Whether you’re visiting Sandy Springs or need temporary transportation, rental cars are a huge help. But like any motorist, rental car drivers can get into an accident at any time. If you were injured in an accident with a rental car, you have rights.
A car accident can leave you with painful injuries and costly damages. When the accident involves a rental car, liability can be complicated. You might wonder how to approach the insurance claim process. Thankfully, a Sandy Springs rental car accident lawyer can help.
Our car accident lawyers at John Foy & Associates can help you build a strong claim and fight for your right to compensation. You shouldn’t have to pay for a crash that you didn’t cause. Contact a member of our team for help by calling (404) 400-4000 or contacting us online.
Rental Car Accidents and Insurance Claims
All drivers in Georgia must carry the minimum auto insurance coverage. When someone rents a car, they must also have insurance. Rental car companies offer coverage options, but renters can choose to use their own policy, too.
The rental car driver might have insurance through:
- Personal car insurance: The driver’s personal auto insurance policy might cover a rental car accident. The insurer would pay for damages if the rental car driver was at fault.
- Rental car insurance: If a driver doesn’t have their own auto insurance, they can purchase insurance from the rental car company. The options will depend on how much coverage the driver bought.
- Credit card coverage: If the renter uses a credit card, the card company might provide temporary insurance. The details will depend on the card company.
Insurance doesn’t save rental car drivers from costs. If an accident happens, the driver could still be responsible for medical bills, vehicle damage, and insurance deductibles.
If you were hurt in a crash with a rental car, you’ll need to know the insurance details. The insurance coverage will determine the financial recovery options for your personal injury damages.
Establishing Responsibility for a Rental Car Accident
After a collision with a rental car, it’s important to know who was at fault. If you didn’t cause the accident, someone else is liable for the damages.
The at-fault party in the accident could be:
- The rental car driver
- Another driver involved in the accident
- Vehicle manufacturing defects
- Faulty or neglected vehicle maintenance
- Dangerous road or weather conditions
Many times, a driver is responsible for an accident. Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-12-4, the injured driver can seek compensation for their damages. So, if the accident wasn’t your fault, you’ll need to determine who was at fault.
Rental car accidents are more complicated than average accidents. Many insurance companies have detailed methods for handling rental car claims. Since there might be several policies at once, the investigation process is often involved.
There are many details to consider in a rental car accident. If you were injured, you’ll need to outline the cause of the crash. Then, you’ll need to build an insurance claim proving liability and your damages. To get help with each step, contact a lawyer who handles rental car accident cases.
Rental Car Accident Damages
Any losses you have from the accident are your damages. Common rental car accident damages include;
- Medical bills
- Medication costs
- Lost income
- Vehicle damage and repairs
- Pain and suffering
When a renter crashes in a rental car, they are often responsible for vehicle damage and more. Whether you were injured as a rental car driver or another driver, contact an experienced lawyer.
Our lawyers at John Foy & Associates can handle each step of the claims process. Our goal is to fully recover your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. To learn more during a free, no-risk consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000 today.
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Deadline to File an Accident Claim
Keep in mind that you have limited time to take action. In Georgia, the statute of limitations is two years. That means you typically have two years from the accident date to take legal action.
Some situations affect your deadline to file. Talk to a lawyer about the details of your accident and your options. Your lawyer can help you get started by:
- Gathering evidence from the accident
- Calculating all of your accident damages
- Filing a strong personal injury claim
- Negotiating with insurance for a fair settlement
- Taking your case to court, if necessary
If you wait too long to take action, it could be too late. The courts will dismiss a case outside of the statute of limitations.
Steps to Take After a Rental Car Accident
If you are in an accident with a rental car, take some deep breaths. The process is overwhelming, but you have rights. If you didn’t cause the accident, you shouldn’t have to pay. Here are some ways you can start building your case immediately.
Report the Accident
Call 9-1-1 to report the crash to the police. Make sure officers create an accident report of what happened. You’ll need a copy of this report for your records.
Document the Crash
Do what you can to gather information at the scene. If you’re well enough to do so, we recommend:
- Taking pictures of your injuries and vehicle damage
- Photographing the entire accident scene
- Getting the names and contact information of eyewitnesses
Also, save all medical bills and other evidence of your expenses. You will need to include these in your claim.
See a Doctor
Even if you feel okay, get medical attention after your accident. If you wait too long, the insurance company will use it against you. The insurer will need evidence of your injuries to accept your claim.
Talk to a Lawyer
Also, contact an experienced lawyer who can help build your case. A rental car accident lawyer will know how to get started and protect your rights.
Consult with a Rental Car Accident Lawyer in Sandy Springs
You have legal rights after a car accident you didn’t cause. This includes a rental car accident in Sandy Springs. Speak with a lawyer today about seeking the fullest compensation possible.
At John Foy & Associates, we can be there for every step. Our lawyers know how to build strong claims and stand up to the insurance companies. Plus, our lawyers don’t charge a fee unless we win your case.
To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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