Most people are vaguely familiar with the insurance claim process when it’s a standard car accident. However, knowing what to do after being hit by a rental car is slightly more challenging because there may be two insurers involved. The best way to be sure you’re taking the best path toward fair compensation is to retain a skilled car accident attorney.
At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, we have over 65 years of combined experience helping our clients recover damages after being injured in various types of accidents, including those involving rental cars. Jensen Phelan Law Firm offers top-quality legal services and representation, providing you with the best chance of a successful outcome.
In a standard car accident, you can usually recover compensation by filing a documented claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, you may be unsure of how to go about recovering compensation if the at-fault driver is in a rental car. If you’re hit by a rental car, the rental car company’s insurance or the at-fault driver’s insurance may be liable for your damages and injuries. Which one is primary, which is secondary? How does recovery from one affect your remaining unpaid claim against the other?
In Arizona, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for paying damages in an accident, regardless of whether they were driving a rental car or their own car. However, if the rental car driver purchased insurance from the rental car company, the rental car company’s insurance most likely is also responsible for covering damages and injuries resulting from the accident.
To recover compensation, you will need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance or the rental car company’s insurance or both, depending on who was responsible for the accident. You will need to provide evidence of your damages and injuries, such as the police report, your medical records and bills, repair estimates, photos and witness statements.
Due to the likely complexity of asserting claims against two different insurance companies, you will face technical problems even with a just claim. You may need to hire a personal injury attorney who can help you negotiate a fair settlement (or two, if there are two insurers with coverage) or file a lawsuit against the responsible party. An attorney can also help you understand your legal rights and make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your damages and injuries. This is especially true for larger claims with more damages.
Retaining an attorney after any type of car accident is always beneficial, as it increases your chances of recovering full and fair compensation. However, the experience and resources of an attorney can be especially beneficial when tackling more challenging car accident claims, such as recovering compensation from a rental car accident. After you’ve been in a rental car accident in Arizona, an attorney can help you in the following ways:
An attorney can provide you with the legal support and guidance you need to recover compensation after a rental car accident successfully.
Rental car accidents can be complicated as rental companies are going to try their hardest to avoid having to pay out claims. An attorney can help you prove that the rental car driver is at fault for the accident, investigate insurance coverage, and advocate for you and your best interests.
At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, we can give you a free assessment of your case and an explanation of your rights. Contact our skilled firm today through our online contact form or by calling (928) 778-2660.