Car Accidents Involving Rental Vehicles in Florida

When you rent a car for your Florida vacation or business trip, the last thing on your mind is getting into an accident. However, accidents involving rental cars are more common than you might think.

At JustCallMoe, our experienced attorneys have helped many people deal with the complicated legal aspects of rental car accidents in Florida. In that regard, there are several things you need to know if you find yourself in an accident with a rental vehicle.

The Essence of Rental Car Insurance

One of the first questions that arise after a rental car accident is who is responsible for the damages? The answer largely depends on the type of insurance coverage you have. When renting a car, you are typically offered several insurance options:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): This is not technically insurance, but it waives your responsibility for damage to the rental car. It is important to note that CDW often comes with a deductible, which means you may still be responsible for a portion of the repair costs. Additionally, CDW may not cover certain types of damage, like damage to tires or undercarriage.
• Liability protection: This covers damages you may cause to other people’s property or injuries to other people in an accident. Liability protection typically has limits, so it is crucial to understand how much coverage you have. In some cases, your personal auto insurance may provide additional liability coverage when renting a car.
• Personal accident insurance: This covers medical expenses and accidental death for you and your passengers. If you have personal health insurance or are covered by a personal injury protection (PIP) policy, you may not need this additional coverage. However, it is always a good idea to review your existing policies to identify any gaps in coverage.
• Personal effects coverage: This insures your personal belongings in the rental car. Keep in mind that this coverage often has limits and may not cover high-value items such as jewelry or electronics. If you have renters or homeowners insurance, your personal belongings may already be covered under those policies.

It is essential to understand what your auto insurance covers and what the rental company’s insurance covers before deciding on additional coverage. Take the time to review your policies and ask questions to ensure you have adequate protection in the event of an accident.

Reporting the Accident

If you are involved in an accident with a rental car, the first step is to report the incident to the proper authorities. Call 911 if there are any injuries or significant property damage. Even if the accident seems minor, it is crucial to file a police report to document the event. Next, inform the rental car company immediately about the accident. Most rental agreements require you to notify the company immediately after an incident. Failure to do so could result in additional fees or legal consequences.

Determining Fault and Liability

Determining fault in a rental car accident follows the same process as any other car accident in Florida.

Our state follows a “no-fault” system, which means that each driver’s insurance covers their own medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. However, if the accident results in serious injuries or significant property damage, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. This is where having an experienced attorney from JustCallMoe can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

After an accident with a rental car, you may have to deal with multiple insurance companies, including your auto insurance, the rental company’s insurance, and the other driver’s insurance.

This can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with injuries or property damage.

Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. It is essential to have an attorney on your side who can negotiate with the insurance companies and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Protecting Your Rights

If you are involved in an accident with a rental car in Florida, the most important thing you can do is to protect your rights. This means:

• Documenting the accident with photos, witness statements, and a police report. Take photos of the damage to the rental car, any injuries you sustained, and the accident scene itself. If there are witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information and if they would be willing to provide a statement. The police report will also contain valuable information about the accident.
• Not admitting fault or signing any documents without consulting an attorney. After an accident, it is natural to apologize, even if you were not at fault. However, anything you say can be used against you by the insurance companies. Similarly, do not sign any documents, such as a settlement agreement, without having an attorney review them first.
• Contacting an experienced rental car accident attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you have an attorney on your side, the better protected your rights will be. An attorney can communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf, gather evidence to support your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

At JustCallMoe, we have the knowledge and resources to guide you through every step of the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys will take the time to hear your case, answer your questions, and come up with a dedicated legal strategy suited to your unique needs and goals.

Get in Touch with Us

Accidents involving rental cars in Florida can be stressful and confusing, but you do not have to face them alone. When you understand your insurance options and work with an experienced attorney, you can protect your rights and recover from the incident. If you have been involved in a rental car accident, contact the team at JustCallMoe today for a free consultation. We are here to help you get through this challenging time and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.