No one wants to be in an accident, but when it happens, it is always a big inconvenience especially if you are driving a rental car. In the event of an accident while driving a rented car in Albuquerque New Mexico there are important steps that you need to take in order to protect yourself legally and financially. This article aims to give you a brief on what to do in case of a rental car accident, your rights and when to involve the law.
What to Do Right After a Car Accident In A Rental Car
1. Ensure Safety First
Of course, just like in any other accident, the first and the foremost thing is safety. Pull over the car and check yourself and any passengers for injuries then move the car out of trafficked area. In case of an injury contact the emergency services at 911.
2. Contact the Police
In New Mexico, it is recommended that the police be informed of the accident if there are any injuries or if there is a lot of damage to the vehicles. Police report will therefore be important in the event of insurance claims or even for legal proceedings that may be taken in the matter.
3. Document the Scene
Document the event through pictures; ensure to capture images of the car wreckage, the state of the road and any form of injury. Also, it is advisable to get contact details from the witnesses and the other drivers or the owners of the vehicles involved in the accident.
4. Exchange Information
Seek the other driver(s)’ contact details and insurance details. Since you are driving a rental car ensure that you include details of the car rental company.
5. In case of the above, report to the Rental Car Company
The following are among the steps that one should take after the accident: The first thing to do is to contact the rental car company and inform them of what had happened. They will also inform you of the next steps for example on how to go about making repairs or claiming insurance.
Rental Car Insurance – What You Should Know?
1. It’s time to check your personal Auto Insurance.
It is crucial that one must know regarding his personal auto insurance policy before renting a car. Some policy cover rental cars whereas one is required to confirm the extent of cover including liability, collision and comprehensive.
2. Rent a Car Contract
Extra insurance is sometimes provided by rental car companies and this include the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). The following are some of the ways that can help to shield you from having to bear the cost of damages on the rental car.
3. Credit Card Benefits
Some credit cards provide rental car insurance to the cardholder when he pays the bill with the card used for the rental. Find out from your credit card company whether this is part of your coverage and what is covered.
4. What if You Agreed to Take No Rental Insurance?
If you did not take the rental company’s insurance and your personal insurance does not cover rental cars, then you will be forced to pay for the repair or replacement of the car. This is why it’s important to know what type of coverage you have before getting in an accident.
What to Do After an Accident Involving A Rental Car?
1. Filing an Insurance Claim
First, take a step to report the incident to the rental car company and thereafter report the same to your insurance company. Ensure that you give them all the documents that include the police report, pictures and the correspondence you had with the rental company.
2. In this case, it is now time to deal with the Rental Car Company.
The rental car company might debit your credit card, for the damages before they even begin the process of your insurance claim. You should also make sure to keep all the charges and keep in touch with the rental company as well as your insurance company to avoid any mishap.
3. Understanding Liability
Rental car accidents and their liability can also be a complicated matter particularly if there are other vehicles involved. This will vary depending on who is at fault since this will determine the amount of money you will have to pay. On the New Mexico state, you may still get a share of the compensation if you are found to be partly responsible for the accident.
When do you Need a Lawyer?
1. Complicated Insurance Situations
If there is an issue with your insurance claim or if the rental car company is trying to make you pay for the damages that should be insured then it is high time to involve an attorney.
2. Serious Injuries
If the accident has caused severe harm, to yourself or other people, legal help will help you get the necessary compensation for the medical costs, lost time at work, and agony and suffering.
3. Disputes Over Liability
In case of an accident, if there is a contention as to which party was responsible for the accident then an attorney will be able to assist in the collection of evidence, dealing with insurance companies and where necessary, representing you in court.
Call Genus Law Group Today!
When involved in a rental car accident, it is common to be confused and clueless about the best steps to take especially when working with different insurance companies and the rental car company. At Genus Law Group, we have got you covered by our experienced personal injury attorneys in Albuquerque. We’ll help you navigate the legal system and make sure that your interests are defended and that you get the verdict you need.
When you are involved in a rental car accident, the legal issues that surround the case can be quite daunting. At Genus Law Group, we understand that you need assistance in every aspect of the process. Our skilled lawyers will take care of the legal consequences so that you can concentrate on healing. Do not face this difficult time alone—contact us today. Please call 505-317-4455 to set up an appointment and let our team assist you with the advice and advocacy you need. Your peace of mind is just a phone call away.
