Securing a Rental Car After a Car Accident: A Guide by Attorney Jacob S. Gunter
After a car accident, your primary focus should be on your recovery and getting your car fixed or replaced. If life was already challenging, it just became even harder. You might find yourself unable to work, your vehicle might be inoperable, and you could be dealing with painful injuries. This is where a skilled personal injury attorney steps in. They will quickly take action to get your car repaired, secure a rental, and initiate your personal injury claims.
Understanding Property Damage Claims
Many personal injury attorneys tend to focus solely on the injury aspect of your case. However, Attorney Jacob S. Gunter recognizes that both your well-being and mobility are essential. Therefore, he prioritizes getting your car fixed while ensuring you have a rental car to maintain your daily routine. If both insurance companies refuse assistance, he will include these expenses in your settlement demand.
Plan 1: Request a Rental Car from the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
Immediately after a car accident, your attorney should reach out to the at-fault driver’s insurance company to request coverage for a rental. Unfortunately, many times this doesn’t happen. Most Utah insurance carriers prefer to determine liability before agreeing to cover rental costs. This is particularly true in complex cases where liability isn’t clear-cut, such as multi-car accidents.
If the at-fault insurance company refuses or fails to respond, you should then proceed to Plan 2.
Plan 2: Utilize Your Own Car Insurance for a Rental Car
If the at-fault driver’s insurance remains uncooperative, check whether your own car insurance policy includes a rental car benefit. Your personal injury attorney should quickly contact your insurance company to confirm your coverage options. You can find this information in your insurance contract, which specifies how long you can keep a rental and any limitations associated with it.
Plan 3: When Both Insurance Carriers Refuse Rental Coverage
If both the at-fault driver’s insurance and your own policy refuse to cover a rental car, you may find yourself in a tough spot. In this situation, you have two choices: endure without a rental car or cover the rental expenses out of your pocket. You can then include these costs in your total settlement amount, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your losses.
How Long Can You Keep a Rental Car?
Once you manage to secure a rental car, you might wonder how long you can keep it. Under Utah law, the at-fault driver must cover all damages they cause. If you need a rental for 30 days due to your busy schedule, the at-fault driver is responsible for that expense. If you have rental coverage under your own insurance, the contract will dictate how long you can keep the rental car.
You should be cautious about keeping a rental longer than necessary. Extending your rental period excessively could raise questions about your expenses. Additionally, you have a legal obligation under Utah law to mitigate your damages. This means you must take every reasonable step to get your vehicle repaired promptly to prevent your damages from escalating.
Conclusion: The Importance of Getting a Rental Car
Securing a rental while your vehicle is being repaired is crucial for getting back on your feet after an accident. A dedicated personal injury attorney like Jacob S. Gunter can facilitate this process without any extra charges.
If you find yourself struggling with the aftermath of a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Jacob S. Gunter is here to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the support you need.
For a free consultation, call (801) 373-6345 or visit.