Las Vegas is a popular tourist destination attracting people from across the world. The city is home to some of the finest casinos and clubs, and tourists often rent a private car to explore Sin City at their leisure.
With more and more cars on the road, the likelihood of accidents increases. Now of course, car accidents can be scary, but they are even more stressful when it’s a rental car. If you’ve been involved in an accident while driving a rental car in Las Vegas, there are specific steps you should take to ensure that the situation is handled correctly.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through what to do after a rental car accident in Las Vegas. Also, you must consult an attorney to guide you through the process step by step. Learn more here about how lawyers can help deal with the aftermath of a rental car accident.
Step 1: Safety First
The first and most crucial step after any automobile accident is always safety. Move your rental car off the road if possible or activate hazard lights and set up cones or triangles if not safe to move the vehicle.
Check yourself and other passengers for injuries immediately. If anyone requires medical attention, call emergency services.
Step 2: Exchange Information with Other Drivers Involved
If there were other drivers involved in the accident outside of your vehicle, make sure you exchange information with them. Collect their names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance details such as policy number and insurance company name.
Step 3: Take Photographs from Different Angles
Take photographs of your rental vehicle as well as other vehicles involved from different angles. These photographs will help when filing an insurance claim with your insurer or the rental car company.
Also, document any damage on structures (fences, walls) and signs near the proximity of where the crash took place, which may have evidential value later on.
Step 4: Call the Police
In case you are safe from any injuries and are able to move, but significant damage to the property takes place, you must report the incident immediately. Some states mandate the submission of a police report for processing insurance claims, and it is advisable to follow the formal procedure. Opting for informal channels, such as directly contacting insurance companies or engaging in negotiations between the involved parties, may result in complications later on, as insurance providers could potentially dispute facts surrounding the incident.
Do not admit fault during interactions with other parties. Make a note of this, especially since insurers will base claim settlements based on events leading up-to-the collision rather than relying on a party’s statement to deflect fault or settle the claim.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Provider
Contacting your insurance provider is vital whether or not there was damage to another vehicle/structure/equipment involved with fault leveled at yourself. Prolonged history without filing claims, in some cases, can block renewal.
It is essential to consult your insurer to understand the expenses covered within the limits of your policy, including any applicable deductibles. Initiating the claims process promptly will expedite the processing time. Do not make uncertain statements about any aspect of your policy. It is wise to thoroughly read the fine print of your insurance policy before obtaining coverage. However, if you have any doubts or concerns, it is advisable to seek clarification from customer service representatives to prevent costly misunderstandings.
In cases where third parties are involved, it is essential to ensure that law enforcement officials have conducted an investigation into the circumstances of the collision before reporting the incident to your insurer. This step helps prevent insurance fraud and facilitates accurate reparation claims.
Step 6: Record Everything
Write down everything about the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind because details may become hazy over time. Include date, time, weather conditions, witness accounts, and description of what happened before and after impact. Use technology to instantly record events providing crucial follow-up documentation post-accident.
Keep everything related to the accident from photos, videos, and written reports documenting what may otherwise not be covered following a crash, like towing expenses and rental car bills (should one need to obtain transportation while rental is unavailable). Keeping receipts is essential to track any economic losses directly resulting from the incident until the claim is finalized.
Step 7: Wait for Further Instructions
After reporting the accident to your rental company and insurance provider, wait for further instructions regarding how to handle repairs or replacement of your rental vehicle. Some companies have their own repair services that they work with, but if not, they may require you to get estimates from auto body shops in the area.
Final Thoughts
Getting into a car accident with a rental car can be overwhelming; however, following these crucial steps can ensure proper handling of the situation. Don’t forget to prioritize safety first and document all evidence using cameras on smart devices. Once you have collected all the evidence from your end, you must consider contacting a personal injury lawyer. They will help you seek justice and rightful compensation.
