Personal Injury Claims Involving Rental Cars

Were you injured in a rental car accident in Alabama? If so, you may wonder how a personal injury lawsuit or auto insurance claim differs when a rental car is involved. Who is liable for the damages? Does your auto insurance come into play? And what role does the rental company play in your quest for compensation?

Liability in Rental Car Accidents

The first thing to know about getting in a rental car accident in Alabama is that Alabama is an at-fault auto insurance state. This means that the at-fault driver’s insurance covers your compensation for bodily injury. If you were not at fault for the rental car accident, you file your insurance claim with the other driver’s liability policy.

However, liability insurance doesn’t cover everything:

• Liability Insurance: Whether you’re filing with the other driver’s liability insurance policy or the policy provided by your rental company, liability insurance only covers bodily injury compensation, not damage to the rental car.
• Collision Damage Waiver: Most rental car companies also offer a collision damage waiver for an additional fee. This waiver protects you from being liable for some or all of the damage done to the vehicle, depending on the circumstances of the crash.

Insurance Coverage and Rental Cars

In Alabama, all drivers must have a minimum level of liability insurance, and this requirement applies to rental companies, as well. When you rent a car in Alabama and opt to purchase their insurance for the duration of your rental period, the rental company will provide liability coverage of at least:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 per accident for property damage

Steps to Take After a Rental Car Accident

After a crash in a rental car, you should take the following steps:

• Notify the Rental Company: Regardless of whether you are at fault for the accident, notify the rental company so they can begin processing a claim.
• Follow Up with Medical Treatment: Get an initial evaluation, then seek ongoing medical treatment to recover from your injuries as soon as possible.
• Keep Track of Medical Bills: Keep all bills associated with the accident so you can seek compensation for them.
• Write Down What You Remember: Write down anything you remember about the crash. These notes can help you recall details later.
• Avoid Making a Statement: Don’t make a statement to any insurance company until after speaking with an attorney. You may accidentally say something that can harm your claim under Alabama’s contributory negligence rule.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Some of the ways a personal injury lawyer can help after an Alabama rental car accident are:

• Investigating the accident to identify the liable parties and collect evidence
• Calculating your losses
• Filing your claim or lawsuit within the two-year deadline set in AL Code section 6-2-38
• Negotiating with the insurance companies for a fair settlement
• Representing you at trial if the insurance companies refuse to offer a settlement that covers your expenses

Contact Our Alabama Car Accident Attorneys to Learn More

If you were in a rental car accident, contact Stokes Stemle LLC for a free consultation with a skilled Alabama personal injury attorney. During your initial meeting with our attorneys, we’ll review the specifics of your case, explain your options for seeking compensation, and answer any questions you have.