Rental Car Accidents in Oklahoma: Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities

No matter how minor or major a car accident is, car accidents can be stressful, shocking, and disrupt your day. Of course, the most serious accidents can be the most devastating, but even dealing with the aftermath of a fender bender can be overwhelming.

If you were in an accident in a rental car in Oklahoma, you may be unclear about what your rights are and how you can recover compensation for your damages. An Oklahoma City personal injury attorney at the Putnam Law Office can advise you on your legal options.

What Happens After an Oklahoma Rental Car Accident?

When you rent a car, the agreement you sign will typically put the full amount of responsibility on you for the automobile you are renting while it is in your possession. If there is any damage to the vehicle while you have it, you are responsible for it regardless of if the damage was your fault.

So, if you are driving a rental car and another driver crashes into you and causes an accident, as far as the rental car company is concerned, you are responsible for paying for the rental car’s damages. 

To recover compensation for the losses you suffered because of your accident including reimbursement for what you paid the rental agency, you will have to file a claim against the driver that caused your Oklahoma car accident. In your claim, you can include the costs of the rental car damages, your pain and suffering, your medical expenses, and lost wages if you were unable to work after your accident.

On the other hand, if you are in a rental car and cause the accident then you are both responsible for paying the rental agency for the damage to the car as well as paying for the damages that other victims in the accident sustained.

Car rental companies usually offer their own insurance for the duration that you are renting a car. If you purchase this insurance, then should an accident happen, this coverage would pay for the vehicle’s damages. However, there may be a deductible that you are responsible for paying.

It is possible that your personal car insurance coverage could pay for damages related to a rental car accident. Reviewing your policy and asking your insurance agent any questions regarding what is covered can be beneficial before renting a car. This will not only help you understand what your coverage is but also assist you in determining if it makes sense to buy insurance from the rental car agency or to save money and not buy it since you may be able to rely on your own insurance.

Speak to an Attorney at the Putnam Law Office Today

If you were in an Oklahoma car accident the comparative negligence statute the state follows will allow you to recover compensation for your losses as long as you are not deemed to be 50% or more responsible for causing the crash. 

To talk with an Oklahoma City personal injury lawyer at the Putnam Law Office about your accident experience and learn more about what you can do to recover compensation, please call (405) 849-9149 to schedule a free consultation.