Out-of-town drivers in rental cars are not uncommon on state highways. These drivers are operating unfamiliar vehicles on roads they do not know well, which may increase the likelihood of a collision.
At Largey Law Firm, we are familiar with the legal aspects of rental car accidents in Clermont and could help you if you sustained injuries. A driven car accident attorney from our firm could build a case to prove a negligent driver is liable for your damages. We could review all your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who Pays for Rental Car Collisions?
Fault for a car accident typically rests with the driver whose negligent actions caused the crash. However, determining who pays when the crash involves a rental car can be challenging due to Florida’s no-fault insurance laws and the various insurance policies that may apply. Our Clermont lawyers could help you seek damages from more than one source if your crash involved a rental car.
Your Personal Injury Protection Insurance
When you rent a vehicle, any auto insurance you already have typically follows you. You can seek compensation through your own first-party personal injury protection (PIP) insurance up to your policy’s limits. PIP covers 80 percent of your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages if you cannot work due to injury, regardless of who caused the accident.
The Liable Driver
If your accident involved a driver from another state that requires motorists to have bodily injury liability insurance, you could seek compensation through that driver’s auto liability policy. Sometimes, rental companies offer liability coverage that drivers can purchase at the time of rental, so a claim under this type of policy may also be an option.
If the rental car driver is a resident of this state, you may both be subject to the state’s no-fault insurance laws. Under these laws, you cannot seek compensation from a liable party unless you have a serious injury, which the law defines as one that causes disfigurement, loss of a body part or bodily function, or imminent risk of death.
Unlike PIP claims, liability claims require that you prove fault. An attorney at our firm could help you do this by building a case around evidence such as eyewitness statements, police reports, and surveillance video.
The Rental Car Company
Rental car companies do a good job of limiting their liability for accidents resulting from the actions of drivers they rent to. However, they could be liable for crashes resulting from negligent vehicle maintenance.
Determining which insurance policies or parties may cover your losses after a rental car collision can be complicated. An attorney could review the circumstances of the crash, identify potentially liable parties and available coverage, and help build a claim supported by the available evidence.
What Damages Could You Recover?
The damages you could recover will depend on the insurance coverage available to you and the unique circumstances of your case. Compensation for accidents involving rental vehicles in Clermont may include:
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Lost future earning capacity
- Physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering
You should notify the insurance companies and file your claim immediately. If you intend to seek PIP benefits, you must get medical treatment within 14 days of the crash.
If you need to sue for personal injury, Florida Statutes § 95.11 allows two years to file your case. If time runs out, you probably will not be able to seek damages in civil court.
Because the damages available in a rental car collision depend on the circumstances of the crash and applicable insurance coverage, evaluating the claim can be complicated. An attorney could review your losses, identify potential sources of compensation, and help you pursue your claim while keeping applicable deadlines in mind.
Why Choose Largey Law Firm?
At our firm, you are never just a case number. We take a hands-on approach. You will work directly with your attorney, not a paralegal or case manager, on your Clermont rental car wreck claim.
We have a dedicated team: our lawyers do not clock out at 5 p.m. We are available into the night and on weekends and make keeping you informed a priority. We work hard because we know that what we do makes a difference in people’s lives.
Speak With Our Clermont Attorneys About Your Rental Car Collision
Rental car accidents in Clermont can lead to complex claims involving multiple liable parties. If you were injured, Largey Law Firm could support you by handling your legal affairs so you can focus on your health. We put client service first, and we have an outstanding case record. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your claim.
