If you are in Las Vegas and need to rent a vehicle to get around the city, the last thing you might expect is to get involved in a motor vehicle collision in the rental car. These crash cases can be complicated, as they involve the company that rented the vehicle and potential insurance issues or gaps in coverage. It can serve your best interests to contact a Las Vegas rental car accident lawyer for assistance during this difficult time.
How to Get Coverage for a Las Vegas Rental Car Accident
Unlike a standard car accident case in Las Vegas, a rental car accident can involve complications such as the rental agreement, rental insurance and potential credit card coverage. Multiple insurance parties can lead to liability disputes and coverage conflicts. If another driver broke a traffic law and crashed into you, his or her automobile insurance will provide the primary source of coverage.
If this isn’t enough to pay for your medical costs and property repairs, you may be able to turn to a rental insurance policy if you purchased this type of insurance at the time of the rental. If your car accident was caused by a negligent rental car company and poor vehicle maintenance, the company itself could be held responsible for your damages. Finally, if you used a credit card to rent the car, your credit card company may offer supplemental coverage.
Common Causes of Las Vegas Rental Car Accidents
When a car accident takes place in Las Vegas, one of the first steps drivers must take is to determine the cause of the accident. This is because Nevada is a fault-based state, where insurance claims are brought against those at fault. Common causes of rental car accidents in Las Vegas include:
- Driver error: mistakes made by drivers, such as speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, drowsy driving, tailgating, reckless driving and red-light running.
- Vehicle issue: a poorly maintained rental car could experience a dangerous equipment breakdown in the middle of a drive, such as brake failure or a tire blowout.
- Dangerous road conditions: sometimes, a rental car crash is not the fault of a driver but the owner of the roadway. Examples include road defects, potholes, debris, dangerously designed intersections and obscured signs.
Under Nevada law, you can generally file a claim for financial compensation with anyone who caused your rental car accident. This includes another driver, a rental car company, the owner of the vehicle, an auto manufacturer or the government.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help After a Rental Car Accident in Las Vegas?
Rental car accident claims can be complex, with pushback from the rental car company, insurance companies and credit card providers. Luckily, you have the right to hire a car accident attorney to represent you during the claims process for optimal results. You can trust a lawyer to pursue maximum compensation for your losses while you heal from your injuries. An attorney will prevent an insurance company from taking advantage of you in or out of the courtroom. Contact Koch & Brim, LLP for a free case review in Las Vegas to discuss a specific rental car accident case today for more information.