Many people drive rental cars while traveling for business or on vacation. The last thing you want to have happen is getting into an accident while driving a rental car. Whether traveling on business or for pleasure, you do not have time to waste dealing with the complexities of a car accident.
Getting into an accident while driving a rental car can be inconvenient and time-consuming if you do not know what to do after your accident. Retaining the help of an Oklahoma car accident lawyer can help you navigate what steps you should take. Our car accident attorneys at BDIW Law can help you if you were in an accident in a rental car.
Steps You Should Take After an Accident in a Rental Car
According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, there were more than 11,600 injuries and 760 fatalities as a result of motor vehicle accidents in the state in 2021. There are certain steps anyone involved in a traffic accident in Oklahoma should take. However, if you are in a rental car when your accident occurs, there is additional information you need to know.
- Move your vehicle out of traffic when possible
- Call 911 or the police
- Take photos or videos of the accident scene
- Get contact information from anyone else involved in the accident and any potential witnesses
- Exchange insurance information with the other motorist
- Avoid making any statements to anyone on the scene
- Request a copy of the accident report
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
- Notify the rental car company
- Consult with a car accident attorney in Oklahoma immediately
Regardless of who was at fault, it is important to take the above steps after your accident. To protect your interests, you should reach out to our car accident lawyers at BDIW Law immediately after your accident. We can help you notify the rental car company of the accident. verify the insurance coverage available for your rental car accident, and determine if you may be able to file a legal claim for your damages.
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SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYLiability in Rental Car Accidents
As with any motor vehicle accident, there can be several parties responsible for your injuries. Oklahoma has an at-fault insurance system. This means that the party liable for your accident is responsible for paying for your injuries and property damage.
In some instances, you may also be partly to blame for your accident. In Oklahoma, that is okay as long as you are not more than 50% responsible, in which case you are not entitled to collect compensation for your losses. This is known as comparative negligence.
A knowledgeable Oklahoma car accident attorney can review the details of your rental car accident and determine who may be to blame. If the injuries you suffered in the accident are the result of someone else’s negligence, we can help you file a claim to recover compensation for those injuries. Consult with our attorneys at BDIW Law as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
What Insurance Applies in a Rental Car Accident
To receive compensation for injuries obtained in a motor vehicle accident caused by someone else, you typically file a claim with their insurance company. In instances where your accident occurred while you were driving a rental car, you may have additional options for filing your accident claim. There are four general options for recovering compensation after a car accident in a rental car.
Filing a Claim with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
If another driver was responsible for your car accident, their insurance company may be required to compensate you for your injuries. Drivers in Oklahoma are required to have certain minimum coverage amounts for bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage. If your injuries were caused by another driver’s negligence, their insurance company should pay for your damages up to the driver’s policy limits.
Filing a Claim with Your Own Insurance Company
If the driver responsible for your car accident injuries does not have sufficient coverage to pay for your losses, you can file a claim with your own insurance company. Your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may pay for your injuries over what the at-fault driver’s insurance company covers. Again, your insurance company will only pay up to your policy’s limits.
Filing a Claim with the Rental Car Company’s Insurance Company
When you rent a car, the rental car company will offer you the option of purchasing a waiver in the event of an accident in your rental car. This waiver is the rental company’s agreement to not pursue action against you if you wreck or damage the vehicle. If you are injured, or your rental car is damaged in a motor vehicle accident, you can seek compensation from the rental company’s insurer if a vehicle malfunction contributed to your accident.
Filing a Lawsuit in Civil Court
If the insurance companies deny liability or are unwilling to compensate you for your injuries, you may need to file a legal claim. In a civil lawsuit, you may be eligible to collect compensation for your monetary and non-monetary damages. An Oklahoma car accident attorney can help you determine all the damages you may be able to recover.
Oklahoma Statute §47-7-606 requires all drivers in the state to have motor vehicle insurance. As such, you should be eligible to make a claim for compensation with at least one insurance company. Our car insurance lawyers at BDIW Law can help you determine your best options for recovering maximum compensation for your car accident injuries.
How to Deal with Insurance Companies After an Accident in a Rental Car
After a rental car accident, it is possible for several insurance companies to request statements from you. As discussed above, you may have to correspond with your insurance company, the at-fault driver’s insurer, and the rental car company’s insurance company. The most important thing to remember when dealing with any insurance company after an accident is to be extremely careful about what you say to their representatives.
The main goal of any insurance company is to pay out the least amount possible for your injuries. They are looking for ways to pay out as little as possible and will use what you say against you if necessary. They may talk you into taking the blame for your accident or into accepting a quick settlement worth far less than you deserve.
The best way to defend yourself against the insurance companies is by retaining a skilled car accident lawyer in Oklahoma. Our personal injury attorneys at BDIW Law are knowledgeable about the tactics used by insurance companies. We can protect your rights and help you get the most compensation possible for your rental car accident losses.
Get Help from an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer
The best way to protect yourself after a car accident in a rental car is by contacting our experienced car accident lawyers at BDIW Law for a free case evaluation. We can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to get you maximum compensation for your injuries. Do not attempt to navigate complex rental car accident claims on your own.
