What to Do After a Rental Car Accident in Colorado
Dealing with a rental car accident is one of the last things you want to worry about, whether your own car is currently indisposed or on vacation. However, driving a car that’s not yours and navigating unfamiliar roads can contribute to a car accident. A car accident with a rental car versus your own car is not always handled in the same way. You may be unsure of how to proceed after a rental car accident. Issues of liability and compensation may be confusing and not clear-cut. In some ways, handling the aftermath of a rental car accident is similar to how you’d handle a car accident in your own car. However, there are some added layers to a rental car accident because of insurance policies.
Contact a car accident lawyer after a rental car accident to ensure you understand your rights and are protected from insurance bad faith tactics throughout the entire process. Don’t lose your right to fair compensation because of minor errors. Make sure you understand how to file your claim correctly. Accident victims benefit from the resources and legal expertise of a lawyer. Consult an attorney today to feel confident that someone is fighting for your best interests throughout the entire process.
5 Things to Do After a Rental Car Accident
It’s important to remain calm and excuse these steps for your own safety and the success of your claim.
1. Make Sure the Situation Is Now Safe
This first step may seem like common sense, but it’s easy to become disoriented and confused in the shock of the moment. It’s essential for your safety and the safety of others to check the surrounding area. If you need to, and if it’s safe to do so, pull over onto the side of the road and contact emergency services.
2. Exchange Contact Information
Once you’ve determined that you and the other driver(s) involved are safe, begin to exchange contact information. This information should include:
- Names
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license
- Vehicle registration
- License plate
If there are any witnesses to the accident, make sure to obtain their information as well.
3. Take Notes and Pictures
Your notes and photos should include the following information:
- Year, make, model and color of vehicles involved
- Standout details of the car (stickers, unique markers)
- The exact location of the accident, including the street names and the lane of the accident
These notes should be as detailed as possible because they can be instrumental in building a strong claim.
4. Contact Your Car Rental Company
As soon as possible, contact your rental car company and let them know an accident occurred. During your call or visit, ask them how to proceed. Generally, a rental car company will need you to fill out an internal incident report.
5. Contact Your Own Insurance Company
Once you’ve informed your own insurance company about the accident, some questions to ask them are:
- Will they file an accident report with the local police, or should you?
- Do you have the accident and comprehensive coverage in your policy in addition to the liability coverage required by the law?
- What would be your out-of-pocket costs?
When you contact both the rental car company and your own insurance company, it’s important to be as detailed as possible and obtain a copy of all incident reports.
Been in a Rental Car Accident? Contact Mintz Law Firm Today
Rental car accidents can be confusing, as it is not your car, and determining who is responsible for damages can be confusing. At Mintz Law Firm, we are dedicated to personalized care that answers all your questions. We are here to help ensure you understand your rights and recover the necessary compensation to cover your injury expenses and other related losses.
Contact us at (303) 462-2999 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.