Rental vehicles are a convenient and widely used service. However, they can also raise questions of insurance and liability in the event of a crash. Before renting, it is important to know what your personal auto insurance coverage is for driving rental vehicles. This is crucial information regardless of whether you or another driver caused the collision.
If you were injured in a traffic crash involving a rented vehicle, call a skilled Columbus car accident attorney at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy. Our legal team is well-versed in Columbus rental car accidents and could advise you on the best strategy for seeking compensation from the at-fault party, regardless of whether you were the one driving the rental.
Risks of Rented Vehicles in Columbus
In some cases, rented cars pose greater risks than personal cars, as drivers might be unfamiliar with the particular model and feel of the vehicle. It is important to take the time to familiarize yourself with all the functions of the rental before getting on the road.
However, even the most cautious motorists cannot always account for other people’s negligence. If you were injured by a careless rental car driver, or if you were driving a rental when another motorist hit you, it is critical to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Collisions involving rented vehicles may create challenging questions around liability and insurance coverage, requiring help from an experienced attorney in the area.
Insurance Coverage for Rental Car Wrecks
Insurance coverage for a rental car wreck will depend on several factors, such as whether the rental car driver was the one who caused the crash.
Underinsured Coverage for Rental Accidents
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or does not have sufficient coverage, an injured victim may need to look to their own policy. Underinsured coverage will typically go to the driver of the personal car, depending on the specifics of the policy.
Rental Company Insurance for Property Damage
The rental company’s insurance may not cover all the damages by the operator, particularly for a temporary rental. However, property damage to the rented vehicle may be covered under the rental company’s policy.
Our Columbus attorneys have experience with cases involving various rental car companies, such as Zipcar or car2go, and could review insurance policies on behalf of an injured victim. We could also look over a victim’s personal auto insurance policy to help determine the most effective strategy for covering their losses in the rental car accident.
Contact a Columbus Attorney for Rental Car Collisions
Understanding insurance policy language can be difficult, so it is important to get advice from a lawyer experienced in handling rental car collisions. At O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, our legal team is skilled in investigating Columbus rental car accidents and reviewing insurance policies. Advice from a knowledgeable lawyer could be crucial in seeking the compensation you need for your losses.
If you or a loved one were injured in this type of collision, call our firm. Regardless of whether you were the one driving the rental or not, our team will assess your situation and advise you in pursuing a civil claim or insurance settlement.
