When you have been critically injured in a car accident, there will be many expenses you may or may not be prepared for. One of the top costs, especially given the exorbitantly high rates, is rental cars.
However, in the state of Georgia, getting your rental car costs covered could be more challenging than you thought. You may need the legal support of an experienced Georgia car accident lawyer at Barrios Virguez if you hope to get the most out of your claim and avoid covering the costs of your own rental car.
Georgia Is a Fault State
Georgia follows a fault-based system for motor vehicle accidents. This means when you have been involved in a car crash, you will generally file a claim with the liable party’s insurance company instead of filing a claim with your own.
However, if you opted to purchase no-fault insurance coverage, you may have the right to file a claim with your own insurer as well. If you purchase your own rental car coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, you may be able to get the cost of your rental car covered through your own insurance.
Don’t File a Claim without Help
It is important to note that filing a claim with your own insurance company is risky. You will need to speak with your car accident lawyer to find out whether this is a good fit for you and your financial goals. Filing a claim if your own insurer could result in a significant increase to the amount of your premiums when your policy renews.
For this reason, filing a claim with the liable party’s insurance company first is almost always in your best interests. Do not hesitate to speak with your car accident lawyer to find out which option is a better fit for you and your case.
For a free legal consultation, call 678-888-2222
Georgia’s Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
The state of Georgia requires all drivers to purchase auto insurance coverage. The vehicle itself must be insured before it can be on the roadways. While you have the option of purchasing higher amounts, the minimum amount of coverage as required by Georgia law includes:
- $25,000 per person and property damage liability coverage
- $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
- $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage
What’s Not Covered
There is no requirement that drivers must carry any of the following types of auto insurance:
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Glass coverage
- Rental car coverage
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Underinsured motorist coverage
- Gap insurance
- No-fault or personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage
Increasing the amount you purchase in auto insurance coverage can help to protect you if you are ever found liable for causing a car accident or choose to purchase your own no-fault insurance coverage.
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How to Get Your Rental Car Costs Covered
If you are hoping to get the cost of your rental car covered, to do so, you can first find out whether you have the option of filing a claim with the liable party’s insurance company. Generally, whether the liable party is another driver, business owner, government agency, or another party, they will have some type of insurance coverage in place. This coverage may or may not extend to rental car coverage.
For instance, since rental car coverage is not a requirement under Georgia law, it is possible that the driver who hit you will not have rental car coverage. If this happens, you may not have the option of filing a claim with their insurance company.
However, that does not mean you are without legal options. To get the total cost of your rental car covered, which could be thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars, depending on how long you needed a rental car, you may need to be prepared to file a civil lawsuit against those responsible for causing your injuries. Since there are no restrictions on the types of damages that can be recovered or the amount of compensation that can be paid out in a car accident lawsuit, this may be your best chance to hold the liable party accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
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Other Recoverable Damages After a Georgia Car Accident
There are many other types of damages you can also recover after you have been involved in a car accident in Georgia.
Vehicle-Related Damages
While we are discussing rental car coverage, any other vehicle-related damages can also be recovered.
This includes the amount of money you owe on your vehicle if it was totaled and you are financing or leasing, damage to your driving record, costs of increases to your auto insurance premiums, the diminished value of your vehicle, the total cost of vehicle repairs, and more.
Other Financial Losses
You also have the right to recover your loss of income, diminished earning capacity, all of your medical expenses, and any future medical care you may require as it relates to your car accident injuries.
Non-Economic Damages
Your car accident lawyer will be sure to consider the impact your injuries have had on your life and emotional state as well. Physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, diminished quality of life, loss of consortium, inconvenience, shame, embarrassment, and skin scarring are just a few of the types of non-economic damages that could be sought after.
Find out more about how much your insurance and civil claims are worth when you contact a Georgia car accident lawyer at Barrios Virguez for help.
Meet with a Leading Car Accident Lawyer in Georgia Today
The at-fault party should be ordered to cover every single expense that relates to the motor vehicle accident they caused. However, holding them accountable may be more difficult than you previously thought. Get help bringing the liable party to justice.
Reach out to a reputable Georgia car accident lawyer at Barrios Virguez for a free case evaluation today. You can fill out our online contact form or call us to start working on your car accident insurance and civil claims as soon as today.
Call or text 678-888-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
