Getting involved in a car accident in a rental car in Albuquerque can be overwhelming. Whether or not you chose to purchase rental car insurance before the crash, you may not know how to protect your rights during the claims process. Navigating the complexities of a rental car accident case in New Mexico can be made easier with assistance from a dedicated Albuquerque car accident attorney.
What Is Rental Car Insurance?
Rental car insurance, also known as rental car reimbursement coverage, is a type of automobile insurance policy that specifically covers rental vehicles. When you rent a motor vehicle in New Mexico, the company you are renting from will typically offer multiple types of insurance policies.
Common types of rental car insurance include:
- Collision damage waiver: the most common type of rental car insurance, which covers rental car damage caused by a vehicle collision, theft or vandalism.
- Liability insurance: covers damage caused to someone else’s property or their medical bills in the event of a car accident.
- Supplemental liability insurance: supplements car insurance you already have through your personal policy if a victim’s losses exceed the maximum on your car insurance policy.
- Personal accident insurance: covers your medical expenses if you are injured while driving a rental car. It can also pay death benefits for you and your passengers.
- Personal effects coverage: covers the cost of replacing or repairing any lost or damaged personal belongings that were inside the rental vehicle.
Various other policies may also be offered, such as roadside assistance, medical payment insurance, and collision or comprehensive coverage. Opting to purchase one of the insurance policies offered by a rental car company can protect you from absorbing financial responsibility for damage to the vehicle in the event of a car accident.
Do You Need Rental Car Insurance?
Whether or not you need rental car insurance is up to you. Rental car insurance is not a legal requirement when you rent a vehicle in New Mexico. You have the right to opt out of any rental car insurance coverage offered. However, failure to purchase rental car insurance could place you at risk financially if an accident occurs – even if the crash is not your fault.
Your own car insurance company may not cover damage to a rental car. This could make you personally responsible for paying to repair or replace the rental if you are at fault for an accident. While some credit card companies offer rental car insurance, this is also not a guarantee. The best way to protect yourself financially is by purchasing rental insurance.
What to Do After an Albuquerque Rental Car Accident?
A car accident can happen when you least expect it, including while driving a rental vehicle in Albuquerque. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a rental car accident can help you take the right steps to protect yourself and preserve your legal rights.
If you can, take the following actions:
- Pull over as close to the scene of the rental car accident as is safely practicable.
- Once you are in a safe place, check yourself and your passengers for signs of injuries.
- Call 911 immediately to report the rental car accident and request an ambulance, if needed.
- Exchange contact information with any other people involved in the car accident.
- Take photographs of the scene of the accident and any property damage.
- Get medical care for your injuries without delay.
- Contact the rental car company and your own car insurance company to report the crash.
- Follow the rental car company’s instructions for bringing the car to the nearest office location or an auto shop.
- Wait to accept an insurance settlement, if one is offered, until you have spoken to an attorney.
- Contact a lawyer for assistance securing fair coverage for your rental car accident.
Navigating a rental car accident case can be difficult, but you can do so effectively with help from a lawyer. An attorney can provide guidance and legal advocacy throughout the claims process to improve your chances of achieving a positive result.
Who Is Liable for Rental Car Accidents in Albuquerque?
Determining liability for a rental car accident in Albuquerque starts with understanding New Mexico’s car insurance laws. New Mexico is a fault-based insurance state, which means the driver or party at fault for causing a car accident is responsible for paying for a victim’s medical bills and property damage.
If someone else is at fault for causing your rental car accident, such as a distracted or reckless driver, his or her automobile insurance policy may be responsible for covering your losses, including damage to the rental car. According to New Mexico Law, all drivers are required to carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury or death insurance, as well as $10,000 in property damage liability insurance.
Note, however, that when you rent a vehicle, you assume liability for any damage that occurs to the rental vehicle regardless of who is responsible for causing the damage. This is why it can benefit you to purchase rental car insurance through the rental company. With rental insurance, you won’t have to pay out-of-pocket to repair the rental vehicle, even if you were at fault or the car gets damaged in a hit-and-run.
How Can an Albuquerque Rental Car Accident Attorney Help Me?
Although you may be responsible for damage to a rental car in a car accident, you may still qualify for financial compensation for your injuries and medical bills if the crash was caused by someone else’s negligence (failure to act with proper care). However, getting fairly compensated for your losses can be difficult.
Hiring an experienced car accident attorney to represent you in Albuquerque can give you the peace of mind to focus on healing from your injuries while your attorney does the rest. Your lawyer can investigate the rental car accident, identify the liable party or parties, collect evidence of negligence or fault, and take over the insurance claims process on your behalf.
During a free consultation at The Fine Law Firm, a lawyer will listen to the details of your rental car accident and help you explore your options for financial reimbursement. Contact us today at (505) 889-3463 to request your case review and learn more.