Your Rights and Responsibilities If You Are Injured in a Rental Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be frustrating and overwhelming. It can be even more nerve-racking if you are driving a rental car at the time of the collision. If you are injured in a car wreck involving a rental car, you need to understand your rights and responsibilities to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, our attorneys will fight to ensure that you get a fair and full settlement from the insurance company if another person was responsible for your injuries. We know the law and will not rest until you receive the best possible outcome on your case. Contact our office today at (713) 751-0025 for a free consultation.
Review Your Auto Insurance Policy for Coverage
Before you rent a car from a company like Alamo, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, or National in Houston, you will want to review your personal auto insurance policy to determine if you have coverage. If you don’t have auto insurance, you could end up being personally responsible for damages done to the vehicle.
It is a good idea to purchase the rental agency’s insurance if you do not have auto insurance or if you do not have additional coverages such as personal injury protection or medical payments coverage. Your credit card may also offer rental car insurance as a benefit of using their services. It is important to review all of your documents to ensure that you are fully covered.
Determining Liability in a Houston Rental Car Accident
Texas is an at-fault state when it comes to car insurance meaning that an injured party may seek compensation for the losses from a liable party. Most often, this is done by filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
The process does not change simply because you were driving a rental car at the time of the accident. However, it can become complicated without the help of a qualified attorney.
The rental car company may require you to pay for the damages to the vehicle upfront before liability is determined. An attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure that you receive compensation for any losses, including reimbursement for vehicle repairs.
Rental Car Liability Agreements
In Texas, liability in car rental accidents is usually determined by the “Assumption of Liability Clause” found in the rental agreement. This clause states that, in most circumstances, the driver of the rental vehicle is responsible for repair or replacement costs associated with any damage caused to the vehicle during its use.
Additionally, a driver can also be held financially accountable for any injuries they may have caused while operating a rental car. The law also provides renters with certain protections such as protection from personal liability if a third party is responsible for causing injury or damage to your rental car. As always, when leasing a vehicle it is important to understand all laws governing rental cars in Texas and to contact an experienced attorney if you were injured in an accident.
Types of Damages You Can Recover After a Rental Car Accident
As with any auto accident, if you are injured in a rental car collision caused by another person’s negligence you might be entitled to compensation.
Damages you may be entitled to include compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
Rental car companies like Hertz, Budget, and Alamo may require you to pay out-of-pocket for damages done to their rentals even if someone else is at fault. A lawyer can help ensure that you receive reimbursement for any of these expenses.
Get the Legal Representation You Need Today
If you are injured in a rental car accident in Houston or the surrounding area, contact our office at (713) 751-0025 for a free consultation. Our lawyers have recovered over $1 billion for clients in Texas and nationwide.
With over a century of combined legal experience, we know what it takes to take on the biggest insurance companies and win. Call our office now to discuss your legal options after a Houston rental car accident.
