When driving a rental car, even the most cautious drivers can find themselves in unexpected situations. Rental car accidents in Texas can become far more complex than anyone expects. The intersection of rental agreements, insurance policies, and liability questions creates a perfect storm of confusion. If you were involved in a rental car accident in Texas, here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and secure the compensation you deserve. Make sure to speak with an experienced car accident attorney in McAllen.
Who Pays After a Rental Car Accident in Texas?
The biggest headache after a rental car accident isn’t always the damage—it’s figuring out who is going to pay for it. Texas is a fault insurance state, which means that negligent drivers are financially responsible for any accidents that occur. You can file a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim against the person responsible.
Unlike accidents in your personal vehicle, rental car crashes involve multiple layers of insurance:
- Your personal auto insurance policy, which may extend coverage to rental vehicles but often provides only secondary protection
- The rental company’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), an optional insurance policy that covers damage to the rental car itself
- The at-fault driver’s liability insurance, which should cover all damages related to the accident
In most cases, if another driver caused your accident, their insurance should pay for the damage to the rental car and the other losses that you suffered. You also have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in court.
Steps to Take After a Collision in a Rental Car
When you’re involved in a rental car accident, it’s easy to panic. After all, you’re driving an unfamiliar vehicle, there are so many layers of insurance coverage involved, and you might be far from home. However, these moments are critical for protecting your legal rights and building a strong foundation for your insurance claims.
Here is what to do after a rental car accident:
- Ensure everyone’s safety and call 911 to report the accident
- Document everything by taking photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, license plates, and street signs
- Exchange information with all parties involved, including names, phone numbers, insurance details, and driver’s license numbers
- Contact the rental car company immediately to report the accident—most contracts require notification within 24 hours
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine initially, and save all of your treatment records
- Keep detailed records of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills and additional transportation costs
- Contact a McAllen personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin your claim
Dealing with Rental Car Companies After an Accident
Sometimes, the rental car company will demand immediate payment for damage to the rental car, even before the insurance claim is resolved. This can add additional emotional stress and financial strain during an already difficult time. An attorney can intervene on your behalf, communicating directly with rental companies and protecting you from aggressive collection tactics and premature charges.
Discuss Your Case with a Texas Rental Car Accident Lawyer
De La Garza Law Firm has handled rental car accident claims throughout Texas for years. If another driver’s negligence caused your collision, our attorneys will fight to make sure you don’t pay for someone else’s mistakes. Contact us at (956) 201-8453 today for legal help and get back on track.
