Navigating the aftermath of a car accident is challenging, especially when you find yourself without transportation during vehicle repairs. Knowing who foots the bill for a rental car after an accident in Ohio is crucial for alleviating some of this unexpected hassle. At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, we’re here to guide you through these murky waters with personalized legal assistance. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you understand your rights and options when a car accident occurs.
Without a car, car accidents can leave you stuck. Whether you are to blame or not, knowing who could be accountable for covering a rental vehicle and how to get one is crucial.
The first thing after any accident is to see that all parties involved are safe and, if necessary, inform the authorities of the accident. Once you have ascertained the safety of all parties, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible, as this can help to speed up the claims process, even if it involves a rental car.
If the accident involves another driver, exchange insurance details and take photos of the accident scene. Ohio law requires drivers to carry liability insurance, which may cover rental expenses if the other driver is at fault.
Ohio follows an at-fault system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is liable for damages, including rental car costs. If the other driver was at fault, their insurance should cover your rental car expenses. However, if there is a dispute over fault, you may need to cover the rental car cost initially and seek reimbursement later.
If you were at fault or if the other driver lacks sufficient coverage, your own insurance policy may cover rental car benefits through rental reimbursement coverage—if you’ve opted for it. In addition, if someone not on your insurance crashes your car, your policy may pay for the damage—as long as they are permissive drivers.
Once your claim is processed, you’ll need to coordinate with a rental car provider. Here’s what to expect:
When it comes to specifics of who pays for rental cars following accidents in Ohio, things can get a bit confusing, particularly when you’re left handling the aftermath of the accident. If the at-fault driver’s insurance agrees to accept liability, it might cover your rental car expense directly. That said, expect to wait for your application to take longer than expected to process. First, getting this coverage in writing from them is essential so there is no confusion later. Keep track of all receipts and paperwork related to the rental car.
It’s essential to write down exactly why you need the rental, especially if your own vehicle repair takes longer. This is often due to unexpected complications or fighting over who is liable. Remember, car insurance companies generally specify a maximum daily reimbursement rate for rental cars.
If you decide to submit the rental cost to your own insurer and your policy has rental coverage, you may well have to pay those costs upfront and then be reimbursed. Your insurance company will usually tackle the job of recovering these costs from the driver who is at fault insurance company as part of its subrogation responsibilities.
Including car rental fees in your settlement, Once you’re ready to settle your personal injury claim, the cost of the rental car can be counted toward your total demand for compensation. A skilled lawyer can work to integrate these costs with other claims for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages because of missed work, and compensation for pain and suffering. By using this combined strategy, all of your costs related to the accident are captured, allowing you to obtain a settlement that accounts for all your losses.
This is a rental car coverage, optional under the policy that covers the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired because of a covered accident. This coverage does not apply if your vehicle is in the shop for routine maintenance or non-accident repairs.
DMV says rental reimbursement generally has daily and total payout caps. A policy, for example, might provide up to $30 daily or $900 total per claim. Review your policy information to know precisely what you are covered for.
Absolutely, if another driver was to blame and his or her insurance covered the fault. Their supplier should pick up your rental costs while your vehicle is being repaired in this scenario. Still, you might first have to defray the cost and try to recover it later if there is a debate over liability.
Your insurance will provide one if your policy includes rental reimbursement coverage. Otherwise, you would have to rent one and pay, then claim it from the liability insurer of the at-fault party. Of course, naturally, make sure you check your qualifications with your insurance provider in advance to avoid unplanned rental expenses.
You might often need legal help when the at-fault driver’s insurer denies liability. Disputes over who is to blame or whether policy coverage applies can cause delays in payments. A car accident attorney may challenge denied claims, negotiate with insurers, and fight to recover rental car fees that are due to you.
Dealing with insurance can be frustrating. At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, we help accident victims get the compensation they deserve for a rental car after an accident. Contact our Dayton car accident attorneys today for legal support and a free initial consultation.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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