Summer Road Trip Nightmare: Accident in a Rental Car

Roughly 50 million people are expected to rent a car in 2024.

Many summer road trips begin with a car rental. If you fly to your destination, car rentals are a convenient way to get around. But what happens if you’re in an accident while driving a rental car?

Accidents can actually increase in likelihood if you or the other driver is in a rental car. Oftentimes, the rental car is a make and model that is completely unfamiliar to the driver, which can cause distractions and make accidents more likely to happen. Additionally, if you’re renting a car, you are usually driving on unfamiliar roads, which can also contribute to an auto accident.

What to Do If You’re in an Accident in a Rental Car

Fortunately, the procedure for these accidents is very similar to that of an accident in your own vehicle. Whether or not you caused the accident, follow these steps:

1. Check for Injuries — If you, your passengers, or anyone in the other car is injured, immediately seek medical attention.
2. Call 9-1-1 — Not every state requires you to call the police after an accident. However, if anyone was killed, a drunk driver was involved, or anyone was hurt, it’s likely that you will be required to report the accident. Either way, it’s often required for insurance claims (especially in rental cars), and it’s always a good idea to have an accident report.
3. Document the Scene — If you’re able to, take photos and/or videos of the accident scene and any visible injuries and vehicle damage. Take note of any cameras that may have caught the incident.
4. Exchange Information — Get the name, phone number, address, and insurance of the other driver(s) involved.
5. Seek Medical Attention — Some injuries can be life-threatening but only show themselves after an accident. Get evaluated by a medical professional, even if you don’t think you’re that injured.

Reporting the Accident

After you’ve been properly evaluated, it’s time to report the accident to the rental car company. Regardless of the circumstances of the accident, call the emergency number in your rental agreement (also sometimes located on a sticker in the glovebox) and report the accident. Keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t admit fault.
• Ask what to do with the vehicle. If you need a tow, ask them what service to call. If you can drive it, ask them where to take it.
• Get the name and contact info (employee i.d. number included) of the employee who answers the phone. Get a copy of the claim number as well.

Determining If You Need an Attorney

If you caused the accident, the insurance company will take care of the claim. However, if any of the following scenarios are true, you should call an attorney ASAP:

• You or someone else was seriously/critically injured,
• Someone died,
• You did not cause the accident,
• Or fault is disputed.

In all of the above cases, it’s critical to have legal representation. Insurance companies are more interested in their bottom line than in your recovery. Hiring an attorney will ensure your rights are protected, and any confusion regarding what to do is alleviated.

Texas Rental Car Accident? Call Carabin Shaw.

If you’re a Texas resident or were driving in Texas when you got in a rental car accident, call Carabin Shaw.

Different laws will apply if you are in an accident in another state. An attorney will help you understand exactly what to do, what laws will apply in your case, and how to deal with the car rental company.

If your accident occurred in Texas and you were not at fault, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:

• Ambulance Costs,
• ER Treatment,
• Medical Bills,
• Pain and Suffering,
• And More.

We’ll help you find out for free.

Call Carabin Shaw auto accident attorneys at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation. We look forward to serving you.

Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.

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¹Car Rental Statistics