What Happens When You Wreck a Rental Car?

Believe it or not, wrecking a rental car isnโ€™t that uncommon. From fender benders to full-on collisions, getting in a car accident is never pleasant. That is especially the case when you wreck a rental car. Even bad weather doesnโ€™t come close to ruining a vacation like getting in an auto accident, especially an accident that results in injuries.

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Life is full of the unexpected. Sometimes we run into inconveniences, like denting or dinging up your rental car. Since we obviously canโ€™t turn back the hands of time and rewind to an accident-free reality, one must know what to do in the event you get in an accident in a rental car.

What to Do If You Wreck a Rental Car

Make sure all involved are okay, starting with yourself – After the initial 20 second shock has worn off, do a quick assessment of your person, making sure you donโ€™t have any life-threatening injuries. If you have passengers in the car, quickly shift your focus to the other people in the rental car. In the event that other cars were involved, without putting yourself in harmโ€™s way, check to see if there are any other injuries, leaking gas or possibility of explosion. If someone is hurt, call 911 immediately and then contact an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer. They can better explain to you the proper legal steps to take to protect you from any undue liability.

Start documenting everything – While you wait for first responders and your car accident attorney, whip out your cell phone and start recording. Take thorough pictures and videos of the wrecked rental car, both from a distance and up-close. Using different angles while documenting the damage to the rental car will allow for you to argue in your defense.

Before you speak to the insurance company, or make any official statements, you should contact an experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney. To get the very best rental car accident defense in California, JUST CALL JACOB: 1.888.952.2952

Exchange insurance and contact information with other parties – This is usually peoplesโ€™ first reflex after they realize they are not noticeably injured. While this is certainly high on the list of priorities, it is recommended that you speak to your auto accident attorney before making any official statements to an insurance adjuster. Also, and this is a very important โ€˜alsoโ€™, it is best NOT to mention that you are driving a rental car to any other parties involved in the accident. It is not uncommon for people to take advantage of a situation of that nature. Wait until the authorities have arrived and you have spoken to your attorney before divulging too many details.

Contact the car rental company – This is a no-brainer. As soon as you clear up the immediate on-site issues, it will be time to make that call. You need to call and notify the rental car company about the accident. Most rental car companies have an emergency number in the glove box. Ask them how they want you to proceed. Make sure to properly comb over the insurance portion of the contract you signed with them. Ask any and all questions you may have relating to wrecking a rental car.

Call your personal insurance company – After phoning the rental car insurance company, it is time to call your insurance company. You may have rental car insurance coverage like collision and comprehensive coverage that protects you in the event you wreck a rental car. Be sure to make your insurance company aware of any additional insurance you may have purchased through the rental car company.

Collision damage waiver – Something to also consider is if you purchased a collision damage waiver from the rental car company. It is a wise and rather affordable fail safe. While this wonโ€™t cover medical expenses if you were injured, it would, in theory, protect you from owing anything towards the damage of the rental car if you were at fault.

Before you speak to the insurance company, or make any official statements, you should contact an experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney. To get the very best rental car accident defense in California, JUST CALL JACOB: 1.888.952.2952

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