Accidents involving rental cars can be confusing and stressful. When you're driving a rental car and get into an accident, determining who is responsible can be more complicated than if you were driving your own vehicle. In Nevada, understanding the laws and how liability is determined in a rental car accident is crucial to ensure you're not left with unexpected costs. This article will help you understand your legal responsibilities and what steps you should take if you’re involved in a rental car accident in Nevada.


Why You Should Contact a Lawyer After a Rental Car Accident

If you’re involved in a rental car accident, contacting an attorney can help you navigate the complex legal issues that arise. Rental car companies, insurance policies, and liability can create confusion, especially when determining fault or negotiating with insurance companies. Corena Law, a leading personal injury firm in Nevada, has extensive experience handling rental car accident cases. Consulting with an experienced lawyer can ensure you take the right steps and receive the compensation you're entitled to.

Understanding Rental Car Accident Liability Process

In any car accident, the first question that comes up is: Who is at fault? The rental car accident liability process in Nevada follows the same general principles as any other car accident. The driver who caused the accident is typically responsible for the damages. Nevada is a fault state, meaning the at-fault driver is liable for injuries and property damage caused by the accident.

However, when a rental car is involved, the situation becomes more complex. There are several parties that could be responsible for paying damages, including

The driver of the rental car: If you were driving the rental car and caused the accident, you would be liable for damages. Your personal car insurance or the coverage offered by the rental car company will come into play

The other driver: If the other driver was at fault, their insurance will generally cover the costs of damages and injuries.

The rental car company: In some cases, the rental car company might be partially liable, especially if the accident was caused by a defect in the rental vehicle. If you believe that a mechanical issue contributed to the accident, you may be able to file a claim against the rental car company.

Your credit card provider: Some credit cards offer rental car insurance as part of their benefits. If you used such a card to rent the vehicle, your credit card company might cover certain damages, depending on the policy.

Types of Insurance Coverage in a Rental Car Accident

Understanding the various types of insurance coverage available when renting a car is essential. Here are the most common types of coverage that can apply in a rental car accident:

Personal Car Insurance: If you have personal car insurance, it may extend to cover a rental car accident. Your liability coverage, collision, and comprehensive coverage could all apply depending on your policy. It's essential to check with your insurance provider before renting a car to ensure that your policy covers rental vehicles.

Rental Car Insurance: When you rent a car, the rental company will offer you different types of coverage, including liability, collision damage waivers (CDW), and personal accident insurance. These can be helpful if your personal insurance doesn’t fully cover rental cars or if you don’t have car insurance.

Credit Card Insurance: Some credit cards offer rental car insurance, typically covering damages to the rental vehicle. However, this coverage is usually secondary to your personal insurance, meaning it only applies if your primary coverage is insufficient.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the other driver in the accident doesn’t have sufficient insurance, your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may kick in, provided that it’s part of your personal insurance or rental insurance policy.

What to Do After a Rental Car Accident in Nevada

Being involved in a rental car accident requires you to take specific steps to protect yourself and ensure that your rights are covered. Here’s what you should do immediately after an accident:

Ensure safety: The first priority after any accident is to check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. Call 911 if anyone is injured or if the accident has caused significant property damage.

Document the accident: Take photos of the scene, the vehicles involved, and any injuries. Exchange information with the other driver, including their insurance details, license number, and contact information. It’s also crucial to gather witness statements and contact details.

Notify the rental car company: Contact the rental car company as soon as possible to inform them of the accident. They will guide you through their specific claims process and let you know what steps to take regarding the rental car.

File a police report: In Nevada, it’s required to file a police report for any accident that causes injury or significant property damage. The police report will be important if you need to file a claim with the rental car company or your insurance.

Contact your insurance company: Whether it’s your personal insurance or coverage offered by the rental car company, inform your insurer of the accident to initiate the claims process.

Consult with a lawyer: If liability is unclear or you’re struggling to get fair compensation from the rental car company or insurance, an attorney can help. Lawyers from Corena Law specialize in personal injury and rental car accident cases, and can guide you through the legal process.

FAQs About Rental Car Accidents in Nevada

1. Who pays for damages in a rental car accident?

The at-fault driver is typically responsible for paying damages. This could be covered by your personal insurance, the rental car insurance you purchased, or the other driver’s insurance if they were at fault.

2. Does my personal insurance cover a rental car accident?

Most personal car insurance policies extend to rental cars, but coverage may vary. It’s essential to check with your insurer before renting a vehicle to understand what is and isn’t covered.

3. What if the rental car company’s vehicle was defective?

If a defect in the rental car caused the accident, you may have grounds to file a claim against the rental car company for negligence. An attorney can help you determine if this is applicable to your case.

4. Should I purchase rental car insurance?

It depends on your situation. If your personal insurance doesn’t offer sufficient coverage, or you don’t want to risk higher premiums after an accident, purchasing rental car insurance can offer peace of mind.

5. Can I use my credit card’s rental insurance?

Many credit cards offer rental car insurance, but the coverage is usually secondary to your personal insurance. Check the terms and conditions of your credit card’s rental insurance before relying on it.

6. What if the other driver is uninsured?

If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help cover damages. If you don’t have this coverage, you may need to rely on the rental car insurance or your credit card’s rental car benefits.

7. Can I sue the rental car company?

In some cases, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the rental car company, particularly if the accident was caused by a defect or failure to maintain the vehicle. However, these cases can be complex and often require legal representation.

Conclusion

Accidents involving rental cars add a layer of complexity that many drivers may not expect. Determining who is responsible, understanding your insurance coverage, and navigating the rental car accident liability process can be overwhelming. However, by knowing the steps to take after an accident and seeking legal advice, you can protect yourself and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you're involved in a rental car accident in Nevada, contacting an experienced attorney, like those at Corena Law, can make all the difference. They will help guide you through the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your rights in court if necessary. Don't wait until it's too late—know your rights and get the legal help you need to navigate the aftermath of a rental car accident.