Washington is an iconic tourist destination for vacationers who rent cars to enjoy the state’s scenic views, vibrant culture, and diverse array of activities. Washington residents also sometimes use rental cars while awaiting car repairs. Rental car agencies offer special insurance coverage for an additional premium, but many budget-conscious renters weigh their risk of an accident against the extra expense, often forgoing the insurance. But what if the unthinkable occurs while you’re enjoying your vacation or using a rental car for temporary transportation? What are the options after a rental car accident in Washington? Then, you have to make sure to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Marysville.
What Types of Washington Car Accidents Involve Rental Cars?
A driver in a rental car may be unfamiliar with their location and the vehicle that they are driving. Many rental car driver uses extra caution while driving for these very reasons. Still, one research study shows that one in ten rental cars or vans was involved in a car accident at least once in a single recent year.
The most common types of accidents involving rental cars include the following:
- T-bone accidents (angle collisions or broadside accidents)
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipes
- Head-on collisions
- Roadway departures
- Collisions with obstacles
- Car vs. commercial truck accidents
- Tire blowout accidents
- Rollovers
As with all car accidents in Washington, the state’s pure comparative negligence insurance company requires car accident victims seeking compensation to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance. This also means a rental car driver who causes an accident bears liability for all accident-related property damage and injury costs.
What Are the Options for Recovering Compensation After a Rental Car Accident In Washington?
If you accepted the optional rental car insurance, and you were responsible or partly responsible for the accident, the rental car insurance will cover all car accident damages to you and other motorists, including property damage, medical expenses, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering.
If you didn’t choose the optional rental car insurance and you caused the accident, you still have options. In many cases, credit cards provide rental car insurance as a perk. After a rental car accident in Washington, check the credit card you used to rent the car to see if it includes rental car accident coverage.
If you drove the rental car and were not responsible for the accident, you can file a claim for your damages against the at-fault driver’s insurance. You will need compelling evidence of the other driver’s liability for a successful claim.
Additionally, sometimes another entity causes a rental car accident in Washington, such as a road maintenance agency that failed to repair a dangerous road hazard, like an obstructed traffic sign or a large pothole. In these cases, a lawsuit against the at-fault entity could recover compensation for your injury damages as well as property damage to the rental car.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Rental Car Accident In Washington?
Car accidents sometimes cause far more than property damage to a vehicle, like a rental car. When an accident involves injuries, a successful claim can recover damages such as the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future income loss or diminished future earning ability
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Compensation for pain and suffering
Compensation may also be available for specific catastrophic injury damages, such as loss of limb, disfigurement, the loss of an organ, the loss of one of the senses, or diminished quality of life.
Reach Out to The Rental Car Lawyers at Wells Trumbull
An accident claim involving a rental car often comes with additional challenges compared to typical car accidents. To maximize your financial recovery while focusing on your physical and emotional healing, call the experienced personal injury attorneys in Arlington at Wells Trumbull for prompt action to safeguard your rights. Contact us today.