Getting into a car wreck while driving a rental car can be incredibly stressful. In many cases, the agreement you signed with the rental agency labels you responsible for any damages to the vehicle. Therefore, if you were involved in a crash while using a rented automobile, it is crucial that you act to protect your rights and integrity.
If you can prove the other driver’s negligence caused the wreck, you might be able to collect financial compensation for your injuries, setbacks, and damage to the rented car. A seasoned vehicle collision attorney could assess your case, outline your options, and explain how to best handle rental car accidents in Marietta.
How are Rental Cars Usually Insured?
It is important to understand that anyone renting a vehicle is required to purchase or implement some form of insurance policy. Usually, the rental corporation gives customers the choice of using their personal coverage or purchasing a third-party protection plan, typically offered by a credit company. Generally speaking, there are three ways a driver could insure a rented car.
Personal Car Insurance
In many cases, an individual can use their personal insurance policy to cover their rental. When they chose this option, their policy will typically protect against vehicle damages or injuries suffered by drivers and passengers. If someone selects this method, they should be sure to read the fine print of their insurance policy; confirming that their plan offers enough money to sufficiently protect their rented vehicle.
Rental Car Company Coverage
Meanwhile, a driver could also decide to use the rental corporation’s optional insurance plan. These frameworks are usually rather expensive – making them a last resort for many drivers. However, a plan offered by the rental corporation is still better than nothing, since it could help drivers collect monetary damages in the event of an accident.
Credit Card Coverage
Finally, most credit card companies also offer insurance policies for people renting a car. This coverage is usually an excellent option for people who have a reliable credit score and want to protect the rights while using a rented vehicle.
A knowledgeable attorney in Marietta could help someone involved in a rental crash examine the fine print of their selected insurance policy, to determine the available compensation.
Filing a Claim for a Rental Car Wreck
After being involved crash in a rental car with a careless or reckless driver, a plaintiff will likely feel confused about where to start. Thankfully, these individuals can usually work with one of our legal representatives to file a civil claim. Doing so can be a complex process, but it is worth the trouble. Typical stages associated with submitting a rental car accident claim include gathering evidence about the crash, calculating the extent of losses, and proving these setbacks in court. A legal advocate could work diligently to reveal that the defendant is definitely responsible for colliding with the rented vehicle.
It is important to recognize that a deadline known as the statute of limitations applies to vehicle accidents, including wrecks with rental cars. Georgia Code § 9-3-33 establishes this deadline as two years from the date of the accident. However, a claimant should avoid waiting when it comes to rental car accidents, since evidence can fade quickly, and the defendant’s representation might fight to minimize their client’s liability.
Fortunately, a proactive lawyer in Marietta could help someone involved in a rental crash respect this statute of limitations and avoid unnecessary legal complications.
Contact a Skilled Attorney about Rental Car Accidents in Marietta
Any vehicle collision is frightening, and matters only become more stressful when rental cars or temporary insurance policies become involved. If you were hit by a careless motorist while driving a car you rented for vacation or other purposes, you do not have to worry. One of our hardworking lawyers could offer a strategy for handling rental car accidents in Marietta, helping you acquire the compensation you deserve. Reach out to our firm today to schedule your initial consultation.