When your vacation or business trip takes an unexpected turn due to a rental car accident, you can find yourself overwhelmed with questions. You are suddenly caught between multiple insurance policies, rental agreements, and companies that may point fingers at each other rather than providing the help you need.
If you were involved in a rental car accident in Bakersfield, sorting through this maze of coverage while recovering from injuries can feel overwhelming. In these situations, a car accident lawyer in Bakersfield can help you identify your optimal path to compensation and seek the justice you deserve.
Understanding Rental Car Insurance and Coverage Options
California law requires all drivers, including those renting vehicles, to carry liability insurance. This mandatory coverage protects against damage or injury caused to others during an accident. Rental car companies typically do not include liability protection in their standard agreements, requiring you to either show proof of personal liability insurance or purchase coverage from the rental agency.
You can also purchase additional coverage for even more protection, such as:
- The Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which covers damages to the rental car in case of an accident
- Theft protection, often bundled with CDW, which provides coverage in cases of vehicle theft or damage from theft attempts
Who Pays for a Rental Car Accident in California?
After a rental car accident, determining who pays depends primarily on who caused the crash. If another driver is responsible, their insurance typically covers your rental car expenses as part of their liability insurance. To access this coverage, you must file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Whoever caused the rental car accident is financially responsible, and the at-fault party is not limited to another driver. For example, the rental car company could be liable if they failed to properly maintain the vehicle and those issues led to the collision. The manufacturer might be at fault if a defective part caused the accident.
How to Document and Preserve Evidence in Rental Car Accidents
After a rental car accident, blame can easily be shifted to you as the renter. To protect your rights, you need strong evidence of the other party’s liability. Start by taking extensive photos of all vehicles involved, capturing damage from multiple angles, license plates, and the overall accident scene. Exchange complete information with other drivers, including names, contact details, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers.
Report the accident immediately to both the police and your rental car company. The police report serves as an official record while notifying the rental company will help you maintain compliance with the agreement you signed.
Collect information from any witnesses who saw the collision, as these third-party accounts can be crucial in establishing what happened. Finally, seek medical care as soon as possible and save all records and receipts related to the accident to document your injuries and financial losses.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Rodriguez & Associates
Rental car accidents can be particularly stressful, as you may be dealing with unfamiliar insurance policies, out-of-state laws, and the added pressure of dealing with the rental company. A personal injury lawyer in Bakersfield from Rodriguez & Associates can help you navigate every challenge that comes your way.
We will work diligently to determine liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and help protect your financial future. Trust Rodriguez & Associates to be your dedicated advocates. Call or text us at (661) 777-7575 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward fair compensation.