Rental car collisions typically involve out-of-state drivers, third-party rental agreements, and unclear insurance coverage. If you have been injured in a collision with a rental car in Texas, your case can quickly become complicated. You may be dealing with multiple insurance policies, liability questions, and companies that are not eager to pay you fair compensation.
Our car accident attorneys at Moore Law Firm can help identify which policies apply, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and make sure you are not left paying the bill for someone else’s negligence.
Common Issues With Rental Car Accidents in Texas
Getting hit by a driver in a rental car is not the same as your typical car crash. In most car accidents, you will be dealing with the other driver’s personal insurance. However, there may be multiple parties involved, each with different levels of responsibility, when the driver is driving a rental vehicle.
Here’s where it gets trickier. Texas law does not generally hold rental car companies liable for what a driver does unless the company was negligent in renting out the car. For instance, if they lease it to someone who is clearly intoxicated or does not have a valid license. In most cases, liability falls on the driver. But what if the driver waived rental insurance and has no personal coverage? What if the rental agreement included supplemental policies with hidden exclusions?
Things get even more confusing when the driver is from out of state. Different states have different minimum insurance requirements, and some out-of-state drivers may have policies that don’t fully comply with state law. Jurisdictional issues can also arise, particularly if the driver returns to their home state before a claim is resolved. Rental companies may also be based in other states, making it harder to track down the correct insurer or enforce your rights locally.
Additionally, you may also have to deal with rental car companies that outsource their insurance claims to third-party insurers or administrators, which adds another set of hurdles. In this case, you may have to communicate with a separate claims handler, usually a large national company unfamiliar with Texas law or uninterested in your specific needs, instead of dealing directly with the rental company or the driver’s insurer.
These third-party companies may delay responses, shift blame, or give you incomplete information about coverage. It can be difficult to determine who actually holds the policy, what benefits apply to your case, and how you can pursue a timely and fair payout for your accident-related losses.
Who Pays If You Get Injured in a Collision with a Rental Car?
Identifying the right insurance policy is one of the first and most frustrating things you have to do after getting hurt in a rental car crash. In Texas, the at-fault driver is legally responsible for damages, meaning the at-fault driver’s personal insurance is your first source of compensation. However, some drivers renting a car either don’t have personal coverage or may have policies with low limits that do not cover all your damages.
If the renter purchased optional insurance through the rental company, those may help, but they usually come with fine print and exclusions. For instance, some policies do not apply if the driver violated the rental agreement or was under the influence at the time of the crash.
You may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if the rental driver declined coverage and has no personal auto insurance. Some rental agreements include limited liability coverage, but those policies often carry low limits and are filled with exceptions.
Drivers in the state must carry minimum liability coverage of only $30,000 per injured person and $60,000 per crash. That can be nowhere near enough if you are dealing with severe injuries, surgery, lost income, or long-term rehabilitation.
What a Texas Car Accident Lawyer Can Do For You After a Rental Car Crash
When you hire a Texas car accident attorney to work on your case, they will take over communication with the insurers involved, whether it’s the rental company’s insurer, the driver’s personal policy, or your own carrier. They will investigate the crash thoroughly, collect supporting evidence, review the rental agreement, and determine which policies apply.
Likewise, they will track your medical treatment, calculate the full cost of your injuries, and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. If the insurer won’t pay what you deserve, your lawyer will be ready to take your case to trial. You do not need to handle paperwork, phone calls, or insurance red tape while you are in pain. That’s your lawyer’s job. Your job is to get better.
Discuss Your Case With Our Texas Car Accident Attorneys
If you were hurt in a rental car collision, our Texas car accident lawyers are here to assist you. At Moore Law Firm, we’ll cut through the confusion, hold the right parties liable for your losses, and fight for every dollar you’re owed. To schedule your free case evaluation, send us an online message or call 504-840-5529.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
What makes a rental car accident more complicated than a regular car crash?
Rental car accidents often involve out-of-state drivers, third-party rental agreements, and multiple insurance policies, making liability and compensation issues more complex than typical car accidents.
Who is typically responsible for damages in a rental car accident in Texas?
In Texas, the at-fault driver is legally responsible for damages. Their personal insurance is the primary source of compensation, but rental company policies or your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply if personal coverage is insufficient.
How can a Texas car accident lawyer help with a rental car collision case?
A lawyer can manage communications with insurers, investigate the crash, collect evidence, determine applicable policies, calculate injury costs, and negotiate for a fair settlement, even taking the case to trial if needed.