Fault, Liability, and Rental Cars
Whether you were driving a rental vehicle, struck by one, or involved in a multi-vehicle collision that included a rental, determining liability and securing compensation in Pennsylvania or New Jersey can be complicated. When you meet with a Bucks County personal injury attorney, they can share with you how fault is assessed. This conversation is important, because knowing your rights is crucial to protecting yourself and recovering damages.
Pennsylvania vs. New Jersey Determinations
Collisions in rental vehicles happen for the same reasons accidents occur in other vehicles, common causes include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and impaired driving. But the involvement of a rental car adds another layer of complexity. There may even be questions about whether the person driving the rental was authorized to do so. And when insurance companies get involved, they often point fingers at each other to avoid paying out claims.
Also, there are state-to-state recovery differences. Pennsylvania and New Jersey both have no-fault insurance systems, but they differ in how they handle liability and the right to sue. In Pennsylvania, drivers can choose between limited tort and full tort coverage. Limited tort restricts your ability to sue unless the injury is deemed serious. New Jersey has a similar system with the verbal threshold, which also limits lawsuits based on the severity of the injury.
If you are injured in an accident involving a rental car, determining fault will often involve a detailed investigation. Police reports, witness statements, rental agreements, and insurance policies all play a role. Rental car companies are generally not liable for accidents unless there’s a defect in the vehicle or they acted negligently in renting it. Responsibility usually falls on the driver, and possibly their personal or supplemental insurance coverage.
Assessing Who Will Pay for Damages
Should a rental car be involved in an accident, the layers of insurance can be difficult to untangle. Potential sources of coverage include:
- A rental car company’s liability coverage
- The renter’s personal auto insurance
- Optional coverage purchased at the rental counter
- Credit card rental insurance (if applicable)
- The at-fault party’s insurer
Recovering full compensation may require navigating more than one insurance policy. Insurers may dispute who is responsible, and rental companies are skilled at shifting liability onto drivers.
Whether you were injured in a PA or NJ rental car crash as a driver, passenger, or another motorist, working with an experienced Bucks County personal injury attorney is key. An attorney can sort through conflicting insurance policies, build a case for liability, and pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Don’t assume the rental car company or insurer will do the right thing automatically. Let a legal professional advocate for your recovery and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Could a rental car company be responsible for your accident-related expenses? After a rental car accident in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, connect with the skilled attorneys at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. to protect your rights and access a fair settlement. Call 215-515-2604 to schedule a confidential consultation.
