All Huntsville car accidents are complicated, but rental car crashes often involve legal complexities not typically found in other collisions. The varying insurance requirements among states, whether the driver of the rental car purchased insurance coverage from the rental company, and who caused the crash could all significantly affect your car accident case’s outcome.
Without legal help, it is easy to get lost in the legal maze and fail to claim the money you need.
The Huntsville car accident lawyers at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., know what you are dealing with and can protect your interests. With our record of recovering millions for our clients and a 5-star Google rating, you can trust us to handle your legal case and seek maximum compensation for you. You will not owe us any attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
What Happens If Someone Crashes a Rental Car?
The first question many people have after a rental car accident is often the simplest: What do I do now? Let us break down the basics of what you need to know after a crash involving a rental car:
Reporting the Rental Crash
The first thing to do after a rental car accident is to report it immediately. Call the police to create an official record, and then notify the rental car company. Most rental agreements require immediate notification of any crashes, and delaying could complicate your situation.
Be ready to provide details such as the accident report number and location. Do not speculate about who was at fault or provide additional information without consulting our attorneys first.
The rental company may also provide instructions on towing, repairs, or replacing the vehicle. Prompt reporting helps protect your rights and ensures compliance with your rental contract. Our law firm can assist you in complying with all relevant requirements.
Knowing the Alabama Laws
Alabama uses a fault-based system for car accidents, which means the person who causes a crash is usually responsible for covering your losses. The state also has a strict contributory negligence rule that blocks you from recovering compensation if your negligence played any role in causing the crash. The harsh rule makes it vital to gather strong evidence after a rental car accident. The police crash report, photos from the scene, witness statements, and other evidence can all support your claim.
Remember that you have a limited time to file a personal injury claim after a car crash. In most cases, Alabama law allows an injured person two years to file suit against the at-fault party. Contacting our car accident lawyers immediately after the rental car crash is the best step you can take to protect your rights.
Insurance Claims After a Rental Car Crash in Huntsville
One headache in rental car accident claims is the number of potentially liable parties and insurers you may be dealing with. You might have coverage through the rental company if you purchased it, but you might also have coverage through your personal auto insurance or the credit card you used to book the car.
You may need to file personal injury claims with the at-fault driver’s insurer, your own insurance carrier, the rental company, or multiple parties. Each insurance company will try to limit what they pay, so be prepared for a long legal battle.
Our personal injury attorneys can analyze your legal options, evaluate your insurance coverage, and handle every aspect of your car accident lawsuit.
How Much Money Can You Receive from a Rental Car Crash Lawsuit in Huntsville?
Your compensation after a rental car accident depends on the details of your case, such as your fault for the crash, the extent of your car accident injuries, and the available insurance coverage.
Alabama law lets you pursue compensation for your financial losses – medical bills and lost income, for example – and intangible losses, such as pain and suffering. Every car accident case is unique. Talk to our lawyers for a better sense of what your claim might be worth.
What Can I Receive If I Was Hit by a Rental Car?
If a driver in a rental car hit you, you could recover compensation from their personal auto insurance, the rental company’s coverage, or both.
The money you could receive may cover your medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering, and more. In cases involving severe injuries, you can also seek compensation for the cost of long-term care, reduced earning capacity, and future medical needs.
Because multiple policies may apply, it is vital to identify every possible source of compensation. Our attorneys are ready to help you explore all your options.
What Can I Receive If Someone Hits My Rental Car?
If another driver crashes into your rental car, you can typically seek compensation from their insurance company for your injuries and related losses. The compensation may include money to cover your hospital bills, ongoing treatment, lost wages, and the accident’s physical and emotional toll.
However, you may still be responsible for damage to the rental car under your rental agreement. In that case, your personal auto insurance or credit card coverage may step in to cover those costs, depending on the details of your policy and the credit card company’s coverage. The at-fault driver’s liability coverage should ultimately pay those costs.
Some rental car companies cover your injuries in a collision if you accept their optional insurance, though the details often vary among rental agencies.
How Long Should a Rental Car Accident Settlement Take?
It can take a few months to a year or longer for your rental car accident injury claim to conclude. The extent of your injuries, whether the insurers dispute your claim, and the number of parties involved can all affect the timeline of a car accident claim. What matters is hiring an experienced car accident attorney from our firm as soon as possible and letting us fight on your behalf for maximum compensation.
When Is It Worth It to Get a Lawyer After a Rental Car Accident?
It is always a smart move to discuss your situation with our Huntsville rental car injury attorneys. You should speak to our lawyers immediately if you have suffered severe injuries from the car wreck, the insurers are giving you a hard time, or someone tries to blame you for the accident. A car accident lawyer from our firm can protect your rights in these situations and help you pursue the money you need.
Discuss Your Legal Options with a Huntsville Rental Car Injury Attorney
Your job after a rental car accident is to focus on healing while our lawyers protect your rights. Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., stands ready to make the legal process as painless as possible, giving you the time and space to rebuild your life in peace.
Call now or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C.
