How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Rental Car Accident in Colorado Springs
A rental car accident can lead to a lot of complicated issues. When so many types of insurance coverage are involved, you might not know the best strategy for filing an effective claim.
Timothy Bussey is a Colorado Springs rental car accident lawyer. If you were injured in a rental car accident, working with the right attorney can make a big difference. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we know how to cut through the red tape, identify liable parties, and file a claim seeking maximum compensation for your injuries.
Why Rental Car Accidents Are More Complicated
Unlike accidents involving privately owned vehicles, rental car accident cases may involve multiple layers of insurance coverage. You could be dealing with several parties, including the rental car company’s insurance policy, your personal auto insurance, the at-fault driver’s insurance, or a credit card company that provides rental coverage.
Each of these policies can have different terms, exclusions, and coverage limits. Determining which policy applies and how to approach can be confusing. A Colorado Springs personal injury attorney can analyze these overlapping policies and fight back when insurance companies try to shift responsibility or deny a valid claim.
Understanding Colorado’s Fault-Based System
Colorado follows a fault-based system for car accidents. This means that the party responsible for causing the crash is generally responsible for paying damages.
After a rental car accident, liability may rest with the driver of the rental vehicle, another driver involved in the crash, or a third party such as a commercial vehicle operator. In some cases, the rental company may also share responsibility.
Determining liability requires a detailed investigation. An experienced Colorado Springs rental car accident lawyer can help establish fault and pursue compensation from all responsible parties.
Who Pays for Rental Car Accident Damages?
A Colorado Springs car accident lawyer can help identify all applicable coverage and prevent gaps that could leave you paying out of pocket. Liable parties may include:
- The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance. If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance is typically the primary source of compensation for injuries and property damage.
- Your Personal Auto Insurance. Many personal auto policies extend coverage to rental vehicles. This may include liability, collision, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Rental Car Company Coverage. Rental companies often offer optional insurance, such as collision damage waivers (CDWs). These may cover damage to the rental vehicle but often do not include liability for injuries.
- Credit Card Protections. Some credit cards provide rental car coverage when you use the card to pay for a rental. However, this coverage is usually secondary, and it may have limitations.
How a Colorado Springs Personal Injury Attorney Can Helps After a Rental Car Accident
Managing a rental car accident claim on your own can be overwhelming. An experienced Colorado Springs personal injury attorney provides critical support at every stage of the process.
Investigating the Accident
Your attorney will gather key evidence, including:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera, dash cam, or surveillance footage
- Vehicle damage assessments
- Medical records
Analyzing Insurance Coverage
With multiple policies potentially involved, it is easy to overlook available coverage. A lawyer can review all policies and determine how they apply to your case. This ensures that all possible avenues for compensation are explored.
Handling Insurance Companies
An attorney can handle all communication with insurers, protecting you from tactics designed to reduce your compensation. The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. stands up to insurance adjusters who try to:
- Minimize the damages
- Downplay your injuries
- Shift blame away from their client
- Offer inadequate lowball settlements
Negotiating a Fair Settlement
Most rental car accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. An experienced Colorado Springs rental car lawyer can advocate for compensation that reflects the full extent of the damages you are suffering, which may include:
- Medical expenses
- Physical therapy
- Assisted living care
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Taking Your Case to Trial if Necessary
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can take your case to trial. This includes presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and arguing your case before a jury.
Steps to Take After a Colorado Springs Rental Car Accident
If you are involved in a rental car accident in Colorado Springs, taking the right steps can protect your claim:
- Call law enforcement and obtain a police report
- Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor
- Document the scene with photos and videos
- Exchange information with witnesses and other drivers involved in the accident
- Notify the rental car company
- Contact a an attorney right away
- Allow your lawyer to handle all communication with insurance adjusters
Talk With an Experienced Rental Car Accident Lawyer in Colorado Springs
The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. understands the challenges involved in filing rental car injury claims. We are committed to helping clients pursue full and fair compensation and we provide clear guidance every step of the way.
Timothy Bussey is a nationally recognized trial attorney with over 30 years of legal experience. He is listed by Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research.
Our firm was named among the Best Car Accident Lawyers in Colorado Springs by Expertise, and Timothy was selected for the Gold Client Champion award by Martindale-Hubbell.
To learn more, call (719) 475-2555 and schedule a free consultation today.
Rental Car Accident FAQs
Why should I hire a Colorado Springs personal injury attorney after a rental car accident?
A personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights, identify all available insurance coverage, and handle complex rental car insurance claims. They also protect you from insurance tactics that could reduce your compensation.
Who pays for rental car accident damages in Colorado Springs?
Liability depends on who caused the accident. Compensation may come be provided by the at-fault driver’s insurance, your personal auto policy, rental car company coverage, or credit card protections, depending on the situation.
How does a lawyer determine liability in rental car accidents?
An attorney investigates the crash by reviewing police reports, gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and analyzing contributing factors. This helps establish liability in rental car accidents, even when multiple parties are involved.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Under Colorado’s comparative negligence rules, you may be eligible to recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. pushes back against insurance companies that try to exaggerate your level of fault.
How can a Colorado car accident lawyer help with insurance negotiations?
An experienced Colorado Springs rental car accident attorney can communicate directly with insurance companies, challenge low settlement offers, and negotiate for compensation that reflects your medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. is always prepared to take your case to trial if the other side refuses to make a reasonable offer.
