Many Missouri residents, as well as visitors, rely on rental cars for a variety of reasons. Some may use them during vacations, business trips, or while their personal vehicle is in the shop for repairs. Others may choose a rental for specific needs, like transporting larger items or attending an important event. However, whether you are driving a rental car or your own vehicle, the risk of an accident is always present.
If you’ve been injured in one of the many rental car accidents in Missouri, you may be wondering who is responsible for covering your medical bills, vehicle damages, and other related expenses. Whether you were hit by a reckless driver operating a rental car or were behind the wheel of one yourself at the time of the crash, determining liability can be complex. Understanding your options is key to securing the compensation you deserve.
For immediate legal assistance from an experienced Missouri car accident lawyer, contact our law firm today. We offer free consultations and can help you understand your options after an accident involving a rental car in Missouri.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Missouri Rental Car Accident?
Liability in rental car accidents in Missouri can be more complex than in regular auto accidents due to the involvement of multiple parties. Determining fault requires careful consideration of who was responsible for the crash and the specific terms outlined in the rental agreement.
In general, if you’re at fault in a rental car accident, you could be held personally liable for damages. If you didn’t purchase additional coverage from the rental company, such as a damage waiver, you might need to rely on your personal auto insurance or credit card coverage. However, the extent of liability depends on the specifics of your policy, and in some cases, you could still face out-of-pocket expenses.
On the other hand, if another driver caused the accident, their insurance is typically responsible for covering the damages. Missouri follows an at-fault system, which means the driver who caused the accident is liable for injuries and property damage. In some cases, however, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or lacks sufficient insurance coverage, your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy may come into play.
In some situations, the rental car company may also be held accountable. For example, if the company failed to properly maintain the vehicle, and this negligence contributed to the accident, they could share responsibility. However, rental car companies often include provisions in their agreements to protect themselves from liability, so it’s crucial to review the terms carefully.
Potentially, multiple parties could bear fault in a Missouri rental car accident, including:
- The rental car company, if vehicle maintenance was neglected
- The driver who caused the accident
- Other motorists involved in the collision
- The vehicle manufacturer, in the case of defective parts
- Maintenance companies responsible for servicing the car
Understanding the various aspects of liability in rental car accidents in Missouri is essential to securing compensation. Speaking with the experienced attorneys at Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers can help ensure your case is properly handled and that all responsible parties are held accountable for your losses.
How Does Insurance Work For Rental Cars in Missouri?
Missouri law does not require you to purchase additional insurance for a rental car if your personal auto insurance already includes comprehensive and collision coverage. This means that your existing policy could extend to the rental car, protecting you in the event of an accident. However, if your personal insurance lacks comprehensive and collision coverage, you may want to consider other options.
Many rental car companies offer a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), which can shield you from being financially responsible for damage to the rental car. While these waivers aren’t technically insurance, they relieve you of liability for vehicle damage caused by theft or an accident. However, these waivers come at an additional cost, typically ranging from $15 to $25 per day.
If you’re wondering whether you really need to purchase a CDW or LDW, your credit card could provide an alternative form of protection. Many credit cards offer rental car insurance, which may cover damages to the vehicle. To qualify, you must use the card to pay for the rental and decline the rental company’s insurance.
However, the coverage offered by credit cards is often secondary, meaning it only kicks in after your personal auto insurance has been exhausted. Some credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the United Mileage Plus Explorer, offer primary coverage, which can provide a higher level of protection in the event of rental car accidents in Missouri.
If your personal insurance or credit card doesn’t offer sufficient coverage, opting for a rental company’s damage waiver can provide peace of mind, especially considering the potentially high costs of even minor accidents. Given the complexities involved, reviewing all your coverage options carefully is essential before getting behind the wheel of a rental vehicle in Missouri.
Who Pays For Damages in Car Accidents Involving a Rental Car?
In Missouri, you’re not required to purchase extra insurance when renting a car, as rental agencies provide the minimum state-mandated liability coverage. This includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. While uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is mandatory for personal vehicles, you can legally rent a car without this additional protection.
If your personal auto insurance policy includes comprehensive and collision coverage, this protection likely extends to rental cars. This means if you’re involved in rental car accidents in Missouri, your policy could cover damages to both the vehicle and any injuries.
However, if you don’t carry such coverage, it might be wise to consider options offered by the rental company, such as Collision Damage Waivers (CDWs) or Loss Damage Waivers (LDWs), which can protect you from the financial burden of repairs.
- Credit Card Coverage: Even if you don’t have comprehensive or collision insurance, your credit card may still offer rental car protection. Many credit cards provide secondary coverage, which kicks in after your primary insurance, covering damage to the rental vehicle. To activate this benefit, you must use the card to pay for the rental and decline the rental company’s insurance. Some credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred, even offer primary coverage, eliminating the need to involve your personal insurance policy.
If neither your personal insurance nor your credit card provides sufficient coverage, purchasing a CDW or LDW from the rental company can provide peace of mind, especially given the high costs that rental car accidents in Missouri can incur. This coverage typically costs between $15 and $25 per day, but it could save you from hefty out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an accident.
To learn more about how insurance works in rental car accidents, reach out to our legal team today. An experienced Missouri rental car accident lawyer from our law firm can answer any questions you may have.
Can the Rental Car Company be Held Liable For Damages?
In most cases, rental car companies are not held liable for accidents involving their vehicles unless there is evidence of negligence on their part. Typically, liability falls on the driver who caused the accident, not the rental agency. However, there are certain situations where the rental company could be held responsible for damages in rental car accidents in Missouri.
- Negligent Maintenance: If a rental car company fails to maintain or repair a vehicle properly and that leads to an accident, they could be held liable. For example, if the company knew about a mechanical defect but rented the car without addressing the issue, this could be considered negligence. In such cases, proving a direct link between the defect and the accident is essential to establish liability.
- Negligent Hiring: Rental companies may also face liability if they negligently rent a vehicle to someone who is unfit to drive. If the company rents to someone with a revoked license or fails to verify the driver’s information properly, this could expose them to legal claims if an accident occurs.
- Failure to Address Recalls: Under federal law, rental companies cannot rent out vehicles that are subject to a recall without first repairing the defect. If they fail to comply and the defect contributes to an accident, the company could be liable for damages.
While it is rare for a rental car company to be held responsible for an accident, these cases usually involve clear negligence in the vehicle’s maintenance or rental process.
What If the At-Fault Driver Was Uninsured?
In rental car accidents in Missouri, if the at-fault driver is uninsured, recovering damages can become more complex. However, Missouri law requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, which provides a safety net in situations like these. This type of coverage is designed to help cover medical expenses and property damage when the other driver does not have insurance.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage ensures that you are not left bearing the financial burden of an accident caused by someone without insurance. If the at-fault driver in a rental car is uninsured, your own uninsured motorist coverage can step in to help with medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. It’s important to understand the terms of your policy to know exactly what it covers and how much compensation you may be entitled to receive.
If you’re involved in a rental car accident and the other driver lacks insurance, it’s crucial to handle the situation as you would any other accident. Ensure everyone is safe, call the police, exchange insurance details, and document the scene with photos. Taking these steps can protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Can Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers Help?
After a rental car accident in Missouri, handling the aftermath on your own can be overwhelming. The confusion surrounding multiple insurance policies, potential injuries, and various legal complexities makes having an experienced attorney on your side crucial. Hiring a personal injury attorney ensures your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Here’s how a lawyer can help after a rental car accident:
- Clarifying Insurance Policies: Insurance coverage in rental car accidents can be complex, often involving your personal policy, the rental company’s insurance, and the other driver’s coverage. An attorney will explain how these policies interact and help you navigate the situation effectively.
- Handling Communications: After a rental car accident, you might have to deal with multiple insurance companies and other parties. A lawyer will handle all communications on your behalf, allowing you to focus on recovery.
- Building a Strong Case: To hold the responsible party accountable, you need evidence and a solid legal strategy. An attorney will gather accident reports, witness statements, and other crucial documentation to strengthen your claim.
- Maximizing Compensation: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A personal injury lawyer will ensure that your compensation reflects all your damages, including medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Navigating Legal Complexities: The legal process after a rental car accident can be confusing. An attorney will guide you through every step, from filing claims to negotiating with insurers, ensuring your rights are upheld.
With an attorney by your side, you’ll have a better chance of securing the settlement you deserve after a rental car accident in Missouri.
What Happens if The Car Accident Happened Out-of-State?
When it comes to rental car accidents in Missouri, the laws that apply are determined by where the accident occurs, regardless of where the drivers are from. If an accident happens within Missouri state lines, even if one or more drivers are from out of state, Missouri law governs how the case will be handled.
Missouri is an “at-fault” state, which means that the driver responsible for the accident can be held liable for damages. This differs from “no-fault” states, where each party’s insurance covers their own losses, regardless of who caused the accident. In Missouri, victims of rental car accidents can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance, provided liability is clear.
Comparative Negligence in Missouri
Missouri also follows a system called comparative negligence. This means that after a car accident, the courts will assign a percentage of fault to each party involved. Your compensation is then reduced based on your share of the fault. For example, if you’re found to be 30% at fault for an accident, you would only be able to recover 70% of the total damages awarded.
Even if the other driver in your accident is from a different state, Missouri’s comparative negligence laws still apply, as long as the accident took place within Missouri.
What About Accidents Outside of Missouri?
If you’re involved in an out-of-state accident while driving a rental car, things get more complicated. Each state has its own unique laws regarding fault and liability. This means that even if you’re a Missouri resident, if the accident occurs in another state, that state’s laws will apply.
Additionally, your personal car insurance may have different coverage rules for out-of-state accidents, which is why it’s essential to contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage when traveling. Seeking the guidance of a car accident lawyer is crucial to navigating the complexities of out-of-state accidents and ensuring that you’re following the right legal steps based on the jurisdiction.
When it comes to rental car accidents in Missouri or elsewhere, having a clear understanding of the laws and your insurance policy is key to ensuring you’re protected and can pursue rightful compensation.
Knowledgeable Missouri Car Accident Law Firm
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we are dedicated to providing personalized and expert legal representation for those injured in Missouri car accidents. With years of experience and a deep understanding of Missouri’s accident laws, we fight tirelessly to secure the compensation our clients deserve.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, trust our firm to guide you through every step of the legal process and advocate for your best interests.
Some of the locations in Missouri our legal team serves include St. Louis, Florissant, Kirksville, Springfield, Columbus, Cape Girardeau, and more.
