Pittsburgh
Rental Car Accidents Lawyer

A crash involving a rental car can raise questions that a typical accident does not. Coverage may depend on the rental agreement, the driver’s personal auto policy, credit card benefits, and optional protections purchased at the rental counter, and it is not always clear which one applies.

A Pittsburgh rental car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation after a crash involving a rented vehicle. Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., have seasoned personal injury attorneys with decades of experience in advocating for injury victims throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Call Our Attorneys: (412) 471-8500

Who Is Liable After a Rental Car Accident in Pennsylvania?

Determining liability in a rental car accident is not always as straightforward as it is in other motor vehicle collisions. Depending on how the crash occurred, responsibility may rest with the rental car driver, another driver, or multiple parties.

  • When the Rental Car Driver Caused the Crash: If the person driving the rented vehicle caused the accident by speeding, driving while distracted, failing to yield, or violating another traffic law, they may be liable for the injuries and damages that resulted.
  • When Another Driver Is Responsible: Many rental car accidents are caused by another negligent motorist. If another driver caused the collision, you may have a claim against that driver’s insurance policy, even if you were driving or riding in a rental vehicle at the time.
  • When the Rental Company May Share Responsibility: Rental companies are generally shielded from liability for their customers’ negligence under the federal Graves Amendment, 49 U.S.C. ยง 30106. However, a rental company may still be responsible if it negligently maintained the vehicle or rented it out with a known mechanical defect.
  • Multiple Parties May Share Liability: Some crashes involve more than one negligent party. Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to multiple drivers, commercial vehicle operators, or other parties whose actions contributed to the accident. Identifying every available source of compensation is an important part of building a strong claim.

How Insurance Coverage Applies in Rental Car Accidents

Insurance coverage in a rental car accident often depends on what the driver purchased at the rental counter, what their personal auto policy covers, and whether a credit card used for the rental provides additional protection. Because these coverages can overlap or leave gaps, sorting out which policy pays is an important part of the claims process.

Rental agreements, damage waivers, policy declarations, and payment records can help establish which coverage may be responsible for your damages. An attorney can investigate these details and help pursue compensation from every available source.

Why Rental Car Accident Claims Are Different

Most car accident claims involve two drivers and two insurance companies. Rental car accidents can involve the rental agreement, supplemental liability protection, collision damage waivers, personal auto policies, and credit card coverage, all at the same time.

These details can significantly affect which insurance company is responsible for paying your claim.

Our attorneys work to gather the information needed to determine:

  • Who was driving the rental vehicle and whether they were an authorized driver
  • What optional coverage was purchased at the rental counter
  • Whether the driver’s personal auto policy extends to the rental
  • Whether credit card benefits provide additional coverage
  • Whether multiple insurance policies may apply
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Understanding Your Rights After a Rental Car Accident

Pennsylvania law can affect your ability to recover compensation after a rental car accident. Some of the most important legal considerations include:

  • Time Limits to File: Under 42 Pa. C.S. ยง 5524, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Missing this deadline may prevent you from pursuing compensation.
  • Limited Tort Coverage: Under 75 Pa. C.S. ยง 1705, your tort election on your personal auto policy may follow you into a rental vehicle. Depending on the circumstances and the severity of your injuries, you may still be able to recover damages for pain and suffering.
  • Comparative Negligence: Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system under 42 Pa. C.S. ยง 7102, meaning you may still recover compensation if you are less than 51% responsible for the accident, although your recovery will generally be reduced based on your share of fault.
  • Determining Liability: Identifying who is responsible often requires reviewing the rental agreement, the driver’s authorization status, vehicle maintenance records, and the circumstances surrounding the crash.

An experienced attorney can investigate these issues and identify every available source of compensation.

How We Build Rental Car Accident Claims

Rental car accident claims require careful investigation, thorough documentation, and a clear understanding of how rental agreements and multiple insurance policies interact.

  • Step 1: Learn About Your Accident We begin by reviewing how the collision occurred, identifying the parties involved, and explaining your legal options during a Free Case Evaluation.
  • Step 2: Preserve Key Records Rental agreements, damage waivers, maintenance logs, and payment records can play an important role in a rental car accident claim. We work to preserve this information before it becomes more difficult to obtain.
  • Step 3: Identify Every Available Insurance Policy Our team reviews all potentially applicable coverage, including supplemental liability protection, the driver’s personal policy, credit card benefits, and any insurance carried by other drivers involved in the collision.
  • Step 4: Handle Insurance Communications Rental car claims often involve multiple insurance companies. We manage communications and negotiations on your behalf while protecting your interests throughout the claims process.
  • Step 5: Pursue Full Compensation We seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, future medical care, pain and suffering, and other losses through settlement negotiations or litigation when appropriate.
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Types of Rental Car Accident Cases We Handle

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Our firm represents clients injured in a variety of rental car accidents, including:

  • Drivers of rental vehicles struck by negligent motorists
  • Passengers injured in a rented vehicle
  • Occupants of other vehicles struck by a rental car driver
  • Pedestrians hit by a rental vehicle
  • Accidents caused by poorly maintained rental cars
  • Crashes involving out-of-state visitors and tourists
  • Accidents involving unauthorized drivers
  • Rental truck and moving van accidents

ABOUT
Why Choose Us For Rental Car Accident Cases

Rental car accidents can present unique legal challenges, particularly when rental agreements, damage waivers, and multiple insurance policies come into play.

Whether you were injured while driving a rental, riding as a passenger, or struck by someone in a rented vehicle, our attorneys can evaluate your claim, explain your legal options, and help determine who may be responsible for your injuries.

At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., we have spent decades advocating for injury victims throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. We are committed to protecting your rights, handling the complexities of your claim, and pursuing the full compensation you deserve.

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“

Eve, Gary and everyone else were fantastic. They helped me through the entire process. I wouldnโ€™t wish a work injury on anyone but if anyone needs representation, Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., is the place to go.

- J. S.
“

The best firm in the city, and I'm not just saying that because of my name! Their level of legal knowledge here is unparalleled. Whether it's a personal injury or medical malpractice case, this firm is equipped to handle even the most complex matters. Their track record truly speaks for itself!

- B. O.
“

This Law Firm has a very unique way of handling your case. They strive to maximize your settlement, and I appreciate their hard work and professionalism.

- T. B.
“

Best law firm, ever! I cannot say enough great things about Jon Perkosky. He is very passionate about what he does, and is a fabulous attorney. He's the best! He will fight, and fight hard.

- B. P.
“

We would highly recommend John Perkosky. He worked very hard for us, as did all at the firm. Working with John, Mike, and Michelle was a pleasure.

- G. M.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pittsburgh Rental Car Accident Claims

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In most cases, the federal Graves Amendment, 49 U.S.C. ยง 30106, protects rental companies from liability for their customers’ negligence. However, a rental company may still be responsible if it failed to maintain the vehicle or rented it out with a known safety defect.

Many personal auto policies extend liability and collision coverage to rental vehicles, but coverage varies by policy. Reviewing your declarations page and the rental agreement is an important first step in determining what applies.

Declining a collision damage waiver or supplemental liability protection does not necessarily leave you without coverage. Your personal auto policy, credit card benefits, or the at-fault driver’s insurance may still apply.

Passengers injured in a rental car accident may have access to the at-fault driver’s insurance, the rental company’s supplemental liability coverage if it was purchased, and potentially the renter’s own personal auto policy, depending on the circumstances of the crash. Because several policies may be involved, identifying all available coverage is an important part of the claim.

Under 42 Pa. C.S. ยง 5524, Pennsylvania generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

You can generally still pursue a claim in Pennsylvania if the accident happened here. An attorney can help identify the applicable insurance policies and handle the added complications of an out-of-state driver.

We handle rental car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront attorney fees, and you owe nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Get Trusted Legal Guidance After a Rental Car Accident

Rental car accident claims can involve overlapping insurance policies and complex questions about liability, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Our attorneys can investigate your case, determine which insurance coverage may apply, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at (412) 471-8500 for a free case evaluation, you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Call (412) 471-8500 today for a free case evaluation.

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    The results obtained in any particular case depend upon the specific facts and circumstances of that case. Past verdicts and settlements do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in future cases.

    245 Fort Pitt Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, US