Many people find rental cars to be a convenient option when on vacation or traveling on business. While renting a car has many benefits, getting into a rental car accident can lead to complications. Issues of ownership and liability set rental car accidents apart from how crashes are typically handled. An experienced Chicago rental car accident attorney who understands the nuances of such cases can provide vital legal assistance that makes the claims process easier.
 
Liability in a Rental Car Accident
 
The last thing you want to do is get into an accident that involves a rental vehicle, as matters can quickly become complicated. The reality, however, is that rental car accidents can and do happen, sometimes through no fault of your own. There are many possible causes of rental car accidents, including reckless driving, driver error, mechanical issues or driving an unfamiliar vehicle.
 
A rental car accident raises complex liability issues and questions about which insurance policy should cover vehicle damage, medical bills and other costs incurred by the injured parties. When you rent a car, the rental company expects you to return the vehicle in its original condition. Even if another driver caused your crash, the company may still hold you responsible for any vehicle damage that occurs during the period specified in the rental agreement.
 
The rental car company is typically not liable for injuries or damages that result when one of its vehicles is involved in an accident, with a few exceptions. For example, the company may shoulder some blame if a crash occurred due to a lack of proper vehicle maintenance.
 
Understanding Rental Car Insurance
 
What makes rental car accidents different from regular crashes between two drivers is the involvement of the rental company. In Chicago car accidents, typically, the at-fault party’s insurance policy in a collision pays for the injured individual’s medical expenses and other damages. In rental car accidents, coverage for a crash may come from one or a combination of the following types of insurance:
 
• The rental car driver’s personal auto insurance policy
• Coverage provided through the rental car company
• Coverage provided by the credit card used to pay for the rental car
• Your auto insurance policy (if you were not driving the rental car)
 
Having insurance is a must when renting a car in Chicago. Without adequate coverage, you may be held liable for a whole host of damages. If you own a vehicle, you may be able to extend your existing personal auto insurance so that it covers damages that arise from a crash. Make sure to understand your policy and find out whether the coverage applies to a rental car.
 
Many car rental companies offer the option of purchasing additional insurance coverage when renting a car. Different levels of coverage apply depending on the circumstances and the details of the insurance policy. While purchasing supplemental insurance is not mandatory in Illinois, it can protect you in case of an accident.
 
• Personal Accident Insurance: This type of insurance covers medical expenses for those injured in a rental car accident. A deductible may apply, and all collision-related costs may not be covered.
• Liability Coverage: Rental car companies are required by law to provide a minimum amount of liability coverage. This additional coverage provides compensation for property damage and medical bills for the other party if you are at fault for an accident. 
• Collision Damage Waiver: With this supplemental insurance coverage, the rental car company waives replacement and repair costs if an accident occurs. There are some exceptions, such as if an unauthorized driver was driving the rental vehicle.
 
In the aftermath of a rental car accident, you may feel overwhelmed navigating the fine print of different types of insurance coverage. The knowledgeable Chicago rental car accident attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help you understand the insurance policies that apply in your situation.
 
Obtaining Compensation in a Chicago Rental Car Accident
 
A rental car accident is likely to leave you with serious injuries. A Chicago rental car accident lawyer can help you obtain compensation through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Here are some damages you may be eligible to recover:
 
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Disability
• Pain and suffering
 
How a Rental Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
 
If you were injured in a Chicago rental car accident, having an experienced lawyer in your corner can be beneficial in many ways. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we help our clients understand car rental agreements, investigate the specifics of an accident and determine whether to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
 
With multiple parties involved in rental car accidents, the claims process tends to be more complicated than for a standard collision. Our recommendation is to avoid making statements to insurance companies until you have proper legal representation. A skilled Chicago rental car accident lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, thereby improving your chances of having a successful claim. 
 
At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients. Our attorneys can help you recover the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages and other damages so that you can move forward with your recovery after a crash. Contact us right away to speak to an experienced Chicago rental car accident lawyer. We offer a free initial consultation.