Car accidents are stressful, and it’s not just the experience of the accident itself. If it’s bad enough to put your car out of commission while for extensive repairs, then you need to figure out how you’re going to get around. After all, most people don’t have a spare car lying around, and you still need to get to work or school while your car gets fixed.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident and your insurance coverage, you may be able to get a rental vehicle at no cost. An attorney can often assist you in this process. Here’s what you need to know about getting a rental vehicle after an accident.
Who Pays for You Rental Car
There are three parties that could end up paying for your rental car – your insurance company, the other driver’s insurance company or you.
If you’re at fault for the accident, the other driver’s insurance company obviously won’t pay for your rental car. Your insurance company will cover it if you have that coverage in your policy. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay for your rental car out of pocket.
If the other driver is at fault for the accident, then his insurance company is required by law to pay for your rental car until either your car is repaired or, if the car is determined to be a total loss, until the insurance has paid you for the value of your car. The insurance company also needs to get you a rental car that’s comparable to the car you own that was damaged. For example, if you drive an SUV, an insurance company would need to cover the rental cost of one, and it couldn’t just stick you in a compact car.
Hiring an Attorney to Communicate with an Insurance Company
Here’s the problem when it comes to getting your rental car covered by the other driver’s insurance company – unless it’s a cut-and-dry situation where the other driver is obviously at fault (for example, the other driver rear ended you while you were stopped at a traffic light), it’s very likely the insurance company will dispute who was at fault. During that time, they won’t pay for your rental car and you’re left without a ride unless you pay for the rental car.
Once it’s established that the other driver was at fault, their insurance will need to reimburse you for your rental car, but you’ll be out that money until then.
This is an area where an attorney can make all the difference. Insurance companies often take their time in determining who’s at fault. It could take weeks or longer before they’ve reached a decision, especially if there’s no one pressuring them to move the process along.
It’s difficult to put much pressure on the other driver’s insurance company by yourself. But if you have an attorney, they can get in touch with the insurance company. Not only will they have experience in dealing with insurance adjusters, but once an attorney is involved, there’s the threat of a lawsuit, which no company wants to deal with. That puts pressure on the insurance company to pay for your rental car if it looks like their driver will be at fault. And the best part is that your attorney can handle this at no additional cost to you.
Contact an Attorney Immediately After a Car Accident
The best thing you can do when you’ve been involved in a car accident is contacting an experienced attorney. Your attorney can help you get the best resolution and protect your rights. Call us today in Arlington at (817) 522-4451, Denton at (940) 222-4060 or in Dallas at (972) 362-6848 for a free consultation.
