Rental cars are convenient, especially when you are on vacation or a business trip. It allows you to travel more easily than having to rely upon public transport. However, whenever you drive, there is always a chance that you will get into a car accident.
Driving in a rental car does not necessarily increase the risk of being in a crash, but driving in unfamiliar areas certainly can increase the risk of an accident. Rental car accidents can be complicated. They are complex because there are a few different entities that could be held responsible for the damages and injuries.
Rental Car Driver
If the person who rented the car was the cause of the crash, then they could be ultimately held responsible. When someone rents a car, there is an option where they can purchase rental car insurance on the vehicle. If they choose not to do that, then their own personal vehicle and the insurance on that car may come into play.
Many automobile insurance policies will have a provision that it provides certain types of coverage for accidents involving rental cars. Not every personal auto insurance policy has this type of coverage though.
Rental Car Company
In some crashes, the rental car company will be held responsible. More specifically, the insurance company that insures the vehicle on behalf of the rental car company. If the customer pays for the extra insurance, it is that insurance company that will be responsible for the payment of any damages, losses, and injuries.
In some circumstances, the rental car company is at least partially responsible for any injuries if their employee somehow acted in a negligent way. For example, if the rental car employee rented a car to someone who did not have a valid license. Another example is renting to someone who was visibly intoxicated and then got into a crash.
Your Own Insurance Company
In some circumstances, when you are hit by someone driving a rental car and there is no other insurance, you might be able to make a claim with your own auto insurance. If you have purchased uninsured and underinsured coverage on your personal auto insurance policy, then you can make a claim.
Egg Harbor Township Car Accident Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Help People Who Have Been Seriously Injured in Rental Car Accidents
If you have serious injuries because of a rental car crash, you do not have to go through this alone. Our Egg Harbor Township car accident lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm are here to answer your questions in an honest and compassionate way. Call us at 609-926-3300 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we serve clients across South Jersey, including Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, and Woodbury.