When people spend time on vacation or their vehicle is disabled, they often opt to rent a vehicle for an agreed-upon period to get around. However, while renting a vehicle, being unfamiliar with the car as it isn’t yours can increase your chances of an accident. If you are injured in an accident while driving a rental car, it can be overwhelming. Since the vehicle does not belong to you, you may be worried about the potential consequences of the collision. In many ways, handling a rental car accident is similar to how you would handle a collision in your vehicle. However, there are often more complexities as you have to consider the car rental agreement and the rental car insurance you may have obtained. That said if you have been injured in an accident with a rental car, contact an adept New York City Car Accident Lawyer who can help you understand your legal options. Continue reading to discover who can be held responsible for a rental car accident.
Who can be held liable for a rental car accident in New York?
Similarly to other motor vehicle accidents, the driver who is found at fault will be responsible for the damages as their negligent actions caused the collision. Therefore, if you were responsible for the collision, you will be held liable for the damages. During the rental period, even if another driver causes the collision, you are liable for the damages. That said you will have to file a claim with your insurance company. They will reimburse you for accident-related expenses. However, the car rental agreement you signed with the rental company may require you to pay for the car’s damages within a certain timeframe. If this timeframe is shorter than the amount of time it takes to resolve the claim, you can file a claim against the other driver to recover monetary compensation for the losses you’ve incurred stemming from the accident.
Moreover, before renting a vehicle you should determine whether your auto insurance covers rental car accidents. If it does not, it is in your best interest to purchase additional coverage through the rental company. The most common types of insurance for renters include:
- Collision damage: This insurance covers repair costs if the vehicle is damaged.
- Liability: If you are responsible for a rental car accident this insurance provides you with $1 million in liability coverage depending on the rental company’s coverage amount.
- Personal accident insurance: This insurance pays for medical expenses if you were injured in a rental car accident.
- Personal effects coverage: This insurance covers any personal belongings you lose in a collision.
It is beneficial to obtain this supplemental auto insurance coverage if your insurance does not cover rental car accidents. Furthermore, following the accident, you must inform the rental company of the accident and call your insurance company. The rental car company will advise you on what to do next.
If you have been injured in an accident with a rental car, you need a determined New York City car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Brian J. Elbaum on your side. Our firm is committed to helping our clients recover monetary compensation for their damages.
