How to get a Rental Car after a Car Accident
One of the most difficult issues car accident victims face is being without their car while it is being repaired or totaled after an accident. A rental car is usually the obvious solution, and the other driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying for your rental car if the other driver was at fault. However, auto insurance companies sometimes don’t make an immediate decision about who was at fault especially when the other driver is not being honest about the cause of the accident.
It’s also possible that the other driver’s insurance company will deny its insured is at fault and will refuse to pay for your car rental. In either event, you will be responsible for paying for your own rental car, at least initially. Additionally, If the at-fault driver’s insurance company decides you are at fault, you will almost always need to contact a personal injury lawyer to help you recover your losses, including any money spent on a rental car.
The solution to slow or unreasonable auto insurance adjusters
The cost of a car rental can be expensive, especially when added to costs of medical treatment and medications that car accidents usually require. However, there is a way to avoid this expense and the hassle of fighting with the other driver’s insurance company. The solution is to purchase rental car coverage from your own insurance company. If you elect this coverage, your insurance company will pay for your rental car while your car is being repaired or until a check is issued to you if your car was totaled. Then it will be your insurance company’s responsibility to fight the at-fault driver’s insurance company to get reimbursed for the money they paid for your car rental.
How long can I keep my rental car after the accident?
In West Virginia, like most jurisdictions, you can generally keep your rental car as long as repairs are being made or until you receive a check if your car is totaled. Please keep in mind that laws are different in each state and different insurance policies provide different coverage. To be sure about your coverage, you can review your insurance policy, which should have a section directly addressing rental car coverage. Make sure you communicate with and document what the insurance companies tell you. Documenting the claims process will help protect you in the event that an insurance company treats you unfairly.
What should I do if I have been injured in a car accident?
Of course getting the proper medical treatment for any injuries is the most important thing one can do after a car accident. It’s also advisable to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident because there could be important evidence that needs to be preserved. Additionally, the at-fault-driver’s insurance company may try to pressure you into giving a recorded statement before you retain a lawyer, which is usually not a good idea.
If you have been involved in a West Virginia car accident, an attorney is available at West Law Offices to answer your questions free of charge. We will let you know if we think you need a lawyer, and we never charge a fee unless and until we win your case. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car or trucking accident, call us toll free at 1-877-943-9378 to speak with an experienced West Virginia car accident attorney.
Brooks West is a personal injury lawyer, founder, and President of West Law Firm. He has been helping those wrongfully injured in West Virginia for almost two decades. The results and service he provides his clients have earned him membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Brooks is most proud of the many 5-star reviews he has received from satisfied clients.
Lance Bork 
