What To Do After An Accident In A Rental Car

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but it can feel even more confusing when the vehicle involved is a rental. Our experienced Indianapolis, IN personal injury lawyer is here to answer your questions and help guide you through your case. If you’re involved in a crash while driving a rental car, there are some key steps to take to protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation for any damages or injuries.

With over 50 years of combined experience and over $70 million recovered for our clients, you can trust our team of attorneys to assist you with your case. Contact Pavlack Law, LLC today to schedule a consultation.

Check For Injuries And Contact Emergency Services

Your safety and the safety of others is always the first priority. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help if anyone is injured. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s still a good idea to be evaluated by medical personnel at the scene or shortly after. This is important both for your health and because it creates a record of your injuries for your case.

Move To A Safe Location If Possible

If the car is drivable and it’s safe to do so, move it out of traffic to avoid further damage. Turn on hazard lights and set up warning signals if you have them. Then wait for authorities to arrive.

Notify The Rental Car Company

Once everyone is safe and law enforcement is on the way, contact the rental company directly. Most rental agreements include instructions for reporting an accident. The company will provide guidance on next steps, such as vehicle towing or replacement procedures.

Document The Accident

Take photos of the damage to all vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Collect information from the other driver, including their name, contact details, insurance information, and driver’s license number. If there are witnesses, gather their contact details as well. This documentation can help support any claim you may need to make later. Our attorney will help you gather evidence throughout your case, but any evidence that you can collect at the scene is vital.

Get A Copy Of The Police Report

Law enforcement will usually prepare an accident report at the scene. Make a note of the responding officer’s name and badge number, and ask how to obtain a copy of the report once it’s filed. This document will be important if there are questions about fault or injuries.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Accidents in rental vehicles can involve multiple types of coverage—your personal auto insurance, credit card benefits, and coverage purchased from the rental company. Sorting through these layers may require some investigation. Make sure you notify your own insurance company as soon as possible.

Contact Our Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Accidents involving rental cars often raise questions about liability, insurance claims, and who’s responsible for what damages. If you’ve been injured, working with our experienced personal injury lawyer can make the process easier to manage. We help clients sort through insurance issues and pursue compensation from the responsible parties.

If you’re unsure about how to handle the situation or whether you may have a claim, we’re here to provide clear and practical legal support. Contact Pavlack Law, LLC today to talk with our team about your next steps.