Perhaps you’re visiting Florida to enjoy the beaches, theme parks, and other wonderful places in the state. Or maybe you’re a local with your car in the shop for service. In either of these scenarios, would you know what to do if you had an accident in a rental car?
Since accidents can happen at any time, especially with the jam-packed roads in Florida, it’s important to know how to handle a collision when you’re driving a rented vehicle.
What to Know About Driving a Rental Car in Florida
To rent a vehicle, all rental car companies will require you to have a valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance coverage. However, if you are from another state, the coverage you are required to have may be different from the insurance requirements in Florida.
Florida requires drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability coverage (PDL). It must be upheld at least by the minimum required amount, which is $10,000 for each. If you are involved in an accident while driving a rental car, you must notify the rental car company as soon as possible. Additionally, you’ll need to inform your own insurance provider.
Because car accident cases with rental vehicles can be tricky, you may want to consult a car accident attorney to help you. This is because the rental car company may require you to cover any extensive damages to the rental car you were driving.
What Should You Do After an Accident in a Rental Car?
There are certain steps you need to take after any car accident, whether the vehicle is on rent or not. This includes calling the police to report the accident and seeking medical attention for yourself or anyone else who was injured. You should also take photos and videos of the accident scene and speak to witnesses to get their contact information.
The rental car company will likely need all this information, too. You will also want to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They may decline to cover your damages if you neglect to report the accident to them.
While you’re no doubt unhappy that you’re now dealing with an accident in a rental car, much of what happens is the same as if the car were your own. The rental car company will have provisions in place for these events. The biggest difference, though, is that Florida is a no-fault state. If your state does not have the same types of laws, it can get confusing. The reason is it requires drivers to be responsible for their own damages.
Getting Compensation After a Rental Car Accident
Nothing puts a damper on your Florida vacation quite like getting into an accident. If it’s in a rental car, you should speak with an experienced attorney. It is to ensure you get the compensation you deserve from the at-fault driver.
Personal injury and property damage laws are not easy to understand, even for Florida residents. Things become even more complicated when the other driver neglects to have the proper insurance coverage. If they violate this law, they can lose their license and face criminal punishment. It is important to visit a knowledgeable and experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Still, that leaves you wondering what to do about these damages. A Fort Walton Beach car accident law firm can offer counsel to help you recover the compensation you need to handle your medical bills, lost wages, and property damage from the accident.
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