Rental Car Accidents in Brevard County
Auto collisions can happen anywhere, whether it’s on city streets, rural roads, or highways. They can also involve different kinds of vehicles, from commuter cars, commercial trucks, and cars from rideshare services. Though we may not always think of it, rental vehicles can also be involved in catastrophic and even fatal car accidents. If you’re involved in a rental car collision, an experienced attorney like Stephen G. Charpentier may be essential to know what steps to take next.
The team at the Melbourne, FL office of Charpentier Law Firm, P.A. would like to cover some of the basics of rental car collisions. This should help you understand why having a lawyer on your side is so important.
Rental Car Insurance Is There for a Reason
When you’re about to rent a car, the desk agent will usually ask you if you would like to purchase insurance coverage on top of your basic rental. While it can be costly, the increase in cost is usually worth it just in case of mishaps. Consider the types of coverage available when asked.
Is the Rental Car Company Liable for Damages?
No.
In a rental car accident, the person who caused the accident is liable for any damages or losses in the car crash. This shields the car rental company from legal liability even though they are the technical owner of the vehicle.
Will My Personal Auto Insurance Cover the Rental Car Accident?
If you did not purchase the car rental company’s insurance, then your own personal auto insurance will help cover damages to other vehicles if necessary. Keep in mind that the car rental company’s insurance coverage can prevent you from relying on personal auto insurance coverage should the need arise.
Will Rental Car Company Insurance Cover My Injuries?
It depends on the coverage available, but often times the answer is no. If another driver was negligent and cause an accident, you must seek compensation from them for your injuries. If that driver’s insurance coverage does not fully cover your injuries or the driver is not insured, you may need to file a civil lawsuit to seek damages.
What If a Vehicle Problem Led to the Accident?
If a vehicle problem led to an auto accident, you may be able to hold the car rental company liable for allowing you to drive a dangerous vehicle. Of course, proving liability in these cases can be difficult. The circumstances of your accident will determine if you have a case against a rental car company.
How an Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help
As you can see, there are many issues regarding liability and auto insurance to consider in these kinds of accidents. We’ve only scratched the surface of these matters. An auto accident lawyer can go over all of the details of your rental car accident and determine your best course of action.
This peace of mind is similar in some ways to the insurance offered to you by a rental car agency. Rather than going it alone, consider having some protection and certainty in the form of an attorney.
Learn More About Your Legal Options After An Accident In A Rental Car
For more information about your legal options after a serious car crash, we encourage you to contact an experienced auto accident attorney. Our law firm is here to help. You can contact the Charpentier Law Firm, at 321-308-8020.
WE HAVE A HISTORY OF SUCCESS
IN BREVARD COUNTY
Over the past 40-plus years of helping Brevard County's injured and mistreated, our firm has obtained some $65 million in recoveries on behalf of our clients, highlighted by an $15.5 million product liability award.
The team at Charpentier Law Firm has the negotiation skills to reach favorable settlements in many cases, but also has the experience and perseverance to try a case to verdict whenever it is in the best interests of our clients. Our history of success illustrates our dedication to our clients and their pursuit of justice. Our personal injury attorneys in Melbourne, Titusville, and Cocoa are proud to offer superior legal representation to victims and their families throughout Brevard County and Central Florida.