been in an auto accident involving a rental, call the Law Office of Steven R. Whitman, LLC right away for help. We have the skill, experience, and commitment to excellence that can help give your personal injury claim the best chance at success.
What Should I Do if I Was Hurt by Someone Driving a Rental Car?
If you were not driving the rental car involved in your accident, obtaining compensation for your damages and losses is much simpler. As with other car accidents, you will resolve the issue with the other party’s auto insurance company. You may also be able to file a personal injury claim against the other driver if you end up spending a long time in recovery or rack up large medical costs because of your accident, especially if it was directly caused by the other driver’s negligence.
What if I Was in an Accident While Driving a Rental Car?
Auto rentals typically come with an offer for supplemental insurance coverage. If you purchased a collision damage waiver, your car rental company may not require you to pay for damage caused during a collision, unless the accident occurred while someone else was driving the car or because you were driving recklessly.
A rental car company may also offer you supplemental liability coverage. In conjunction with your personal car insurance plan, this may cover the costs of damage done to other vehicles and medical expenses incurred by other drivers or pedestrians involved.
Can I File a Claim of Vicarious Liability Against the Rental Company?
Not typically. In years past, injured persons could sue the owner of the rental car by claiming “vicarious liability,” which allowed people to hold rental car companies responsible for damages and losses created through the use of one of their vehicles, even if the company was not directly involved or responsible. However, if there is reason to believe the accident and resulting damages occurred in part due to the car rental company’s negligent action or inaction, you may be able to sue the company and hold them responsible for medical costs, physical damages, and other accident-related losses.
Call (617) 227-8118 to Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer in Boston
Auto accidents tend to be chaotic and confusing, perhaps even more so after the accident has occurred. When it comes to deciding who should pay for which damages and losses, determining liability and fault for car accidents is critical. It also tends to be challenging and often requires a well-made case in order to be successful. Our team of Boston personal injury attorneys has years of experience and knows how to make the kind of strong case you need in order to recover compensation for injuries, damages, and losses.
Contact us to schedule your complimentary consultation today.