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A rental car accident can interrupt important business trips and exciting vacation plans instantly. But unfortunately, they happen every day. Knowing what to do after a crash can help calm your nerves and protect your legal rights. Here are answers to some of the most common questions involving rental car accidents in Michigan:
What to Do After a Rental Car Accident
You should handle the immediate aftermath of a rental car accident the same way you would as a crash in your personal vehicle.
Check for injuries. Call 911 to get medical support and law enforcement to the scene.
Exchange information. Get the names and insurance information of every driver involved in the wreck.
Limit what you say to law enforcement about the crash. Stick to the facts.
See a doctor. Begin immediate treatment for any injuries.
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer. You need to notify the rental company and your insurance company of the crash, but it’s wise to talk to an attorney first, if possible. Rental car claims can get complex, and there may be additional insurance questions if you purchased supplemental coverage when you rented the car. A lawyer from Christensen Law can help you navigate the process and pursue compensation for your losses.
Does My No-Fault Insurance Cover Injuries in a Rental Car Accident?
Michigan is a no-fault auto insurance state. All motorists must purchase no-fault insurance to cover their medical expenses, wage loss, attendant care, and replacement services after a crash.
The personal injury protection (PIP) coverage you purchased under your no-fault policy applies if you suffer injuries in a rental car accident. It also applies if you were driving your rental vehicle outside Michigan at the time of the crash. PIP insurance follows the driver, not the vehicle.
What Happens if I am at Fault for a Rental Car Crash?
If you are responsible for a rental car accident and the injured party is insured in Michigan, they will still go through their no-fault insurance company to cover injuries and crash-related losses. But if they suffered serious injuries and exhaust their no-fault policy limits, they may also be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against you for excess expenses.
What if the Other Driver is at Fault?
If the other driver is to blame for the rental car crash, the process works in reverse. You will apply for PIP benefits from your no-fault insurer to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other services. If your injuries are extensive, you may also be eligible to sue the other driver for excess losses.
What Happens if the Other Driver is not from Michigan?
If the injured party is insured outside of Michigan, figuring out what to do after a rental car accident is more complicated. Speak to a car accident lawyer immediately after a collision with an out-of-state driver.
Hurt in a Rental Car Accident? Get Legal Help from Our Respected Michigan Attorneys
Understanding what happens after a rental car accident in Michigan is not easy. Don’t try to track down the answers alone. Talk to a personal injury attorney at Christensen Law today. Our car accident attorneys can determine whether you have a valid claim and push for you to be fully compensated for your accident-related expenses. Contact us now for a free case review.
