Getting into an accident is bad enoughโyouโre hurt, your car is wrecked, and now you need a rental just to keep your life moving. If youโre thinking, โI was in an accident and need a rental car,โ donโt let the insurance companies push you around when it comes to covering that cost. Itโs time to stop being politeโฆ and GET RUDE.
At RUDIN LAW, we know the games insurance companies play. They delay claims, lowball you, and hope youโll settle for less. But weโre here to help you take control and get what you need. This blog will break down whoโs responsible for your rental car expenses after an accident in New Orleans and show you how to protect yourself.
Hurt in a car accident and need a rental? Donโt let the insurance company give you the runaround. Itโs time to stop being polite and GET RUDE with RUDIN LAW. We handle the insurance companies, so you donโt have to. Contact us at (504) 500-5504(504) 500-5504ย to schedule your FREE case review.
Whoโs Paying for the Rental? Hereโs What You Need to Know.
When youโre dealing with insurance, it all depends on the details. Here are some key points to consider:
If You Have Rental Reimbursement Coverage โ Use It to Avoid Delays.
If youโve added rental reimbursement to your policy, this is the time to use itโespecially if the other driverโs insurance is dragging its feet. Even if the other driver was at fault, their insurance company may take time to investigate and approve the rental car coverage. Using your own rental reimbursement coverage can help you get a car right away without waiting on the other sideโs approval. Just remember, your insurance company can seek reimbursement from the at-fault driverโs insurer later on โ in insurance lingo, itโs called โsubrogation.โ
If the Other Driver is at Fault โ Make Their Insurance Pay.
Louisiana is an โat-faultโ state, which means that if the other driver caused the accident, their insurance should cover your rental costs. But donโt expect them to hand it over easily. Theyโll likely delay to โinvestigateโ โ or even dispute whoโs at fault, dragging out the process. This is where you need someone in your corner whoโs not afraid to GET RUDE and demand whatโs fair.
What if Youโre Partly at Fault? Louisianaโs Comparative Fault Rule.
In Louisiana, even if youโre partially at fault for the accident, you can still get compensation. Letโs say youโre found 25% responsible for the crash. The other driverโs insurance should still cover 75% of your rental car expenses. But insurance companies donโt make this easyโtheyโre hoping you donโt know your rights. Thatโs why itโs critical to have a tough advocate on your side to make sure they pay their share.
Donโt Wait โ Speed Up Your Rental Coverage
Need a rental car right away? Here are some steps you can take to push the process forward and avoid unnecessary delays:
- Report the Accident Immediately: Donโt wait. Contact both your insurance and the at-fault driverโs insurance right after the crash. The faster you report, the faster theyโre forced to respond.
- Document the Details: Take photos, get a police report, and collect witness statements if possible. Insurance companies look for any excuse to deny or delay your claimโdonโt give them one.
- Call RUDIN LAW: If the insurance company is giving you the runaround, itโs time to GET RUDE. At RUDIN LAW, we know how to put pressure on them to get you the rental coverage you need without the wait.
What to Do If You Donโt Have Rental Reimbursement Coverage
Maybe you didnโt add rental reimbursement to your policy, or maybe the at-fault driverโs insurance is dragging their feet. Hereโs what you can do if youโre stuck without immediate rental coverage:
- Pay Out of Pocket and Seek Reimbursement: Cover the rental cost yourself, keep all your receipts, and go after the at-fault driverโs insurance for reimbursement. We know itโs not ideal, but sometimes itโs the fastest way to get a rental and keep moving.
- Use Credit Card Rental Benefits: Some credit cards offer rental car insurance as a perk. Check with your credit card company and see if theyโll cover your rental temporarily.
- Go for a Lower-Cost Option: If you need to pay upfront, consider choosing a smaller or more affordable rental car until the insurance company steps up. It may not be ideal, but it can help bridge the gap.
Not Sure About Your Coverage? Hereโs What You Need to Do
If youโre feeling confused about rental coverage after an accident, hereโs a quick action plan to follow:
- Check Your Policy: Take a look at your auto insurance policy. Do you have rental reimbursement? If youโre not sure, call your agent and ask. Knowing your coverage makes a difference.
- Get Written Confirmation: If an insurance company agrees to cover your rental, ask for it in writing. Donโt let them backpedal later.
- Keep a Record of Everything: Save all your receipts and emails related to the accident and rental expenses. Documentation is key if they try to dispute your claim down the line.
Why You Need a New Orleans Auto Accident Attorney Whoโs Not Afraid to GET RUDE
So, not only are you having issues getting the at-fault driverโs insurance company to cover your rental car, but now theyโre hitting you with a lowball settlement offer for your injuries. This isnโt just about a car rentalโitโs about your recovery and getting what you need to recover. Insurance companies love to act fast when it means paying you less, hoping youโll settle quickly just to move on. But donโt let them take advantage of you.
At RUDIN LAW, we know how to stand up to these tactics. With our R-U-D-E Method, weโre not just focused on the rental car; weโre focused on making sure every part of your claim is handled aggressively and fairly:
If the insurance company thinks youโll settle for less, itโs time to prove them wrong. At RUDIN LAW, we donโt let insurance companies call the shotsโweโre here to make sure youโre taken care of every step of the way.
Ready to GET RUDE and Take Control After Your Accident?
Donโt let the insurance companies call the shots. At RUDIN LAW, youโre not just hiring any New Orleans car wreck attorneyโyouโre hiring a former defense lawyer who spent over a decade working for insurance companies. We know their strategies, their fears, and exactly what they donโt want to hear. This inside knowledge gives you a real advantage. Weโre honest, transparent, and blunt because thatโs what gets results.
At RUDIN LAW, we believe in getting you the money you need to move forward. When you work with us, youโll reach your New Orleans personal injury lawyer directly, and weโll stand up to the insurance companies together, making sure they pay what they owe.
If youโre ready to stop being polite and start fighting back, contact us today for a FREE case review at (504) 500-5504(504) 500-5504, or fill out our secure online form. With us in your corner, youโll get an attorney who knows the other side and isnโt afraid to GET RUDE to secure what youโre owed. Donโt waitโtime is critical in cases like these. Letโs get started now and put you back in the driverโs seat. At RUDIN LAW, weโre committed to standing up for individuals and families across Louisiana and Texas.
Get Hurt? Get Help. GET RUDE.
Copyright ยฉ 2024. RUDIN LAW. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (โpostโ) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipientโs state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
RUDIN LAW
5500 Prytania St. #404
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 500-5504(504) 500-5504
https://www.getrude.com/