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After a Rental Car Accident | Help from West Virginia Injury Attorney

A rental car accident can be a scary and stressful situation, especially if you are in an unfamiliar place. The steps to take after an accident in a rental car are similar to those you would follow after a crash in your own car.

However, there are some special circumstance and processes you may have to consider in this kind of accident. By following these guidelines recommended by a West Virginia injury attorney you can properly handle the situation.

What should I do immediately following a rental car accident?

  • Make sure everyone is OK. If you or other passengers are injured, call an ambulance as soon as possible. Even if you feel your injuries are minor, it is a smart idea to be checked out by a medical professional anyway. 
  • Call the police to the scene of the accident. It is important to have a law enforcement officer file an official report for use in your records, to supply to the insurance company and rental car company. 
  • Supply only the needed information. Do not discuss fault and do not tell the other driver you are driving a rental vehicle. They may try to use this against you in determining liability. 
  • Call the rental car company. A phone number in case of emergencies can usually be found in the glove box or a sticker in the car. Let them know you have been in an accident and follow their directions. They may ask you to take photos of the accident scene or collect other information. 
  • Call your insurance company to let them know you have been involved in an accident while driving a rental car.
  • After completing these steps and returning home, you should reach out to a West Virginia injury attorney if you suffered injuries in your rental car accident. Just because the accident happened in a rented vehicle, away from your home, it doesn’t mean that you do not have rights.

If the accident was caused by a negligent driver you may be entitled to damages. You may also find yourself in a battle with the car rental company and insurance adjusters about coverage.

An experienced West Virginia injury attorney can take a look at the specifics of your accident and determine if you have grounds for filing an injury claim. If a case is possible, your legal team will work on your behalf to get you the compensation you need and deserve for your injuries.

Author Bio

Tim Miley is the Founder of Miley Legal Accident Injury Lawyers, a West Virginia personal injury law firm he formed in 2006. With more than 30 years of experience in personal injury law, he is dedicated to representing clients in a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, brain injuries, wrongful death, and other personal injury matters.

Tim received his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University and is a member of the West Virginia State Bar and the Harrison County Bar Association. He has helped his clients win more than $10 million in personal injury verdicts and settlements and has further served the people of West Virginia by filling legislative roles in the state’s government since 2004.

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