What if I Was Hit by a Tourist Driving a Rental Car?
Two vehicles are stopped after a front-end collision on a city street. The front of one car is visibly dented from impact, while the other vehicle shows damage along the side. A driver is visible inside one of the cars, emphasizing the real-life consequences of a crash involving out-of-town or rental vehicle drivers on busy urban roads.
Los Angeles is a hotspot for tourism, and with that comes a flood of out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with local roads, traffic patterns, and California driving laws. If you were injured in a crash caused by a tourist driving a rental car, the situation can get complicated quickly, but you’re not out of options.
Let’s break down what you need to know and how to protect your rights after a rental car accident in California.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
In a typical car accident, you’d file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. But when the driver is from another state or even another country, and using a rental vehicle, things aren’t always straightforward.
There may be multiple parties involved, including:
The tourist’s personal auto insurance
The rental car company’s coverage (if purchased)
Third-party liability coverage through a credit card or travel insurance
Depending on how the rental agreement was set up, you may be able to pursue compensation from one or more of these sources. This is where an experienced personal injury attorney can help.
What to Do After a Crash With a Tourist Driver
If you were injured in an accident involving a rental car, here’s what to do right away:
Call 911 – Always report the crash to police. A report helps document the event and is especially important when dealing with out-of-town drivers.
Get driver and rental car information – This includes the tourist’s ID, rental agreement details, insurance info, and the name of the rental agency.
Take photos and gather evidence – Capture damage, injuries, license plates, and the scene of the accident.
Seek medical attention – Even if you feel okay at first, symptoms like whiplash can appear later.
Call a local attorney – Navigating cross-state or international claims is complex. Legal guidance is critical here.
Why These Cases Require Local Legal Help
Tourist accidents often involve:
Jurisdiction issues
Multiple insurance companies
Rental company legal teams
Travel policies with tight deadlines
At Crowley Law PC, we’re based right here in Los Angeles and familiar with the unique challenges of rental car injury claims. Whether the driver was visiting from another state or another country, we know how to hold the right parties accountable.
We’re Here to Help
If a tourist driver caused your car accident, don’t go it alone. We’ll help you understand your rights, file a strong injury claim, and deal with the insurance red tape.
We’ll help you get the medical treatment you need and the compensation you deserve.
Here to make it right, when you've been wronged.
And Justice for All! ⚖️
Crowley Law PC
📞 (213) 325-5248
