What to Do After a Rental Car Accident in Arkansas

A Collision Damage Waiver, often called CDW, is an optional coverage that relieves you of financial responsibility for any damage to the rental car resulting from a collision or accident. It can give you peace of mind by eliminating your responsibility for costly rental car repairs or high

Liability insurance covers damage or injuries caused to others in an accident for which you are at fault. If an injured party tries to file a lawsuit or claim against you, this insurance will provide the money to pay those claims.

Personal Accident Insurance, or PAI, covers medical expenses from your rental car accident. This may include hospital and medical bills for both you and your passengers.

Review your auto insurance policy to understand which coverages may apply when renting a car. These may include collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, or liability coverage.

When you need to make a claim on your insurance for a rental car accident, you must pay your deductible first. Understanding your deductible can help you plan for potential out-of-pocket costs.

Your auto insurance policy will have specific coverage limits that dictate the maximum amount your policy will pay out after an accident. It’s crucial to be aware of these limits to ensure adequate coverage in case of a rental car accident.

Prioritize your health and well-being regardless of the accident’s severity. If anyone involved in the accident is injured, including yourself, immediately call for emergency medical help. When you call 911, the dispatcher will send police and emergency medical teams to the accident scene. Remember, your health is paramount, and seeking prompt medical attention is important, even for minor injuries.

In Arkansas, you must notify local police or law enforcement about your accident. They will arrive at the scene, assess the situation, and create an official accident report. Cooperate fully with the authorities and provide accurate and detailed information about the incident.

After the accident, you must exchange information with the other party. This means sharing your driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle details. Make sure to gather the same information from them as well.

Gather as much information as possible at the scene of the accident. Write down the names and contact details of all involved parties and any witnesses. Note the time, date, and location of the accident for future reference.

If you’re uninjured, you can use your phone or camera to capture images of the vehicles involved, the damage sustained, and the surrounding area. These visual records serve as crucial evidence during the claims process.

If there were witnesses to the accident, ask them for their contact information and request their statements regarding what they saw. Their testimonies may be valuable when determining fault and liability.

Remember, every detail counts when it comes to documenting the scene. The more comprehensive and accurate the evidence you gather, the stronger your case will be.

Carefully read your rental agreement to familiarize yourself with the specific accident-reporting procedures and timelines set by the rental car company. Rental car agencies outline this information in the terms and conditions section.

Take note of any deadlines or specific timeframes within which you must report the accident to the rental company. Adhering to these timelines is crucial to ensure compliance with the rental agreement.

Pay attention to any specific instructions the rental company provides regarding accident reporting. Some companies may require you to call a designated phone number, while others may want you to complete an online form.

After the accident, contact the rental car company as soon as possible. Be prepared to provide detailed information about the accident, including the date, time, location, and relevant circumstances.

Each insurance company has specific information you must provide when reporting a crash. They may require you to provide information such as the police report number, other parties’ insurance details, and any documentation or photos. Follow these instructions precisely to ensure a smooth reporting process.

Keep a record of all communication with the rental company, including dates, times, and names of individuals you spoke with. This documentation can be valuable for future reference or in case of any disputes.

The rental car company will hold you responsible for certain costs and damages as outlined in your rental agreement. These costs may include repairs to the rental vehicle, loss of use charges, and administrative fees. Consult your rental agreement or contact the rental company directly to clarify these liabilities.

Review your rental car insurance policy, including any coverage you opted for, such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or liability insurance. Talk to your insurance agent about the extent of coverage your policy provides and how it applies to the accident. Sometimes, your auto insurance may also offer coverage for rental car accidents.

If you have concerns about liability, insurance coverage, or potential costs, consult with legal professionals experienced in rental car accident cases, such as Rainwater, Holt & Sexton. Our team will provide guidance tailored to your situation and help protect your rights to compensation. Best of all, when you work with us, you pay nothing until we win your case.

You must immediately notify your auto insurance provider about the rental car accident. Follow their specific instructions for filing a claim. This may involve submitting a claim form, providing accident details, and submitting copies of supporting documentation.

When communicating with your insurance company, be honest and provide accurate information about the accident. Include details such as the date, time, and location.

Your insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to assess the damage and investigate the accident. Cooperate fully with the adjuster. Be responsive to their inquiries and keep detailed records of all communication.

Follow the rental car company’s reporting procedures to notify them after a crash. Provide them copies of the police report, rental agreement, accident details, photos or videos, and witness statements. The insurance provider may request specific accident documentation from you. If they do, cooperate and share that information.

As an accident victim, you have rights, including the right to fair compensation for damages, injuries, and related expenses. Research Arkansas’ applicable laws and regulations or consult a car accident attorney to understand the protections available to you.

If you encounter difficulties or disputes with the rental company’s insurance provider, talk to an experienced rental car accident lawyer at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton. We’ll help protect your rights and guide you through any challenges you may face.