What Happens If You Crash a Rental Car?
A row of rental cars parked in a lot, illustrating the common vehicles involved in rental car accidents and insurance claims in Los Angeles.
Renting a car in Los Angeles, whether at LAX, Downtown, or other areas, carries inherent risks. If you find yourself in a rental car accident, you may face significant vehicle damage, severe injuries, and complex insurance issues. California operates under a fault-based insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident bears the costs for damages and injuries. Understanding your rights and the applicable laws are crucial in protecting yourself.
Who Pays for Damages & Injuries in a California Rental Car Accident?
California Rental Car Insurance Rules
When you rent a car, you might be offered a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This covers damages to the rental car if you purchase the CDW. However, it does not cover:
Personal injuries
Other drivers’ medical expenses
Damage from excluded activities like DUI or off-road driving
If you decline the rental agency’s insurance, California’s minimum liability insurance (15k per person, 30k per accident for injuries) becomes applicable.
Your Personal Auto Insurance
Your personal liability insurance generally extends to rental cars in California. Optional coverages like Medical Payments (MedPay) can cover your medical expenses irrespective of who is at fault. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is also vital, especially in Los Angeles where 12.5% of drivers are uninsured.
Credit Card Insurance Gaps
Most credit cards provide secondary insurance, which kicks in after other policies are exhausted and typically excludes liability coverage. This can leave significant gaps, particularly for injury claims.
Potential Costs Without Adequate Coverage
Lacking adequate insurance can lead to substantial financial liability, including:
Costs for vehicle repairs and loss-of-use fees charged by rental agencies
Medical expenses, which can be extensive even for minor injuries
Potential lawsuits for pain and suffering if another driver is injured
Steps to Take Following a Rental Car Accident in Los Angeles
Report the Accident: It’s mandatory to report any accident involving significant damage or injuries to the police. A police report is helpful for establishing fault and insurance claims generally.
Seek Medical Attention: Immediate medical evaluation is important, even for seemingly minor injuries, to support any subsequent insurance claims.
Notify the Rental Agency: Be aware of potential fees like loss-of-use charged by rental companies.
Consult a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney: An experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of rental car accidents. They can assist in proving the other driver's negligence and ensuring you receive fair compensation under California law.
Why Legal Assistance Is Crucial for Rental Car Accident Victims
California’s comparative negligence rule could reduce your compensation if you are found partially at fault. For instance, being 20% at fault in an accident on the 405 Freeway means your compensation could be reduced by that percentage. Legal representation is invaluable in disputing unfair fault assignments and dealing with insurance complexities.
Get a Free Case Review
Facing a rental car accident alone can be daunting. Crowley Law PC offers free case reviews to help you understand your rights and options. Our Los Angeles car accident attorneys are skilled in negotiating with insurers and litigating to ensure you are not unfairly penalized.
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