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Rental Car

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Rental cars are one of the most convenient accommodations in the modern age. For a small fee, you can get the keys to the vehicle of your choice to use as needed. This service is most commonly utilized by those going on road trips who rather not rack up the mileage on their vehicle and those visiting an area who may need transportation while there. The risk that all rental car drivers face, however, is the possibility of getting into a car accident. If this has happened to you, it’s likely that you many unanswered questions. Trust an experienced car accident attorney to provide much-needed guidance.
The Fort Lauderdale rental car accident lawyers at Salpeter Gitkin, LLP have decades of combined experience and can help guide you through the claims process. Depending on the value of your rental car, you can be facing thousands of dollars in repairs. Learn more about your legal options regarding rental car accidents by reaching out to us today.

What Does Rental Car Insurance Cover?

Most rental car agencies will urge you to pay that extra fee for insurance on the vehicle. This is a highly favorable option as it can protect against the unforeseeable, but it is crucial to note that not all rental car insurance policies are created equal. Rental car agencies will likely offer four different types of insurance options: liability coverage, collision damage waiver, personal effects coverage, and personal accident insurance. Here is what each has to offer:
  • Liability Coverage: Protects you if you were to injure a third party or damage their property while driving. Those with their own liability coverage may not need this additional coverage.
  • Collision Damage Waiver: Covers the cost of repair if you damage the vehicle. Does not apply if you were driving on unpaved roads or speeding at the time. Essential to have if you do not have comprehensive or collision coverage on your insurance policy.
  • Personal Effects Coverage: Covers your belongings if they are stolen from the rental car.
  • Personal Accident Insurance: Helps cover the driver and passengers’ medical bills if involved in a car accident.

Many of the offered rental car insurance options are unnecessary if you have your own insurance. However, those who do not have coverage and opt-out of the extended rental car insurance can find themselves coming out of pocket for any damage to the vehicle, medical bills, and lost property. Rental car agencies can even charge you for “loss of use” for their inability to rent out a vehicle while it’s being repaired.

Who Pays for Damages in a Rental Car Accident?

Rental car laws are set at a federal level and according to 49 U.S.C § 30106:
“An owner of a motor vehicle that rents or leases the vehicle to a person (or an affiliate of the owner) shall not be liable under the law of any State or political subdivision thereof, by reason of being the owner of the vehicle (or an affiliate of the owner), for harm to persons or property that results or arises out of the use, operation, or possession of the vehicle during the period of the rental or lease…”
As long as the rental agency is not involved in any criminal wrongdoing and the owner of the vehicle is engaged in the business of renting motor vehicles, they are not responsible for vehicular damage or personal injury.

Get Help from a Fort Lauderdale Rental Car Accident Lawyer

Rental car accidents can become complicated when you’re unaware of state and federal laws governing over rental car liability laws. Make sure that you are well-informed and protected against self-interested entities by securing the services of a seasoned attorney.

The Fort Lauderdale rental car accident lawyers at Salpeter Gitkin, LLP have decades of combined experience and have helped accident victims recover tens of millions of dollars in compensation. Contact us today at (954) 467-8622 for a free case evaluation.

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