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If you are in an accident while driving a rental car, you may face some added levels of complexity. In addition to the typical questions about fault and damages, you may be dealing with multiple insurance companies and policies.
It can be helpful to gain the insights of an experienced auto collision attorney who can assist in the aftermath of a rental car accident in Chicago. At McCready Law, our team of lawyers is well-versed in handling these unique cases. Call us today to schedule a consultation and gather more information.
After any car crash, there will be questions about who is at fault. Answering these questions may involve interviews with the drivers and witnesses, the use of forensic investigation (such as examining skid marks on the street or physical damage to the vehicles), and viewing any available video recordings of the incident.
In this way, a rental car accident is no different from any other car crash. However, some significant legal considerations uniquely apply to rental car situations, such as the following:
If a faulty rental vehicle is involved in an accident, the driver may need to bring a lawsuit against the rental company to hold them accountable for the damages. If the rental vehicle has a mechanical default that caused or contributed to the accident, the rental car company could be held responsible for some or all of the damages. This could apply if the rental car had inadequate brakes, malfunctioning signal lights, or other mechanical issues that impacted safety.
Following a wreck involving a rental car, the driver will need to explore what damages are covered and under which policies. This can get complicated as the rental car company often extends the option for collision damage to the vehicle itself.
Additionally, the driver’s personal insurance likely covers rental cars, some credit card companies extend coverage if the card was used to book the rental, and third-party travel insurance may have been purchased at the time of the rental. This complex web of coverage can leave the driver of a rental car sifting through multiple claims following an accident.
Following a rental car collision, a lawyer could help navigate the complexities of insurance claims and ensure that multiple avenues of accountability are fully considered. In particular, a Chicago accident attorney could ensure that the rental car company follows the law regarding a “Damage Waiver,” which is documentation stating that the company will not hold the driver responsible for damage to the vehicle.
This waiver is legislated by Illinois law (625 ILCS 27/1). A rental company may try to hold the driver financially responsible for repairs to the vehicle and “loss of use” for the time the vehicle is not operable. A knowledgeable lawyer could help the driver of a rental vehicle in any disputes with the rental company and reduce or eliminate associated costs.
If you were involved in an accident as the driver of a rental car in Chicago, consult a lawyer to ensure a fair and just resolution of the insurance claims.
A dedicated and well-versed personal injury attorney could make the process more straightforward and ensure that you do not pay more than your fair share of the costs. If you have been involved in a rental car accident in Chicago, do not hesitate to reach out to McCready Law today to get started on your initial consultation.