When you get into a car wreck, you’re usually left without reliable means of transportation until your car is fixed or the insurance company cuts you a check for a total loss. No matter how far away, getting to work, school, and doctor’s appointments for your injuries becomes even more of a hassle.
Car accident claims can take some time to settle. In the interim, who pays for the rental car after an accident? An experienced Orlando car accident lawyer can help you secure the rental you need so you can take care of your responsibilities while your claim is pending. Then, we can help if insurance is giving you a hard time and you need help getting fair compensation from the at-fault driver.
How Florida car insurance and accident laws impact your out-of-pocket expenses
Florida is a “no-fault” state for car accidents, but this is often misleading because it certainly does matter who was at fault for the accident, and responsibility can still be imposed on the at fault driver depending. For example, Florida law allows you to sue the driver who caused the wreck for your losses that exceed your PIP coverage or you if you suffered permanent injury.
In addition, all drivers must carry a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy to cover their losses after a wreck. PIP covers up to 80% of all medical costs, up to $10,000 for each person involved. What it does not cover, however, is a rental car.
If you didn’t cause the accident, though, you have the right to file a suit for damages against the at-fault driver and demand compensation for your material losses, including a car rental.
How do I get a rental car after a car accident?
If you’re not at fault for the car accident, the other driver’s insurance company should pay for your rental car while yours is in the shop. You may call the other driver’s insurance company to address your needs, but that could be risky. The other driver may have already told their insurer you caused the wreck.
Instead, you can ask your lawyer to contact the other party’s insurance company. Our firm happily acts as a point of contact for all other party’s representatives, including their insurance company. When you have a lawyer, you show the other side that you’re serious about your rights, including your right to have your losses paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Talk to your insurance company if you’re having difficulty getting your rental car. You may file a claim with them while your case is pending; your insurance carrier can file their own legal action against the other insurance company to get their money back.
What if I caused the accident? Can I still get a rental car?
Yes, if your policy covers a rental car. Policies differ, so it’s important to read yours carefully and contact your insurance carrier with questions. For example, if you purchase a comprehensive policy, you may have a certain number of days covered in a rental.
You’ll likely have to pay your deductible before your coverage kicks in. Depending on the amount of your deductible and the length of time you’ll need the rental car, you may opt to pay the deductible or maybe just pay out of pocket and add the expenses to your total material losses in your civil suit.
Do you need help getting a rental car after an accident?
If you need help getting fair compensation from the at-fault driver, please call DWK Law for a free consultation at (407) 244-3000. We represent injured drivers like you in civil damages claims.
