Rental Car Accidents in New Jersey
If you get involved in a car accident while driving a rental car in New Jersey, you need to understand your options in terms of collecting compensation to pay for your injuries and any damage done to the vehicle. It is important to know what steps to take after this type of crash to protect yourself and your legal rights with the help of an experienced New Jersey accident lawyer.
Who Pays for a Rental Car Accident in New Jersey?
After a typical car accident that does not involve a rented vehicle, most drivers in New Jersey seek financial compensation for their medical bills and property damage from their own car insurance providers. When the crash involves a rented car, however, recovery options may differ.
Rental Car Insurance
Any time you rent a vehicle in New Jersey, the rental car company will ask if you wish to purchase rental insurance. There are four main types of rental car insurance, all of which are optional:
- Collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver
- Supplemental liability insurance
- Personal accident insurance
- Personal effects coverage
If you choose to purchase rental car insurance, this will cover at least some of your losses after an accident. The coverage amounts, limitations and policy exclusions will depend on the specific type of insurance you purchased.
The Driver’s Personal Auto Insurance
New Jersey is a no-fault state, meaning that regardless of who is at fault for causing a car accident, all drivers seek financial compensation from their own insurance providers. Every driver in the state is required to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to pay for their own medical bills after a collision. However, a driver can hold someone else responsible in certain situations.
The Driver’s Credit Card Company
Many credit card companies offer rental car insurance as a benefit if the credit card is used to pay for the cost of the rental. However, it is important to contact the credit card company to understand the details of this coverage beforehand, as the terms and conditions can vary based on the company’s individual policies.
The At-Fault Driver
If someone else is at fault for a rental car accident and the victim has a “standard” insurance policy, the victim may have the right to sue the at-fault party. With limited right to sue insurance, losses will only be covered if the victim suffers a serious injury. With unlimited right to sue insurance, the victim can hold the at-fault party responsible for the rental car accident with any type of injury.
What to Do After a Rental Car Accident in New Jersey
After an accident while driving a rental car, immediately stop and check yourself for injuries. Call 911 to report the car accident and request an ambulance if your injuries constitute an emergency. When it is safe to do so, exit the vehicle to check others for injuries and exchange information with the other driver. This includes names, phone numbers and car insurance details.
Before you leave the scene, take photographs and write down your police report number. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep up with medical appointments while you recover. Then, before you begin the insurance process, contact an attorney to help you search for sources of financial compensation. An attorney can help you recover maximum compensation for your losses through all available outlets.
Contact an Attorney for Legal Assistance After a Rental Car Accident
You could encounter many potential challenges during a rental car accident claim in New Jersey, including a lack of insurance coverage, a rental car company denying liability for your losses or low settlement offers from insurance companies. The best way to navigate your claim is by contacting an attorney early on to advocate for your best interests. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C., offer free case consultations.