At Maison Law, we represent those who have been injured in car accidents due to the negligence of other parties. In some cases, car accidents involve rental vehicles and the companies that own these vehicles. If you were involved in a reckless driving accident involving a rental car in Merced, there are options available for you moving forward. Please contact us for a no-obligation and completely free legal consultation today.
Should I Contact a Rental Car Accident Lawyer?
If you were involved in a car accident with a rental car and only property damage resulted, you may be able to handle a claim on your own without an attorney. However, if your accident resulted in serious injuries, a rental car accident lawyer can help you prove liability.
It can be beneficial to have an attorney on your side as you move forward with a claim against a driver or a large rental company. This is due to the fact that many of these companies employ large insurance companies and corporate attorneys to handle their claims for them. They might try to offer you much less than you deserve in compensation, which can leave you in a challenging position. At Maison Law, we will help you obtain maximum support for yourself and for your family depending on your unique circumstances.
Who is Liable for a Merced Rental Car Accident?
In Merced, there are many things to do, including visiting Yosemite or one of the many local vineyards or museums. As such, there are many reasons to acquire a rental vehicle. In the event of an accident, you may need to know what options you have for recovery. When you are behind the wheel of a rental vehicle, you will typically be covered by your own car insurance in the event of an accident. However, some insurance choices that you make could affect the way in which you receive compensation:
- The Other Driver’s Insurance Policy: If you are behind the wheel of a rental vehicle and another driver strikes you, their insurance coverage should pay for your damages. This is true even in cases where your vehicle is struck by another party inside a rental vehicle. The downside to this is that you may have to take care of upfront fees until the other driver’s insurance processes your claim to be later reimbursed.
- Your Car Insurance: Even if you were operating a rental car for personal use and you were involved in an accident, you may still be covered by your car insurance. If you know that your insurance will not cover you, you have the opportunity to purchase additional insurance coverage in case you are involved in an accident.
- Credit Card Protection: When you charge a rental car to your credit card, you may be given accident protection. This will cover you up to a certain limit after a collision. However, your damages will likely exceed what this protection can give you, which is why it is important to understand your other options.
- Car Rental Coverage: When you rent your vehicle, many rental companies will offer you various levels of insurance in case of an accident. These types of coverage can offer a variety of aspects such as coverage if you or another party are injured or coverage for any damages to your rental vehicle. However, it is important that you remember this insurance may not kick in until you have paid a large deductible.
- Rental Car Company: If the rental company is somehow at fault for your accident, they might be liable for any damages that stem from your accident. This could apply to cases where there was a mechanical issue with the vehicle or they failed to warn you of any potential road dangers in the area.
If you were involved in an accident involving a rental vehicle, you should always alert the rental company of your accident as soon as possible. It is also vital that you speak with your own insurer so that they are aware of the accident.
What Steps Should I Take After a Rental Car Accident?
Protecting yourself and the future of your claim is crucial so that you can get back on your feet both physically and financially following a collision. Here are some steps that you should take after you are involved in an accident involving a rental car:
- Call 911 so that any injured parties, including yourself, get proper medical care.
- Go to the emergency room if you require extra care aside from the care you received from EMTs on scene.
- Tell police about what you saw and experienced during the accident.
- Receive any contact information from involved parties or witnesses.
- Take photographs with your cell phone of the location of the accident, as well as any damages and injuries you suffered as a result.
- Alert the rental car company and your car insurance provider of the accident immediately.
How Much is My Merced Rental Car Accident Worth?
It is impossible to determine exactly how much you could receive in compensation for your rental car accident when you move forward with a claim. However, speaking with our attorneys at Maison Law can make you aware of any benefits that may be available for you. We will help you demand what is fair so that your damages are covered. Here are some damages that you could receive in your claim:
- Totals on medical expenses and those that you may incur in the future
- Long-term disability damages
- Loss of income or benefits as a result of not being able to work
- Support for emotional pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Wrongful death benefits if a life was lost due to an accident
Contact a Merced Rental Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a rental car accident in Merced, you may wonder what options you have. Time may be limited under California’s two-year statute of limitations, which is why you should act quickly to protect your legal rights.
At Maison Law, our Merced car accident lawyers are here to assist you and your family after you have been hurt in a rental car accident that was caused by negligence. You can schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation with us to get started on your claim as you work toward results. Please do not hesitate to contact us today to get started on your claim.
