A car accident in West Virginia could disable your vehicle for days or weeks. While your car is in the repair shop or you look for a replacement vehicle, you may need to rent a car. If you did not cause the car accident, you should not have to pay for your own rental car costs. Liability disputes, denied claims and insurance issues, however, could make it difficult to receive reimbursement for a rental. You may need help from a West Virginia car accident attorney.
West Virginia uses a tort-based car insurance law on all car accident claims. With a tort-based insurance system, the driver who is responsible for paying for victims’ damages is the driver who caused the wreck. The at-fault driver will have to pay the expenses of all other victims using his or her liability insurance. This may include the costs of a rental vehicle, depending on the coverage available. To receive compensation that replaces the costs of your rental car after an accident, you will need to file an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s provider. You or your injury lawyer will then have to negotiate with the insurance company for a fair outcome.
It is important to take the correct steps after a car accident to obtain fair compensation for a rental car and other expenses. Knowing what to do after the crash can make it easier to protect your rights and rent a car without any out-of-pocket expenses. If you need assistance, contact an attorney to help you with the claims process.
The insurance company that receives your claim should give you instructions on how to pick up your rental vehicle. Some insurance carriers partner with rental car companies. They will direct you to the correct company, where you should not have to pay out of pocket for the rental. Instead, the rental company will bill the insurance carrier directly. Otherwise, you may have to pay upfront for the rental and request a reimbursement from the insurance company later.
Unfortunately, many insurance companies make it difficult to recover fair and full compensation for the damages associated with an auto accident. The insurance company that hears your claim will want to maximize its profits rather than offer a large settlement. You may need to hire a car accident attorney to help you negotiate a better settlement from an insurance provider. A lawyer can ensure you do not accept less money than your claim is worth. A lawyer could also help you seek compensation for a rental car, making sure the insurance company treats your claim fairly. A lawyer can prevent you from having any out-of-pocket costs for a rental after a car accident you did not cause.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
Fill out the form below to get in touch!
