Call Earley Before It’s Too Late!Pursuing a motor vehicle claim involving a rental car can be uniquely challenging, whether you were driving the rental on your Boston vacation or you were hit by someone in a rental vehicle. From determining which insurance policy covers what to establishing liability with multiple involved parties, this is not something you want to face alone.
The Boston rental car accident lawyers at Earley Law Group can lead you through the process of seeking justice and compensation for your injuries. We have extensive experience with these challenging cases, and we’re ready to take on both the insurers and rental car companies on your behalf.
Why Hiring a Boston Rental Car Accident Attorney Matters
Working with an experienced car rental lawyer offers a distinct strategic advantage when pursuing your claim. Your attorney can provide the following:
- Legal Clarity – These cases involve rental agreements, liability waivers, and third-party insurance, all of which can be confusing and overwhelming. Our Boston personal injury lawyers can help you understand them, read the fine print, and seek the compensation you deserve.
- Building a Strong Case – You need ample evidence to establish liability and connect your injuries to the accident. We can obtain police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and medical and financial records to build the strongest case possible.
- Access to Experts – Investigators, medical professionals, and accident reconstruction experts can provide valuable evidence and credible testimony to prove your claim. Our rental car lawyers have a network of trusted experts in these fields.
- Negotiation and Litigation – Insurers and rental companies will fight tooth and nail to minimize your payout. We’ll advocate aggressively for you at the negotiating table, and if necessary, we’ll take your claim to court and fight for a favorable verdict.
Steps to Take After a Rental Car Crash
Your actions in the days and weeks following a rental car crash can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of your case. Reporting the accident and seeking medical attention should be your first priorities, but you should also do the following:
- Contact a Rental Car Lawyer – A skilled Boston car accident attorney can lead you through the process of seeking compensation, handle all communications, gather critical evidence, and help you avoid critical mistakes. Contact one as soon as possible.
- Document the Scene – Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, accident debris, skid marks, traffic signs and signals, road and weather conditions, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
- Collect Contact Information – Gather names, contact information, driver’s license and plate numbers, and insurance details of all involved parties, as well as contact information of any witnesses.
- Keep Careful Records – Maintain an organized file of all medical records, diagnostic tests, financial information, invoices, receipts, bills, evidence of lost wages, and any other relevant documents.
- Avoid Giving Statements to Insurers – Insurance companies may contact you seeking recorded statements or offering quick settlements. These are meant to weaken your claim and minimize your payout. Avoid speaking with them until you’ve contacted a car rental lawyer.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Rental Car Crash?
One of the most complicated aspects of a rental car accident is determining liability. Multiple parties may be at fault, including:
- The Rental Car Driver – If they were speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating traffic laws, the rental car driver may be personally liable for the accident.
- The Rental Company – If the accident was caused by a mechanical issue that the rental company failed to address, they may bear some responsibility.
- Other Drivers – If another person hit you while you were driving a rental car, you may have a valid claim to compensation through their insurance policy.
- Employers – If the rental car driver was using the vehicle for work, the employer may share liability for negligent hiring or supervision.
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How Insurance Works in Boston Rental Accidents
Under the Massachusetts no-fault insurance system, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage should cover your medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. However, in some circumstances, you may have coverage available through other sources, including:
- The Rental Company – If you purchased supplemental liability or collision coverage when you rented the vehicle, you may be covered depending on the circumstances of the accident.
- The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance – If someone else caused the crash and your expenses exceed the limits of your PIP coverage, you may be able to pursue further compensation through their insurance coverage.
- The Credit Card Used for the Rental Vehicle – Some credit cards offer rental insurance perks that cover physical damage to the vehicle, towing expenses, and other costs related to an accident.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
Your Boston personal injury attorney will likely seek compensation for the following on your behalf:
- Medical Expenses – Ambulance services, hospital visits, surgeries, follow-up appointments, prescription medications, medical devices, and future medical expenses.
- Lost Wages – Hourly wages or salary, commissions and tips, missed raises or promotions, sick days, vacation time, medical benefits, and future lost wages.
- Property Damage – Compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional trauma caused by the accident and your injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Rental Auto Accident Claim?
In Massachusetts, you have a three-year (3) window from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That may seem like a long time, but complicated cases like rental car accidents take time, evidence can be lost or destroyed, and witness memories can fade. Contact experienced Boston auto injury lawyers as soon as possible to get the process started and avoid severely limiting your legal options by missing the deadline.
Talk to Our Boston Car Accident Attorneys Today
The team at Earley Law has over 20 years of experience representing Boston clients as they seek compensation and accountability for their serious injuries. In that time, we’ve built a considerable reputation for securing substantial settlements and verdicts and earned over 800 heartfelt Google reviews like this one from satisfied clients:
“Right off the bat you could tell Christopher is a kind hearted person. After my injury, I was left in physical and emotional distress. Not only did he provide excellent service, but he also cared. His communication is always quick and timely. Always kept me up to date, every step of the way. Christopher demonstrates the qualities of a very reliable and knowledgeable lawyer, and as a client I highly recommend him.” – Billy W.
We believe our success begins with “The Earley Experience”. Our unique approach to client service that focuses on honest, clear communication and tenacious advocacy.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a rental car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our Boston injury lawyers can help. Contact us today at (617) 338-7400 or use our contact form for your free consultation.