Best Rental Car Accident Lawyers in Big Pine Key, Florida?

The moments right after a collision are generally painful and chaotic, and you’re probably scared, hurt, and worried about your passengers or the other driver. However, following the right protocols is important to ensure that your car accident attorney can file the most substantial claim possible.

Seek Medical Treatment

You may not feel hurt after an accident, but it’s crucial to have EMS examine you after an accident. First, your body produces adrenaline, which can mask some of the pain and symptoms of injuries. Second, some soft tissue or neck and spine injuries may not show up right away, and they will need a professional diagnosis. Third, having your injuries documented helps establish that they were caused by the wreck.

Call the Police

Depending on which state you’re traveling in, you may be legally obligated to report the accident. The other driver may try to talk you out of calling the police, but don’t let them. The responding officer will compile a police report, which your car accident attorney will use to establish fault in your claim.

Gather Evidence

You should exchange information with the other driver, including names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information. If you're able, take your own photos and videos of the accident, and gather any witness information. Note whether any CCTV cameras are nearby, which could have caught footage of the collision. Your lawyer will need evidence for your case.

Contact the Rental Car Company

Your contract to rent the car likely has the steps you need to take if there is a crash, and the company will likely have paperwork for you to fill out. You’ll also need to contact either the insurance company that issued your rental car coverage or your own insurance company.

Talk to a Lawyer

Your car accident lawyer is your advocate after a crash. Are you wondering, “Where can I find the best rental car accident lawyers in Big Pine Key, FL?” A lawyer with experience in rental car cases can help you file a claim against the other driver and protect your interests. They’ll manage communication with the other party and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.

Generally speaking, many car accidents hinge on negligence, and those involving a rental car are no different. The at-fault driver could have been negligent and caused the accident through distracted driving or carelessness. Or, the rental car company could have been negligent in maintaining the vehicle, and it therefore may be responsible for issuing an unsafe car to you.

If the other driver was negligent, then the case generally proceeds similarly to a case involving two drivers in their own personal vehicles. However, you’ll still wish to have legal representation to ensure that the other party’s insurance company doesn’t try to deny your claim or low-ball you on a settlement.

However, if your car accident lawyer determines that the rental company shares liability, then the case becomes more complicated. If the company failed to complete regular inspections or maintain the car to a safe standard, then they would be liable.

If you're involved in a crash with the driver of a rental car, you could also hold the rental company liable. Rental car companies have a duty to ensure that they rent only to people who have a valid driver’s license and are reasonably safe drivers. If they fail to rent responsibly, then they could be liable.

Each claim is different, and the amount of damages your lawyer will seek depends on the value of your medical bills, the impact that the crash had on your earning potential, and the value of any diminished quality of life or pain and suffering. If the rental car company is at fault, then you may receive punitive damages for their negligence, too.

The rental car company will likely need a statement from you about the accident. However, it’s always best to communicate with the company through your attorney. The rental company may try to put the blame for the accident solely on you, even if they shared in some of the liability. Let your lawyer talk to the rental car company, or have them approve any statement you make to the rental company.

Talking to the other party’s insurance company should also be handled through your lawyer. Again, they may try to deny your claim or minimize it. Give the other party's insurance company the contact information for your lawyer.

Experience matters when it comes to filing a claim after a rental car accident. There are many car accidents and personal injury lawyers in Big Pine Key, and it can be hard to find the right one to take your case. Ask potential lawyers about their experience handling rental car accidents and if they’ve successfully pursued claims like yours before. Make sure that your lawyer is someone you feel you can trust and one that isn’t afraid to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf or even take them to court.

The agreement between the rental company and the person renting the car typically stipulates that only the renter or another designated driver may drive the vehicle. If the renter violates this agreement and allows a party that isn't listed on the rental agreement to drive the car, then the rental contract, including any additional insurance coverage, will be considered null.

In these situations, the person who signed the rental agreement may be personally liable for any damages after a wreck and may be obligated to pay for any damage to the rental car, as well. If this happens to you, you may be able to use your personal vehicle insurance or even insurance from the credit card you used to rent the car. Check your policy for details.

Have you been involved in a car accident involving a rental car? The legal team at Morgan & Morgan can help. Don’t try to navigate this process alone — you need a seasoned advocate on your side, protecting your interests so that you can pursue your claim. Fill out our online contact form today to schedule your free consultation.