Rental Car Accident Lawyer in Florida
If you were injured in a rental car accident in Florida, whether you were driving the rental vehicle, struck by one, or involved in a multi-vehicle crash, you may have many questions about your legal rights. Who is liable for the accident? What insurance coverage applies? Can the rental car company be held responsible?
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Rental car accidents can be far more complicated than typical vehicle collisions. When a crash involves a rented vehicle, determining responsibility often requires examining multiple insurance policies, rental agreements, and the actions of several drivers. For visitors traveling through Brevard County and Central Florida, these situations can become especially confusing when unfamiliar roads and unfamiliar insurance rules are involved.
At Andrew Pickett Law, we represent people injured in rental vehicle accidents throughout Florida. Whether the crash occurred on a major highway such as Interstate 95, along U.S. 192, or near one of the busy travel corridors serving airports and tourist areas, our personal injury legal team works to identify who is responsible and pursue compensation for our clients’ injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash involving a rental vehicle, a Florida rental car accident attorney can help evaluate the situation and explain your legal options.
Why Rental Car Accidents Are Often More Complex
Unlike a typical crash involving two privately owned vehicles, rental car accidents may involve several different layers of liability and insurance coverage. Drivers may have personal auto insurance policies, rental companies may provide optional coverage plans, and credit card companies sometimes offer limited protection for rental vehicles.
Because of this, determining who is financially responsible for damages requires careful review of several factors, including:
- The rental agreement signed at the time the vehicle was rented
- Any optional insurance purchased from the rental company
- Personal auto insurance policies carried by the driver
- Additional coverage provided through credit cards
- The liability insurance of other drivers involved in the crash
A lawyer experienced in rental vehicle accident cases can review these policies and determine how they interact.
Common Causes of Rental Vehicle Accidents in Florida
Florida welcomes millions of visitors every year. As a result, many drivers on the road may not be familiar with local traffic patterns, highways, or driving laws. Rental car collisions often occur when out-of-state drivers are navigating unfamiliar routes while traveling between cities such as Melbourne, Cocoa, Titusville, and other communities throughout Brevard County.
Some of the most common contributing factors include:
- Drivers unfamiliar with local road layouts
- Tourists rushing to return rental vehicles before scheduled deadlines
- Distracted driving due to GPS devices or mobile phones
- Fatigue after long travel days
- Mechanical issues involving poorly maintained rental vehicles
- Speeding or aggressive driving behavior
Regardless of the cause of the crash, an investigation is necessary to determine exactly what happened and which parties may be responsible.
Who May Be Responsible for a Rental Car Crash
Responsibility for a rental vehicle accident can fall on different individuals or organizations depending on the circumstances.
The Rental Car Driver
If the person operating the rental vehicle acted negligently, for example by speeding, driving distracted, or failing to yield, they may be responsible for the damages resulting from the crash.
Another Motorist
In some situations, the person driving the rental car may not be at fault at all. Another driver could have caused the accident through careless or reckless behavior.
The Rental Car Company
Rental companies are rarely liable for accidents, but they could be responsible if the crash resulted from poor vehicle maintenance or mechanical failure that should have been addressed before the vehicle was rented.
Multiple Parties
Certain accidents involve chain reactions or several vehicles. In those cases, responsibility may be shared among several drivers.
Determining liability often requires reviewing police reports, examining vehicle damage, speaking with witnesses, and analyzing insurance policies connected to the crash.
Types of Insurance That May Apply
Several forms of insurance may apply in rental car accident claims in Florida.
Personal Auto Insurance
Many personal auto policies extend coverage to rental vehicles. If the driver has this coverage, it may provide liability protection and other benefits.
Rental Company Coverage Options
Drivers sometimes purchase additional protection from rental companies, including Loss Damage Waivers (LDW) or Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI).
Credit Card Rental Coverage
Certain credit cards offer rental vehicle protection, although this coverage typically applies only to property damage and not bodily injuries.
Insurance From the At-Fault Driver
If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance may cover medical expenses and other damages.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the responsible driver lacks sufficient insurance, this type of coverage may help compensate the injured party.
Our legal team carefully reviews every available policy to ensure that accident victims are not left paying for someone else’s negligence.
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Compensation Available After a Rental Car Accident
Victims injured in rental car accidents may be entitled to financial compensation similar to other personal injury cases. Depending on the severity of the crash, recoverable damages may include:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital bills
- Ongoing medical care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and emotional suffering
- Property damage and personal belongings lost in the crash
- Wrongful death damages in fatal accident cases
The value of each claim depends on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of the injuries involved.
Florida’s Modified Comparative Fault Rule
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. Under this rule, an injured person may recover compensation if they are 50% or less responsible for the accident. However, their financial recovery is reduced based on their percentage of fault.
For example, if a person is found 20% responsible for a crash, their total compensation would be reduced by that percentage.
Because insurance companies often try to shift blame, gathering strong evidence is essential when pursuing a claim.
Lawyer’s Insight: Rental Agreements Can Affect Your Claim
Pro Tip from a Personal Injury Attorney
Many drivers sign rental agreements without realizing they may contain clauses affecting liability and insurance coverage. These contracts sometimes include provisions related to authorized drivers, insurance waivers, or vehicle damage responsibilities.
Reviewing the rental agreement carefully can be an important step in determining which insurance policies apply after an accident.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
Florida law places time limits on filing personal injury lawsuits. In most cases, individuals injured in a car accident have two years from the date of the crash to file a claim in court.
If the accident involves a government entity or public agency, additional procedures and shorter deadlines may apply. Acting quickly helps ensure that evidence is preserved and legal deadlines are met.
Why Clients Choose Andrew Pickett Law
Andrew Pickett Law represents injury victims across Brevard County and Central Florida. Our firm has recovered over $38 million for injured clients, and we approach each case with detailed preparation and a commitment to pursuing fair results.
Clients often choose our firm because we offer:
- Experienced trial representation from a former prosecutor
- Thorough investigation of every case
- Strong negotiation strategies with insurance companies
- Representation with no upfront legal fees
Our attorneys handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay nothing unless compensation is successfully recovered.
Speak With a Florida Rental Car Accident Attorney
If you were injured while driving or riding in a rental vehicle, you may have legal options available. Rental car accident claims often involve complicated insurance issues, but an experienced attorney can help clarify your rights and pursue compensation on your behalf.
The legal team at Andrew Pickett Law represents clients injured in accidents throughout Melbourne, Titusville, Rockledge, Cocoa, Palm Bay, Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach, and communities across Brevard County.
Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward after a rental car accident.
Melbourne Office: 927 E New Haven Avenue, Suite 201, Melbourne, FL 32901
Titusville Office: 605 S Palm Ave, Titusville, FL 32796
Call 321-415-8053 for a free consultation
Serving Rental Car Accident Victims Across Florida
Our firm proudly represents clients injured in rental car accidents throughout:
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Frequently Asked Questions
First, call 911 and report the crash. Then document the scene with photos, gather witness info, and notify both the rental car company and your insurance provider. Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine, and call a lawyer right away.
Rental companies are generally not liable for the actions of drivers unless the vehicle was negligently maintained or rented to someone unfit to drive (e.g., without a license). We investigate every angle to determine if the rental company bears any responsibility.
If you have full coverage or specific rental coverage through your insurer, it may extend to your rental. However, policies vary, and credit card coverage often has major exclusions. Let us review the details and advise you accordingly.
If the at-fault driver lacks insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply, even if you were driving a rental car. We’ll review your rental contract, personal policy, and any supplemental protections to identify all coverage options.
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