What If I am Hit by Someone Who is Driving a Rental Car?

With nearly 85 million tourists visiting Florida this year, tourism remains a central part of our local economy. With the influx of so many tourists, there are bound to be thousands of rental vehicles on the road in Central Florida at any given time. Accidents involving rental cars occur often for a few reasons but the biggest reason is that the people renting vehicles do not know their way around Florida the way we do. If you are involved in an accident involving a rental vehicle, there are many important things you should know:

Who is responsible if a rental car driver injures me?

Following an accident involving a rental car it is important that you attempt to get that person’s auto insurance. Their insurance will most likely be the primary source of compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage. If the driver does not have that information on them, it is imperative that you, or the law enforcement officer, get the driver’s full name, address, and driver’s license number.

By Florida Law, the rental car company is only required to provide $10,000 of coverage to the renter, and it only acts as secondary coverage.

If you are injured by the driver of a rental car you may bring claims for your injuries and damages against the driver’s personal auto insurance and the rental company. However, unless the renter elects extra coverage, the rental company will only be liable for $10,000 of your injuries and damages. The $10,000 of coverage from the rental company will only be available if the renter does not provide personal auto insurance or if the driver is underinsured and cannot compensate the injured party adequately. IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE DETAILS OF THE RENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE RENTAL COMPANY AND THE RENTER!

Florida Car Accident & Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Call Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys at (407) 888-8000. Accidents involving a rental vehicle can be more complicated than a normal accident. The faster you can act the better as coverage is available through the renter’s insurance company and through the rental company. Let our team of skilled investigators determine who the responsible parties are and what coverage is available. Remember, we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Feel to reach out for a free consultation!