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How Do I Handle a Car Accident Claim If I Was Driving a Rental Vehicle?
A car accident can rattle anyone, but you may feel even more panicked if it happens while you are driving a rental vehicle. With Florida having many tourist attractions, more people than ever are driving rental cars. If you do find yourself getting into an accident in a rental car, the situation can be more complicated than if you were driving your own vehicle.
In this blog, our Tampa car accident attorneys discuss the options available to you when filing an insurance claim when operating a rental vehicle.
Steps to Take Following a Rental Car Accident
Call 911
No matter the circumstances of your crash, you should check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, it is crucial that they receive immediate medical attention. Under Florida law, if anyone is injured or killed, or if there is more than $500 in vehicle damage, you must contact law enforcement. By calling 911, you have access to medical emergency services, law enforcement, or fire services.
Contact the Rental Car Company
If nobody was injured and there is no significant vehicle damage, then your first call should be to the rental car company, regardless of whether or not you caused the crash. Failing to contact the rental company could result in issues when filing your claim. When you call, explain that you were in an accident in one of the rental vehicles but do not admit fault, even if it is clear that you were responsible.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Since Florida is a no-fault state, drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP). PIP covers 80% of all reasonable and necessary medical expenses, 60% of lost wages, and $5,000 in death benefits, up to $10,000 in compensation. PIP provides coverage regardless of fault.
Florida drivers are also required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL). PDL covers the cost of repairing another person’s vehicle. In a rental car accident, your insurance may end up paying the claim if your negligence is determined to be the sole reason for the crash.
Rental Company Insurance
When you are renting a vehicle in Florida, you do not need to purchase rental car insurance. Under Florida Stat. §627.7263, rental companies must carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage per person and $20,000 per accident. Rental companies typically provide $25,000 in PDL. The rental company insurance will be the primary insurance used if the rental company is responsible for your accident. This could be due to mechanical failure, a defect, or improper maintenance.
If you are confused about your rental car contract or your personal auto policy, a car accident attorney can review and explain the terms of each policy to you. A car accident attorney will take the time to go over your legal options, allowing you to make the best-informed decision to recover your losses.
Speak with a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Today
Whether your car is in the shop, or you are on vacation, the last thing you need when renting a vehicle is to be involved in a crash. If you do find yourself in an accident while driving a rental car, the attorneys at Mickey Keenan P.A. are ready to assist you in your claim. To schedule a consultation with one of our Tampa car accident lawyers, contact us online or by phone today.