Travel and tourism can be a lot of fun and very relaxing. Visitors to Florida can enjoy beautiful beaches and warm sunshine. However, many visitors and residents using the roads in the area increase the chance of getting into an accident, especially with a rental car.
Accident attorneys that specialize in rental car accidents can help victims recover their losses. Accidents can happen to anyone anywhere, but these tips will help you know what to do when you have been in an accident with a rental car.
Call 911
Like in any other auto accident, you should call 911 to report the accident to the police and have emergency personnel help the injured. You should check on the other driver and any passengers in their vehicle for injuries. Inform the operator of the location of the accident and whether or not anyone has been injured. If your vehicle obstructs traffic or you are in danger of being struck again, move your damaged vehicle to the shoulder or side of the road.
Report The Accident To The Rental Company
If you are involved in an accident while renting a car, you will need to notify the rental company as soon as possible and your auto insurance provider. Your rental documents should have an emergency number that you can call to report the accident to the company. The rental company may tell you what to do with the car, where to take it, and what towing companies to contact.
Almost all car rental companies require that drivers show proof of personal auto insurance coverage or take the coverage they offer. Depending on the laws in the driver’s home state, the auto insurance coverage may vary. For example, Floridians are required to carry Personal Injury Protection insurance as well as Property Damage coverage. After your accident, you should hire a personal injury attorney to help you understand the applicable laws in your case.
Take Pictures
Photos and videos from the accident scene can help explain what happened. Take pictures of your injuries and the location where the accident happened. Include elements that may have contributed to your accident, such as road debris, construction zones, or large puddles.
Also, take pictures of the street signs where the accident happened, traffic signs, and speed limit signs. Make sure that you take at least one picture that includes the license plates of the cars so that it is easy for your attorney and the insurance adjuster to identify which vehicle belongs to whom.
Seek Medical Help
You should go to the nearest emergency room after a car accident so that a medical professional can assess your injuries and order diagnostic testing to determine the extent of your injuries. Even if you feel fine after the accident, this is a prudent step to take because some injuries have delayed-onset symptoms but can be life-threatening, such as stomach bleeding.
Capillaries under the skin can burst from the force of impact, and organs can become bruised when the body slams into the seatbelt or other hard surfaces in the car. At first, the victim feels nothing, but within several hours they are in excruciating pain and a life-threatening situation. Other injuries include:
- Back and spine Injuries
- Burns
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Hire A Personal Injury Attorney
You should seek the legal advice of a personal injury attorney who specializes in rental car accidents since they will have the experience necessary to help you recover your losses. They will have a better knowledge of the policies of the rental companies and what to do if there are extensive damages. The rental company may initially charge you for the damage, in which case you will need a strong attorney fighting for your just reimbursement.
Insurance companies are also notorious for tricking claimants into saying things that can make them seem more responsible for the accident than they are. However, they won’t dare to try this with a skilled and respected personal injury attorney. Have your lawyer talk to the insurance company for you. It’s better for your case if they do the talking and you focus on your healing.
Liability After A Rental Car Accident
Suppose you have been in a rental car accident. In that case, you should contact an experienced rental car attorney in the area where the accident occurred, especially if you are an out-of-state visitor unfamiliar with the insurance laws in the state you were visiting. However, determining liability after a rental car accident is similar to seeking who is at fault in any other type of motor vehicle collision. Your lawyer will conduct an investigation and use the available evidence to determine who was negligent for the collision.
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