What You Should Know About Turo Auto Rental Accidents
Car rentals in California have been available for many years. In fact, the market is affluent in the state because of the amount of tourism; and even if you are a resident in the state, you may find yourself in need of a car rental. Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft have really made and impact but there are drawbacks to using these. One of the most apparent disadvantages is the price for a one-way trip. Depending on the area, the charges can be very expensive; and if you are looking to make multiple stops, the costs can quickly add up.
Recently, a new car rental app named Turo has gained traction because of its “feasible approach” to rent a car. Compared to traditional rental car companies, the prices can be much cheaper, and the ability to rent a car in a moment’s notice has never been so easy. For those familiar with companies such as Airbnb, the company works on a similar premise: owners have the opportunity to lend their property to others, offering owners the opportunity to make extra income and renters the opportunity to save on fees associated with larger companies. For renters, another advantage is that the purchasing of an auto insurance policy rests in the hands of those lending their cars for the rental, as opposed to the renters themselves. In spite of all of the advantages Turo has to offer, renters should know about the risks associated with renting a vehicle and what can happen if an accident occurs.
Steps to Take After an Accident
Whether you have been involved in an accident with a driver who has rented their vehicle through Turo or are a driver who has used Turo, or you rented from a different agency, there are several important steps you should take. One of the most important steps to take is to call emergency medical services if there are injuries. You should also exchange information with the other driver that includes names, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information.
Other steps to take include taking pictures of the vehicles and the scene of the accident in effort to document the accident and collect evidence that will corroborate your version of events. If a police officer responds to your accident, you should file a police report. Finally, it is important that you seek medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible.
Liability and Insurance Coverage Issues That Could Arise
Whether you were the car renter or the person who was struck because of the renter, you should know that the state of California is a comparative fault state. Liability will be determined based on the percentage of fault of each party. If you have been injured in the accident, your compensation may be reduced if you are found to be partially liable for the accident. Comparative fault may also help you, depending on the circumstances.
In the event that the other car renter was found to be liable for the accident, you should know that you may be able to collect from the other party’s auto insurance. This, however, is only possible if the driver of the vehicle has an auto insurance policy. If they are a Turo driver, Turo offers $1 million in coverage that may apply. If the car owner does not carry an insurance policy, you may be limited to restitutions available from the insurance policy carried by the vehicle owner, but this needs to be explored.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in an accident involving a Turo vehicle, you should consider seeking the legal advice of a qualified personal injury attorney. Claims involving new auto rental companies such as Turo can be very complex. In effort of protecting your rights, hire an experienced personal injury attorney.
The attorneys at Heiting & Irwin are skilled in the field of personal injury lawsuits and have many years of experience in going against insurance companies. If you have been injured in an auto accident, contact proficient legal support today.
