You receive a phone call for an interview for your dream job. The problem is that the job is in Richland, Ohio and you are not familiar with the area. After talking it over with your family, you decide to fly to Ohio for the interview. You rent a car at the airport and just as you are getting the hang of driving this new car, you get hit by a car behind you as you are waiting at a yellow light. The back of the rental car is smashed and you have done some damage to the front of the other driver’s vehicle. You are glad you purchased the insurance from the rental car company because it looks like you are going to need it to cover the damages.
Since you do not know the city at all, you immediately take out your cell phone to call 911. The other driver is furious and tells you there is no need to contact the police. You inform the other driver you want to make sure you get a report and the individual keeps insisting you do not have to call the police because the state does not require you make a report at the scene. Despite the anger of the other driver, you call the police. Once local law enforcement arrives, they explain to you that since you are not from the area and driving a rental car, it was a good idea for you notify them. For future reference (in case you get the job and move to the area) they tell you the following:
If you are suffering injuries after a rental car accident, then the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers can help.
- You do not need to report a car accident in Richland, Ohio, unless there are injuries that need medical attention
- You do not need to report an accident unless a death occurs
- You do not need to report an accident with less than $1,000 worth of property damage
The police also tell you that you will need to file a “crash report” with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to evaluate if the other driver had liability insurance on the vehicle. You also learn you will have six months to report the accident to BMV, but since you are visiting from out of state, you should do it immediately.
Did I Purchase Sufficient Insurance from the Richland, Ohio Rental Car Agency?
In Richland, Ohio, you will need to have adequate liability insurance in order to drive a motor vehicle on Ohio roads. The state requires you to have the following insurance coverage:
- $25,000 to cover the death or injury of one individual
- $50,000 to cover deaths or injuries in one car accident
- $25,000 to cover property damage in a car accident
Since you bought insurance from the rental car company, you most likely had to purchase the state minimum to drive the car. Accidents happen and you made a good choice by choosing the option to take the insurance for the rental car. Ohio is an at-fault car insurance state, which means whoever causes a car accident is responsible for all damages and losses to the other driver. It would be a good idea for you to consult an attorney about the details of the car accident so you will have a clear understanding of what you need to do next.
How Can an Attorney Help Me in My Rental Car Accident Case?
Hiring an attorney for a rental car accident in Richland, Ohio, is a good idea in order to make sure you have a thorough understanding of the car insurance claims process. Due to the fact that you are an out-of-state resident visiting the city, an attorney can be especially helpful to you if your case has to go to court. A lawyer can keep track of court dates and deadlines and notify you if you need to return to the city for an in-person appearance if it is required. Your attorney will be able to represent you in all matters that do not require you to be physically present to discuss the specifics of your case.
A lawyer will also be able to explain the laws of Ohio to you so that you can understand what you are up against. You will be able to take the information the attorney provides you with and decide whether or not you want to settle the case or take it to court. Your attorney will also explain to you that if the insurance you purchased from the rental car company does not cover all of the other driver’s damages, there are some cases where you will be held responsible and have to pay them out of your own pocket. A lawyer can negotiate to get your insurance company to give the best settlement possible without you having to cover any expenses out of your pocket.
Call the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers for Assistance with Your Rental Car Case Today
If you or someone you love sustains injuries in a car accident, an attorney can help you get the justice you deserve. We can make sure you receive fair treatment when your case goes to court and will work hard to make sure you get the compensation you need for a full recovery. Our lawyers will research all aspects of your case to make sure we get the best possible outcome. Let us handle the confusing details of your rental car accident claim so you can focus on getting back to good health.
Call our office today so we can discuss how we can help you with your Richland, Ohio car accident claim. We care about your well-being and want to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. You will never know what we can do to assist you and your family if you do not make the call. Contact us as soon as possible so we can get to work on your case.
