Rental Car Accident Lawyer in Baltimore, Maryland

Getting hurt in a rental car accident can feel overwhelming. Insurance rules differ, and liability questions can become complicated quickly.

Our car accident lawyers help people in Balti-more understand their options after a rental car crash. Reach out to Greenberg Law Offices today to discuss your situation and see how we can help.

Immediate Steps To Take After a Rental Car Accident in Baltimore, MD

The moments after a crash can shape the outcome of your injury claim. Below, we list some crucial steps to take after a rental car accident. Safety comes first. Move to a safe location, if possible, and call 911 to summon the police and medical responders to the accident scene.

Seek medical attention promptly.

If your injuries do not require emergency treatment, you should see a doctor for a medical assessment. A trained medical professional may diagnose symptoms of a head injury or concussion before the injury is apparent to you.

Some injuries appear hours or days later. Seeking medical care near the accident connects your injuries to the crash.

Exchange information with all drivers involved. Collect names, contact details, insurance in-formation, and driver’s license numbers. Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, road conditions, and visible injuries.

Notify your own insurance company and the rental car company as soon as you can. Most rental agreements require prompt notice. Stick to basic facts and avoid speculating about fault.

Keep copies of everything. Save the rental car agreement, crash report number, medical records, and repair estimates. These documents often play a central role in a claim.

Who Is Liable After a Rental Car Crash — Driver, Rental Company, or Both?

Liability after a rental car accident depends on who caused the crash.

Generally, the at-fault driver is responsible for harm caused to others. If a driver in a rental car caused a crash that injured you, the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance may be liable for your medical bills and losses.

Rental car companies are generally shielded from direct liability under federal law due to the Graves Amendment (49 U.S.C. § 30106), but there are exceptions. Liability may arise if the company failed to maintain the vehicle in a safe operating condition or rented it to an unqualified driver who caused an accident.

Sometimes more than one party shares fault. Another driver, the rental company, or even a vehicle manufacturer, could be involved.

Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If an injured person shares any fault for the accident, they may lose the right to bring a lawsuit. The contributory negligence rule makes it essential to have an experienced car accident attorney evaluate how your accident happened and who is at fault to protect your legal rights.

Understanding Rental Car Insurance Coverage in Maryland

Rental car insurance coverage can be confusing, especially when more than one policy might apply.

Maryland law requires car owners to have at least $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per per-son and $60,000 for two or more people. After a collision, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance is often the primary coverage available to cover others’ losses.

If a driver doesn’t have a personal auto liability policy, a car rental company may require the renter to purchase auto liability insurance as a term of the rental agreement. Rental car companies generally will not rent a car to a driver who doesn’t have auto liability coverage.

So, whether you are driving a rental car when another driver hits you, or a motorist in a rental car collides with your vehicle and injures you, you would file a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance.

In addition, automobile rental companies offer optional coverage at the rental car counter. This can include collision damage waivers or supplemental liability protection. These options may help limit out-of-pocket costs, but they are not all the same.

Credit cards can provide another layer of insurance coverage. As a benefit to cardholders, some credit cards offer rental car coverage if you pay with the card and decline the rental

company’s collision waiver. That coverage usually applies only to vehicle repairs, not to medical injuries.

A rental car accident lawyer can determine which car insurance policies provide primary coverage and which offer secondary coverage after a collision involving a rental car. Sorting out the details of auto insurance coverage can be challenging, especially when insurers try to deny liability.

Disputes between insurers often slow things down and add stress when you should be focused on regaining your health.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Rental Car Accident Claim in Maryland

Maryland law limits the time to file a car accident claim. In most cases, the law allows a personal injury lawsuit to be filed within three years of the accident date.

Missing the deadline and failing to file within the car accident statute of limitations period can prevent you from seeking recovery of losses tied to car accident cases.

Some situations involve shorter notification periods, especially when a government entity is involved. Evidence becomes harder to gather over time. Witnesses’ memories fade, and records can disappear, which makes acting sooner a critical step.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rental Car Accident?

A rental car accident can disrupt your finances and your daily life, especially if you have serious injuries and cannot work.

You may have a right to seek compensation to help cover the costs associated with an injury, including medical bills, follow-up care, and rehabilitation.

When an accident affects your ability to work, you may face lost income and reduced earning capacity. You may demand compensation for these losses as well. Beyond those costs, property-related losses can include vehicle repairs, car rental fees, and damage to personal belongings.

Pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life may also factor in, depending on the circumstances.

Because no two rental car accident cases are the same, the value of a claim depends on the severity of the injuries, the available insurance coverage, and clear proof of who caused the accident.

How a Baltimore Rental Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You

A knowledgeable Baltimore rental car accident lawyer can guide clients through every step of the claim process. Our legal team will review the crash, identify potential at-fault parties, and evaluate all available insurance coverage while handling communications with insurers and rental companies.

If negotiations do not lead to a fair settlement, we will be prepared to take your case to court and demand maximum compensation. Throughout the process, we will explain your options and the likely outcomes so clients can make informed decisions.

FAQs About Baltimore Rental Car Accidents

The following questions address common concerns people raise after a rental car crash in Baltimore.

What should I do if the rental company contacts me after the crash?

Provide basic information and confirm the accident occurred. Avoid detailed statements until you understand your rights.

Does my personal insurance always cover a rental car accident?

Many policies provide coverage, but limits and exclusions apply. Reviewing the policy is essential.

Can I file a claim if the other driver was uninsured?

Uninsured motorist coverage may apply through your own auto insurance policy or the rental agreement.

What if I were injured while riding as a passenger in a rental car?

Passengers who are injured may pursue claims against the at-fault driver or applicable insurance policies.