Navigating a rental car accident can be confusing, regardless of whether you were the driver, a passenger, or in another car struck by a rental vehicle. Determining who is liable for your damages and whose insurance applies is often complex.
At Milavetz Injury Law, P.A., our dedicated legal team has in-depth experience handling Minnesota rental car accident claims. Our auto crash attorneys help people in your position daily and will gladly assist you with your case. Call our law office at 763-560-0000 to schedule a free consultation.
- Are Rental Car Companies Legally Responsible After a Crash in Minnesota?
- When Can a Rental Car Company Be Sued for Negligence?
- Who Pays for Your Medical Bills and Damages After a Rental Car Crash?
- What if the At-Fault Rental Car Driver Has No Insurance in Minnesota?
- Will Your Own Auto Insurance Cover You if You Were Hit by a Rental Car?
- Why It Is So Important To Talk to a Lawyer After a Rental Car Crash
Are Rental Car Companies Legally Responsible After a Crash in Minnesota?
While many folks assume they can sue the rental company because it owns the car, this is usually not the case. Under federal law, rental car companies are not automatically liable for an accident. To hold these entities responsible for your injuries, you must prove that they were negligent or engaged in wrongful conduct.
What Is the Graves Amendment and How Does It Affect Liability in Rental Car Crashes in Minnesota?
The Graves Amendment, 49 U.S.C. § 30106, protects rental car companies from being sued for a crash for simply owning a vehicle involved. However, the company can still be held accountable for negligent or illegal behavior that contributes to an accident.
When Can a Rental Car Company Be Sued for Negligence?
While the Graves Amendment protects rental car companies from vicarious liability, they can still be held responsible under certain circumstances. If a rental company was negligent, they may be liable for covering damages. Some examples of negligence on a rental car company’s part include:
- Failing to maintain a vehicle, such as not fixing faulty brakes or worn tires, or ignoring recalls
- Renting to an unlicensed, intoxicated, or otherwise unfit driver
For example, if a company rented out a car that it failed to properly maintain, and an accident results from a mechanical issue, the company could be held accountable.
Who Pays for Your Medical Bills and Damages After a Rental Car Crash?
A rental car accident claim is typically more complex than a standard accident because of insurance coverage. Determining who is responsible for covering the damages generally involves identifying the party at fault and the insurance coverage that applies.
If you have personal auto insurance, it often extends to rental cars. Your liability, collision, and medical payments coverage may help cover some of your damages. However, if someone else has caused the crash, their liability insurance might cover some of your losses, just like in any other accident.
Minnesota is a no-fault state for auto accidents. This means that drivers must carry personal injury protection coverage, or PIP, which usually covers their medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. PIP solely applies to out-of-pocket expenses associated with injuries resulting from an accident.
If you are in an accident and the losses exceed your PIP coverage, you might be entitled to file a claim against the at-fault party to hold them liable. The other party’s liability coverage will cover the damages exceeding your personal injury protection coverage.
Who Pays if You Were Injured as a Passenger in a Rental Car Crash?
Passengers injured in a rental car accident are generally covered by the PIP insurance covering the vehicle. Therefore, the renter’s or rental company’s policy may apply.
However, if the passenger’s damages exceed the PIP coverage, it may be possible to file a claim against the at-fault driver responsible for the crash.
Who Pays if You Are Hit by a Rental Car While Driving?
If the rental car driver caused the crash, their personal auto insurance is typically the primary coverage. If they did not have insurance, the rental company’s minimum coverage would apply. Sometimes, victims may need to turn to their own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage or PIP benefits.
What if the At-Fault Rental Car Driver Has No Insurance in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, rental companies must provide minimum liability coverage, typically $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. However, these amounts may not fully cover serious injury claims. To avoid inadequate coverage, it is essential to identify all potential sources of compensation, including personal policies and uninsured motorist coverage.
Will Your Own Auto Insurance Cover You if You Were Hit by a Rental Car?
Personal injury protection coverage applies regardless of who is at fault for an accident. This will cover some of your medical costs and lost wages. In addition, if the rental driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own coverage may apply. Review your policy or consult an attorney to determine which coverage applies.
Why It Is So Important To Talk to a Lawyer After a Rental Car Crash
Minnesota rental car accidents come with an added layer of complexity. You may have to deal with multiple insurers, limited coverage, and contested responsibility. Fortunately, a seasoned attorney can help determine the liable party, coordinate with insurers, and fight for full compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses.
Milavetz Injury Law, P.A., offers free consultations and never charges fees unless you win. We believe you deserve justice for your injuries, and financial barriers should not prevent you from obtaining it. Contact our law office for more information and to get started building a solid case.
