5 Steps to Take if You Suffered Injuries in a Rental Car Accident

Posted on behalf of RizkLaw on Apr 20, 2023 in Auto Accident

Whether you are one of our many visitors who rented a car to sightsee or a lifelong Portland resident who is utilizing a rental while your car is being repaired, we all need to use rental cars from time to time. Unfortunately, driving a vehicle that is not your own can be nerve-wracking, especially if you get into an accident.

If you have suffered an injury in a Portland rental car accident, you may know how unclear it can be to determine your rights or your next steps. When you partner with a Rizk Law personal injury lawyer, they can guide you through every step of the process, step by step.

What to Do After Being Injured in a Rental Car Accident in Portland, Oregon

The last thing anyone needs while on vacation is a car accident, especially not in a rental car. Unfortunately, these things happen whether we want them to or not. If you experience a rental car accident in Portland, follow these five steps:

Seek Medical Treatment

First, check to make sure that everyone is safe. If necessary, move to a safe location and call 911. Seek medical treatment for your injuries, and be sure to have a police report filed of the incident.

Collect Evidence and Information

Next, exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved in the accident. Ask the responding police officer for their name, badge number, contact information, and a copy of the accident report. Take detailed photos of the rental vehicle’s damage, your injuries, and the crash scene.

Contact the Rental Car Company

Use the rental car company’s emergency phone number to report your accident. Find out what they would like you to do with the car, such as where to bring it or where to have it towed. Take note of the customer service representative’s name, phone number, and the date and time you spoke with them.

Call Your Car Insurance Provider

Start filing a claim through your car insurance provider or credit card company as soon as possible. Insurance companies are more likely to deny claims that have been filed late. When speaking with your insurance companies, avoid discussing fault.

Get Legal Counsel

Since Oregon is a “fault” state when it comes to car accidents, the at-fault driver’s insurance provider may cover your expenses. For this process to occur, you will need a personal injury lawyer to help you prove that the other driver’s negligence resulted in your damages. In many cases, a claim can be filed directly with the other driver’s car insurance company.

Regardless of whether you were at fault for a rental car accident in Portland, a Rizk Law rental car accident attorney can help. During your free consultation, a personal injury lawyer can review your situation and explore your legal options. Our attorneys advocate for your interests and can negotiate with all involved parties to recover a fair settlement on your behalf.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Rental Car Accident Attorney in Portland, Oregon

It is all too easy to put off hiring a car accident attorney after a rental car crash. Still, personal injury attorneys are critical for protecting your legal rights. Rental car accident injuries can range from relatively minor to severe or even fatal, many of which can be expensive to treat.

Rizk Law lawyers do not rest until our clients in Portland get the justice they deserve. To take advantage of your free consultation with our legal team, call us at (503) 245-5677 or submit a completed contact form for more information.

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