Rental Car Accidents in Los Angeles
Getting involved in a car accident in your own vehicle is overwhelming enough; when you are driving a rental car in Los Angeles, the recovery process can be even more difficult. It is common for drivers who are not used to driving in Los Angeles to get involved in accidents in rental cars. If you find yourself in this challenging situation, contact a local car accident attorney in Los Angeles for assistance.

Who Pays for a Rental Car Accident in Los Angeles?
In California, the car insurance law holds the person or party at fault for the crash responsible for paying. This is an at-fault or fault-based insurance system. By contrast, in a no-fault state, all drivers file claims with their own car insurance providers, regardless of who is at fault.
Under California’s fault law, the driver who is at fault for causing a rental car accident will generally be held responsible for paying for damage to the car. All drivers in California are required to carry minimum amounts of liability insurance to provide coverage. This includes at least $15,000 in property damage insurance.
If the driver of the rental car is at fault, his or her own insurance will be responsible for paying. There are multiple options for rental car coverage. You can purchase insurance at the time of renting the car, or you can check with your car insurance company in advance to see if they cover damage to a rental car. Some credit card companies will also offer coverage to repair a rental car if it was rented using the credit card.
Steps to Take After a Rental Car Crash in LA
A rental car accident can happen for a variety of reasons, from a lack of familiarity with the vehicle or road where you are driving to other careless and reckless drivers causing the crash. If you get involved in a car crash while driving a rented vehicle, take these steps to protect yourself and your rights:
- Ensure your safety. Pull the vehicle over in a safe location to check for injuries.
- Call 911 to report the rental car accident if anyone is injured.
- Document the scene of the crash by taking pictures and looking for surveillance camera footage.
- Gather the information of the other driver and any witnesses.
- Get medical care immediately for any injuries you have suffered.
- Notify the rental car company that a crash has occurred.
- Do not admit fault for the rental car accident.
- Contact your car insurance company or credit card company to confirm any available coverage.
- File an insurance claim against the at-fault party.
- Wait to accept an insurance settlement for the rental car accident until you’ve spoken to an attorney about the value of your case.
Knowing what to do after a rental car accident can be easier if you understand the coverage you have beforehand. When you rent a car in Los Angeles, read the fine print of your contract to understand what insurance is available if you get into an accident.
When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
Car accidents involving rental cars in Los Angeles are different from typical motor vehicle accident cases. Rather than only involving two drivers, these collisions also involve the rental car company and possibly a third-party insurance provider.
Rental car agreements can include confusing language regarding who is responsible for paying for damage to the car. The best way to handle a rental car accident in LA is to hire an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to represent you during the claims process.
A lawyer can help by carefully investigating the accident, dealing with one or multiple insurance companies for you, communicating with the rental car company about repairs, and proving your injuries and losses. An attorney will work hard to maximize your settlement while you rest and heal.