Michigan Rental Car Accident Lawyers
Car accidents are incredibly stressful. When a car accident involves a rental car, it can be even more complicated. If you have been involved in a Michigan rental car accident, you may wonder who is liable for your injuries and how you can start the claims process. Do not waste time worrying—contact an experienced attorney today.
At the law firm of Sommers Schwartz, our dedicated team of accident attorneys commands an impressive knowledge of the complex insurance laws that govern rental car accident claims. We can help you identify all the policies that may compensate you for your physical and emotional damages and help you prepare a compelling claim for recovery.
Insurance in Michigan Rental Car Accidents
In most cases, after car accidents caused by negligent motorists, drivers file a claim with one or more insurance companies. In a traditional car accident involving two vehicles, two insurance companies are usually involved: the at-fault driver’s and the insurer for the other driver or injured party. However, in accidents that involve rental cars, the driver of the rental vehicle may have purchased additional coverage through the rental car company in addition to their general auto insurance policy. While this can provide an additional avenue of recovery, it can also complicate settling the case. An experienced Michigan car accident attorney can identify the various insurance policies involved and help you understand how to pursue a claim against the appropriate companies.
Generally, rental car accidents involve one of a few different situations.
Another Driver Caused an Accident While You Were Driving a Rental Car
If another driver caused a collision while you were driving a rental car, the at-fault driver’s insurance policy would typically be the policy covering your accident-related costs. However, if they do not have car insurance or do not carry enough insurance coverage to cover your losses, you may also end up filing a claim with your own insurance company according to your uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
The Driver of a Rental Car Hit You While You Were Driving Your Vehicle
If the driver of a rental car negligently caused a collision while you were driving your vehicle, the company you file a claim with will depend on the seriousness of your injuries and whether the driver purchased additional insurance when they rented the car.
Car insurance companies often encourage customers to purchase additional coverage when they rent a car. Rental car insurance coverage may include bodily injury liability insurance, covering any accident-related costs from a crash caused by the rental car driver. If the at-fault driver purchased additional insurance, you would file a claim through that insurance company.
If the driver of a rental car did not purchase additional coverage, a few other options include:
- The at-fault driver’s personal car insurance policy.
- Your own insurance policy.
- Insurance provided through the at-fault driver’s credit card company.
Some credit card companies offer car insurance coverage when cardholders use the card to pay for car rentals. These policies often contain exclusions, and getting the insurance company to cover your expenses may be challenging.
If the driver of a rental car did not purchase additional coverage, it is often possible to file a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim with your insurance company. If your injuries were serious, they might exceed the amount of available compensation under your PIP policy benefits. In this case, you may also be able to bring a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Under Michigan law, the default coverage includes $250,000 per person/$500,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage. However, drivers can purchase as little as $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident. If your damages exceed these amounts, or the at-fault driver had no insurance coverage, then you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company under your uninsured/underinsured motorist protection policy.
Michigan car accidents involving rental cars are complex, primarily because of the confusing insurance and liability questions. An experienced Michigan rental car accident attorney can help you understand the process and prepare your claim, so you are not left paying for damages related to an accident that you did not cause.
Reach Out to the Michigan Rental Car Accident Lawyers at Sommers Schwartz
If you have been injured in a Michigan car accident involving a rental car, recovering the compensation you need and deserve after the accident may not be straightforward. The dedicated team of attorneys at Sommers Schwartz works closely with accident victims, helping them navigate the complex system to get the money they need to move on with their lives after the accident.
We offer all prospective clients a free consultation, where we will answer all your questions and explain the process in understandable terms so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your family. To learn more, call us at (800) 783-0989, or you can reach us through our online form. We accept all Michigan rental car accident cases on a contingency basis—we will never charge you for our services unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Do not wait—contact us today.
We fight hard. And we win.
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