If you were involved in a rental car accident, you may question who was responsible and how liability is determined. Under Missouri’s at-fault system, drivers who cause an accident may be liable for property damage, medical bills, and other losses. This means that if the other driver were at fault, their insurance would typically cover your damages. However, if you were at fault and lacked certain types of coverage, you would likely have to pay through your own insurance.
Understanding liability and damages following rental car accidents in St. Louis can be complicated and frustrating if you are unfamiliar with the process. An experienced vehicle crash attorney could help you navigate the legal system and reach a favorable outcome for those involved in the accident.
Determining fault in a rental vehicle collision can be more complex than in other car accidents in St. Louis because they may involve multiple parties. Outcomes will also be subject to rental agreements and insurance policies. Liability for a rental car accident may fall on any of the following:
An attorney familiar with rental car accidents could investigate the collision, collect evidence, and build a case to prove liability.
In St. Louis, the person responsible for paying damages following a rental car collision will depend on who is at fault and their insurance coverage. While drivers in St. Louis do not need to purchase extra insurance when renting a vehicle, rental agencies must provide minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. In addition, unlike personal insurance policies, rental agencies do not require drivers to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
A personal vehicle insurance policy with comprehensive collision coverage will normally extend to rental vehicles in the event of an accident. For drivers with personal coverage, this type of insurance policy will usually cover both vehicle damage and personal injuries. Drivers without their own insurance coverage can opt for Collision Damage Waivers or Loss Damage Waivers, which may protect them from the costs of vehicle repairs after a rental car accident.
When an at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, seeking damages after a car accident can be complex. All drivers in St. Louis must carry uninsured motorist coverage, which may protect them in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.
Uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for medical expenses, vehicle damage, loss of earnings, and other related costs. An experienced St. Louis attorney could explain how insurance applies and covers costs following a rental car crash. We could also take legal action against the uninsured driver if they were at fault for the crash.
The legalities surrounding rental car accidents in St. Louis can be confusing for the drivers involved. If you sustained injuries in a collision involving a hire vehicle, a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer could help you understand your options and how certain insurance policies cover damages. Contact McCready Law today to schedule a free consultation.
