Getting into an unexpected car accident in Los Angeles can cause quite a headache. Even if no one was physically injured, a collision can take quite a toll on your car. Repairs can be expensive and take time. You may need a rental while you are waiting for those repairs to finish.
Who is going to foot the bill for your rental car after an accident? The answer depends on (a) who is at fault and (b) weather fault is contested. If you need more assistance after a car accident, speak with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer at Citywide Law Group today.
When Another Driver is at Fault
If someone else caused your accident, their insurance company would be responsible for covering the cost of your rental car. You will have to notify that insurance company that there’s been an accident and that you’ll need a rental while your car is in the shop. If the insurance company approves your claim, it will absorb the cost of your rental.
Don’t expect an insurance company to cover the cost of a luxury vehicle. The insurer will probably only agree to pay for a rental that is equivalent to the vehicle that’s being repaired. If you drive a small sedan, you’ll be able to rent a small sedan at no cost to you. The insurance company won’t agree to pay a premium so that you can drive an SUV or luxury car.
You’re Responsible For the Accident
When you are to blame for an accident, you may be able to get a rental car through your own insurance provider. When you designed your car insurance policy, you were probably asked whether you wanted to include coverage for a rental car. If you said yes to rental reimbursement, your insurer will cover some or all of the cost of a rental.
Your insurance provider will put limits on the type of car you can get and how long you can keep it. There will probably also be a maximum number of days for which the policy will cover the rental. If you need the rental car for longer than this period of time, you’ll have to pay for it on your own.
When Fault is Disputed After an Accident
Sometimes disputes over liability and fault can stand between you and the rental car you need.
Let’s say you think that another driver is entirely responsible for an accident. You file a claim with their insurance company and ask for a rental. Insurance companies don’t just approve every claim they receive. In fact, it’s common practice to find any reason to deny a claim. This particular insurance company disputes the fact that their driver is responsible for the accident. It denies your request for compensation and a rental car.
Disputes over liability can take a while to resolve. You probably need a rental car right now, not months from now when fault is eventually established. It may be best to either (a) turn to your own insurance company for help or (b) pay for the rental on your own and ask to be reimbursed if and when the at-fault driver’s insurance company accepts responsibility. if you are not at fault, you have the right to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses you have – including the cost of a rental – after an accident.
Get Help After Your Los Angeles Car Accident
There’s a lot to think about after you get into a car accident. In addition to dealing with physical injuries, you may find that you’re without a car for a while. If you need your car to take care of your family and get to work, this can make a tough situation even worse. Fortunately, you may be able to get somebody else to pay for a rental car while yours is being fixed.
Insurance companies will want to deny your request for a rental and other damages. Their tactics are less likely to work if you hire an attorney to handle your claim. insurance companies in Los Angeles know and respect the attorneys at Citywide Law Group. These companies know we will not stop fighting for our clients until they get what they deserve.
Call our law firm today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you, too.
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