People rent cars for various reasons. Maybe they do not have a car and need one for the vacations, or maybe they do have a car and do not want the extra mileage on it. Whatever reason it may be, you are as much likely to get into an accident with a rental car as in a private car.
In fact, the chances of getting into a collision with a rental are higher since you are not familiar with using it. Speak to a personal injury lawyer near me to understand your option as a victim of a rental car accident.
Steps to take after a rental car accident
- Make sure everyone is okay.
This goes without saying but make sure everyone is okay before doing anything else. Check the vehicle and its surroundings to ensure it is safe to get out. Car accidents can be dangerous because trying to move in a weirdly positioned car can cause injuries. There might even be dangers of explosion, so be careful.
- Gather evidence and information.
Stop the car and ask the other party to stop as well. Ask them if they are okay and proceed to exchange contact information. Make sure to write down their names, address, phone number, and email address so your attorney can contact them if needed.
After the police have created an accident report, ask for its copy. Also, ask for the officer’s name, badge number, and contact information to know which officer made the report. Most importantly, take pictures of the accident scene, including your injuries.
- Call your insurer.
One of the first people you should call right after a car accident is your insurance company. It is recommended to start filing a claim as soon as possible because you never know how long it might take to receive money. While you may not want your insurance funds to pay for someone else’s fault, you never know if the other person even has enough insurance or any at all.
- Contact your car rental company.
The steps may seem similar to when you have your own vehicle, but it is a bit complex this time. As soon as you realize, you must contact the rental company and inform them about the accident. Typically, the company should be able to tell you the next steps to the procedure.
These are a few steps you should take if you have been in a rental car accident. Remember that honesty is the best policy. One should never lie in the fear that they won’t get compensation.
