Springfield
Missouri Rental Car Accident Attorney
Accident
in a rental car, am I covered?
Whether your car is broken down or you are on
vacation, the chances are at some point in your life you will be driving a
rental car. Unfortunately your likelihood to be involved in an accident also
increases during this time. This is mostly due to the unfamiliar environment
you suddenly find yourself in. Similarly, you may be involved in an accident
where the other driver was driving a rental car owned by companies like:
Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, National, Hertz, Avis, and Thrifty.
Self-insured
Rental Car Companies Obligations
All of these rental car companies operate within the
State of Missouri and as a result are obligated to comply with minimum
financial responsibility laws. However, many of these companies are
self-insured, meaning they have agreed to provide coverage and pay Judgments
under the law. The requirements for companies to qualify to be self-insured is
codified in Section 303.220 RSMo.
Coverage
Limits of Self-Insured Companies
The coverage amounts required under Missouri Law are
set forth in Section 303.160 RSMo. This
section allows self-insured companies, like rental car companies, to only
provide the minimum financial responsibility limits required in the State of
Missouri. These limits are $25,000.00 for one person and $50,000.00 per
accident. These minimal limits cause huge problems for drivers injured by drivers
of rental cars. The truth is that medical bills for even a minor accident can
be well in excess of $10,000.00, leaving little to no room for ongoing
treatment or pain and suffering.
Underinsured
Motorist Coverage
As a result of these minimal coverage limits, it is
important that you have under insured motorist coverage. This is insurance you
purchase that covers excess damage in the event that the other driver’s
coverage is not enough. For example, you get hit by a driver of a rental car
and are injured. Your medical bills are $30,000.00 and your recovery was three
(3) months. All the rental car company will pay to you is $25,000.00, leaving
you owing medical bills and possibly being out lost wages and pain &
suffering. However, if you have $50,000.00 in underinsured motorist coverage,
you may be able to recover an additional $25,000.00 from your insurance company
to help alleviate your losses.
Springfield Missouri Car
Accident Attorney
Of
course, the best bet is to not be involved in an accident while in a rental
car. Springfield Missouri car accident attorney Joel
Harris offers the following tips that may help a
driver increase his or her confidence while driving a rental vehicle on
unfamiliar roadways.
Reduce
Accidents in unfamiliar situations
1. Be Aware of Traffic
Laws in the Area
This is an essential tip
particularly for people traveling outside the country. Aside from avoiding
traffic violations, becoming aware of traffic laws allows drivers to know the
traffic situation in a particular area. Roundabouts, strange traffic signs, or
weird intersections may be present in some towns, and it will be easier for drivers
to navigate these unfamiliar areas if they are knowledgeable about these
features.
2. Be Aware of
Your Surroundings
A herd of cows in the
middle of the road may be a familiar sight for local residents, but it may
be something new or surprising for visitors. Drivers from the south may find
icy roads difficult to manage while city dwellers may not know how to handle
traffic caused by farm vehicles. Drivers can prepare for any traffic condition
if they are aware of the situation in a particular area. It is also advisable
to know the weather conditions of a particular area before visiting it.
3. Be Aware of
Landmarks
Drivers should be familiar
with the map of an area they visit for the first
time. While traveling, drivers should take into account the connection
between notable landmarks and the map. Drivers can easily identify their
location and reach their destination if they are familiar with notable
structures.
4. Use a GPS
Many rental vehicles
feature a GPS system as add-ons. Using a GPS add-on is a cost-effective method
of avoiding getting lost.
Common
Road Rules
1. Avoid Unexpected
Direction Changes
Drivers should wait and
find the next available exit if they miss an exit or turn. Unexpected changes
in direction using a rental vehicle may result in illegal or unsafe maneuvers,
which can endanger the passengers and other vehicles on the road.
2. Use
Turn Signals Properly
When making a turn, it is
essential for drivers to use the turn signal in advance to warn other drivers
of an upcoming turn.
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| Injuries can affect your daily life. Don't trust your future to an insurance company designed to make money. |
3. Slow Down
Being patient is
necessary while driving on unfamiliar roads. Driving at a lower speed
allows a driver to react appropriately to unforeseen obstructions on the road,
such as curves, animals, potholes, and debris.
Check out Nixa
Missouri Auto Accident Attorney’s web page
for more information on what to do in an accident. Also look at Ozark Missouri
Auto Accident Attorney’s law firm profile
to learn more about the aggressive and powerful litigation techniques used by
Harris Law.
