Arkansas is an at-fault insurance state and follows standard negligence principles for motor vehicle collisions, regardless of whether a person owns, leases, or rents the car they are driving at the time. That means the motorist responsible for causing the traffic incident and their insurance company are liable for covering the damages and other losses.
Our skilled auto wreck lawyers are seasoned in handling cases resulting from rental car accidents in Little Rock. We could help you through the process of proving the other driver’s fault and collecting fair compensation.
The auto insurance policy of the individual at-fault for causing the crash pays for your medical costs related to the event, lost pay, pain and suffering, and property damage through the policy’s liability coverage. That includes damages to the rental vehicle. According to Arkansas Code Annotated § 27-22-104, the minimum liability coverage all motorists in the state must carry is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash for bodily injury, and at least $25,000 for property damage per collision.
Policyholders may choose to carry higher amounts. If the person at fault for the incident is in a rental vehicle, the federal Graves Amendment under 49 United States Code § 30106 protects rental agencies from liability in most cases, so their auto insurance policy would pay for the damages, regardless of whether they were driving a different vehicle at the time.
However, if the company’s negligence, such as failing to maintain the rental as required, causes the wreck, the legislation allows for holding them financially responsible. Our attorneys are skilled at handling claims resulting from rental car crashes in Little Rock and could answer your specific questions during an initial consultation.
As with all traffic incidents, there are vital steps to take after Little Rock rental car wrecks. These include the following:
Always avoid admitting fault or giving recorded statements until you speak to an experienced lawyer for legal advice and guidance.
The first step is filing a claim with the liable motorist’s insurer. Our hardworking and experienced lawyers could handle all communication and negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. If the adjuster does not agree to a fair settlement offer, we could file the rental auto collision claim in civil court in Little Rock and handle discovery and litigation to pursue the best possible outcome and maximum payout.
While it is almost always in your best interest to work with experienced legal counsel, when rentals are involved, the cases can often be more complex. We could also thoroughly review your rental agreement before any communications.
While being behind the wheel of a rental vehicle at the time of a collision can add a layer of confusion and additional hurdles, the process is quite similar. The at-fault driver’s insurance policy covers your medical care, lost pay, and pain and suffering.
The additional complexities make working with a dependable lawyer particularly important to protect you from insurers or the rental agency attempting to shift liability onto you. Call our office today to schedule a consultation if you need help with rental car accidents in Little Rock.
N/a
