If you’re involved in a collision while driving a rental car, it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by questions about insurance coverage, vehicle damage, paperwork, and what happens next, but an experienced Lethbridge car accident lawyer can help.
A rental car accident can involve several different parties, including the rental company, insurance companies, and other drivers involved in the collision. Understanding who is responsible and what options may be available can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also trying to focus on your recovery. At Litco Law, our team has experience helping Albertans navigate the unique challenges that can arise after a rental car accident, and we’re here to help you better understand your next steps.
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Get answers to the following topics and questions:
- How Litco Law’s Lethbridge Legal Team Can Help
- What to Do After a Rental Car Accident in Lethbridge
- Understanding Rental Car Accident Claims in Lethbridge
- Who Is Liable for a Rental Car Accident in Alberta?
- What Compensation May Be Available After a Rental Car Accident?
- Section B Benefits After a Rental Car Accident
- Time Limits for Rental Car Accident Claims in Lethbridge
- Lethbridge Rental Car Accident FAQs
- Our Lethbridge Rental Car Accident Legal Team Can Help You Today
How Litco Law’s Lethbridge Legal Team Can Help
At Litco Law, you don’t just get a lawyer. You get your own personal legal team that will be with you throughout the course of your claim. We call this team a “pod.” It includes a lawyer, a case manager, a client care specialist, and a legal assistant.
We believe legal support should be built on honesty, trust, and putting our clients first. This is why:
- You won’t pay us anything while your claim progresses
- Our fee is a percentage of the settlement we recover for you, and you’ll know that percentage before you ever hire us
- We never bill by the hour
- No hidden fees or surprise bills
If you have questions, you can call us anytime. If you send a message or submit a form, we’ll get back to you within 24 hours. If you choose to hire us, you’ll hear from us every 30 days or less. We can arrange a free consultation at your convenience, in person at our Lethbridge office or by phone.
Serving Lethbridge and Southern Alberta
Litco Law has proudly served individuals and families throughout Southern Alberta since 1976. Located at Heritage Station, 876 Heritage Boulevard West, our Lethbridge office is available by appointment. To speak with our team, call (587) 602-0514.
Lethbridge Client Testimonials
With more than 1,000 five-star Google reviews across Alberta, here’s what our clients in Lethbridge are saying:
“They represented me during my car accident. They did absolutely amazing and I’m so happy with their services and timely responses. I will definitely be using them again.” – Kaylum B..
“The genuine people at this law firm are a breath of fresh air. I just started with them, and they are very impressive from a moral to a professional level. If you require any services, don’t even bother going anywhere else. Just amazing the transparency and treatment this firm conducts themselves as.” – Shawn B..
What to Do After a Rental Car Accident in Lethbridge
After a rental car accident, it can be helpful to preserve any information related to the collision, including photographs, witness information, rental documents, receipts, and communications from the rental company. You should also report the accident to the rental company and your own insurer.
You are not required to give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company or accept a settlement offer from them. If you have questions about what to do next, Litco Law’s team can provide free legal answers and help you better understand your options.
Understanding Rental Car Accident Claims in Lethbridge
Rental car accidents often involve unique legal and insurance issues that can make the claims process more complex than a typical collision. Depending on the circumstances, liability, or legal responsibility, and insurance coverage may involve multiple parties and sources, making it important to understand your rights after an accident.
Why Rental Car Accidents Are Different
When a rental vehicle is involved in a collision, responsibility is not always limited to the drivers involved. Depending on the circumstances, there may be several parties involved, making questions about liability more difficult to sort out. Potential liable parties include:
- The rental company
- The rental company’s insurance provider
- The renter’s personal insurance company
- Any other driver who may have contributed to the accident
Rental companies may also seek to recover certain costs from the renter, and optional damage waivers, such as a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), do not necessarily apply in every situation. Because several types of insurance coverage may be involved, understanding what coverage was available can be an important part of understanding your options after an accident.
Rental Car Insurance vs. Personal Auto Insurance
Rental vehicle coverage often comes from more than one source. Coverage may come from the rental company, your personal automobile insurance policy, or certain credit cards. Because each source of coverage works differently, reviewing the rental agreement and applicable insurance documents can help clarify your situation after an accident.
Who Is Liable for a Rental Car Accident in Alberta?
Determining who is responsible for a rental car accident is not always straightforward. Depending on how the collision occurred, liability may involve one or more drivers, a rental company, or multiple insurance providers. A renter’s actions and compliance with the rental agreement may also affect liability and available insurance coverage.
How Is Fault Determined in a Rental Car Accident?
Fault may be determined by examining how the collision occurred and reviewing available evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, photographs, vehicle damage, and dashcam footage.
If another driver was at fault, that party or their insurer may be responsible for compensating injured parties.
When Can a Rental Car Company Be Held Responsible?
Rental companies are responsible for taking reasonable steps to keep their vehicles safe to drive.
In some cases, a rental company may share responsibility for an accident if a vehicle problem or poor maintenance contributed to the accident. Examples may include faulty equipment, brake problems, worn tires, or other known safety issues that were not properly addressed.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Rental Car Accident?
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pursue compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of a rental car accident. Compensation may be available for several categories including:
- Medical expenses and treatment costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to personal belongings inside the rental vehicle
- Cost of future care
- Lost housekeeping capacity
An injury claim is generally focused on the losses experienced by the injured person, not the damage to the vehicle.
Section B Benefits After a Rental Car Accident
Section B benefits may be available through your automobile insurance policy, even if you were driving a rental vehicle. These no-fault benefits are available regardless of who caused the accident.
Depending on your circumstances, they may provide up to $50,000 for medical treatment and rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, chiropractic care, psychological treatment, and medications. Income replacement benefits may also be available, up to $600 per week or 80% of your weekly pre-tax income, whichever is less.
Time Limits for Rental Car Accident Claims in Lethbridge
If you were injured in a rental car accident, it is important to understand the deadlines that may apply to your claim. The deadline to start a personal injury claim in Alberta is two years from the date of the Accident. Understanding how long you have to file an injury claim in Alberta can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Although two years may seem like a long time, evidence can become more difficult to obtain as time passes. We recommend speaking to a lawyer as soon as possible to understand your rights and prevent potentially missing important deadlines.
Lethbridge Rental Car Accident FAQs
Every rental car accident is unique. Reach out to our team for answers specific to your accident.
Will the Rental Car Company's Insurance help pay for my treatment?
Section B benefits may be available to you through coverage purchased through the rental company. You may also have access to Section B benefits through your personal automobile insurance policy.
Can I Sue the Rental Car Company?
In some situations, a rental company may share responsibility for an accident if its actions or omissions contributed to the collision.
For example, a rental company may face questions about liability if it failed to properly maintain a vehicle, ignored a known safety issue, or rented a vehicle that was subject to an unresolved safety recall.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Litco Law for My Rental Car Accident Claim?
Many people worry about the cost of hiring a Lethbridge personal injury lawyer after an accident. At Litco Law, we work on a contingency fee basis , which means you won’t pay us anything while your claim progresses. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement we recover for you, and you’ll know that percentage before you ever hire us. We never bill by the hour.
Your focus during this time is on your recovery, while we handle the legal work.
We can arrange a free consult at your convenience, in person at our Lethbridge office or by phone.
Our Lethbridge Rental Car Accident Legal Team Can Help You Today
A rental car accident can create challenges that don’t exist in a typical collision. At Litco Law, our Lethbridge legal team understands these challenges and is here to help you understand your options, answer your questions, and support your recovery.
To learn more about how we may be able to help, call us at (587) 602-0514 or contact us online.
