Who Is Responsible for Damages in a Rental Car Accident?

Getting into a car accident is jarring enough when you are driving your own vehicle. But when it happens in a rental car, the confusion and stress multiply fast. You are dealing with an unfamiliar vehicle, you’re not sure what insurance applies, and now you have to notify not just your own insurer but the rental company too. If you have been in a rental car accident in St. George, here’s what you need to know.

How Liability Works in Utah Rental Car Accidents

Utah is a no-fault state for car accidents, which affects how rental car claims are handled. Under Utah law, your own personal injury protection coverage (PIP) pays for your medical expenses up to a certain limit, regardless of who caused the accident. Once those limits are exhausted, you can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance if you have sustained serious injuries or over $3,000 in medical bills. 

When you rent a car, the rental company typically offers several insurance products at the counter. For example, a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) covers damage to the rental vehicle itself. Liability insurance covers medical expenses and property damage you cause to others, while personal accident insurance covers medical bills for you and your passengers.

After an accident in a rental car, these coverages work in coordination with your existing insurance. Always review your rental agreement carefully and check with your insurance agent about what’s covered before you sign.

What to Do If You Are Involved in a Rental Car Accident 

The moments following an accident can feel chaotic, but taking the right steps protects your health, your claim, and your legal rights. If you can do so safely, here’s what you should prioritize:

• Check for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Your safety and the safety of others come first.
• Move to safety. If the vehicle is drivable and it is safe to do so, move out of traffic to avoid further danger.
• Contact the police. File a police report, especially with a rental car involved. This documentation is critical for establishing fault.
• Exchange information. Collect the other driver’s insurance details, contact information, and vehicle description, including the license plate number.
• Take photos. Document the damage to all vehicles, the accident scene, road conditions, and any relevant signage or skid marks.
• Notify the rental company. Let them know about the accident right away, even if you were not at fault.
• Call your insurance provider. Share the police report number and all details you have gathered so they can begin processing your claim.
• Contact a Utah car accident lawyer. An attorney can guide you through the process of filing a claim and protect your rights if the insurer pushes back.

Speak with an Attorney About Your Rental Car Accident Case

After a rental car accident, the path forward can be very unclear. Making the wrong move such as giving a recorded statement to the wrong insurer or accepting a quick settlement can jeopardize your claim and leave you responsible for expenses that should have been covered.

A Utah car accident lawyer can untangle the complicated web of responsibility in rental car accidents, identifying all potential sources of compensation and pursuing claims against the appropriate parties.

Your attorney will review rental agreements, insurance policies, and Utah liability laws to determine the best legal strategy for your situation. Contact our injury lawyers in St. George today for a free consultation and get experienced guidance on your situation.