Joliet Rental Car Accident Lawyer

A rental car accident can create legal issues that do not arise in a typical car crash. Multiple insurance policies, rental agreements, and questions about who is financially responsible can make these claims more complicated. An experienced Joliet rental car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

At Conboy Law, we represent accident victims throughout Joliet and Will County who have been injured in crashes involving rental vehicles. Our attorneys investigate every accident, identify all potentially liable parties, and fight for the maximum compensation available. 

Call 312-726-9000 today for a free consultation with an experienced Joliet rental car accident lawyer.

How Conboy Law Can Help After a Rental Car Accident

Rental car accidents often involve more than one insurance company and several parties attempting to shift responsibility. Determining which insurance policy applies, and in what order, can become complicated without experienced legal guidance.

At Conboy Law, we investigate the accident, review rental agreements, analyze available insurance coverage, obtain police reports and witness statements, identify every liable party, negotiate with multiple insurance companies, and prepare every case for trial when necessary. 

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients throughout Illinois and is committed to protecting your best interests every step of the way.

Why Are Rental Car Accident Claims More Complicated?

Unlike most motor vehicle accidents, rental car crashes often involve overlapping insurance policies and contractual obligations that affect how a claim is handled.

Multiple Insurance Policies

Depending on the circumstances, coverage may be available through the at-fault driver's insurance, your personal auto policy, insurance purchased from the rental company, or certain credit card benefits.

Rental Agreements

Rental agreements often contain important provisions regarding insurance, reporting requirements, and financial responsibility after an accident. Reviewing these terms is an important part of evaluating your claim.

Several Potentially Liable Parties

In some cases, liability may involve more than just the drivers. Vehicle owners, employers, manufacturers, or other negligent parties may also share responsibility depending on how the accident occurred.

Damage Claims From Rental Companies

Rental companies may seek reimbursement for vehicle repairs, loss of use, administrative fees, or diminished value. Understanding your legal obligations before making payments or signing documents is important.

Who Pays After a Rental Car Accident?

The answer depends on who caused the crash, what insurance coverage is available, and whether optional rental car protection was purchased.

Potential sources of coverage include:

The At-Fault Driver's Insurance

If another driver caused the collision, their liability insurance may provide compensation for your injuries and property damage, subject to the available coverage and policy limits.

Your Personal Auto Insurance

Many personal auto insurance policies extend certain coverages to rental vehicles, although the specific protections depend on the policy terms.

Rental Car Insurance

Rental companies often offer optional coverage at the rental counter, such as collision damage waivers or supplemental liability protection. Whether these coverages apply depends on the agreement you purchased.

Credit Card Rental Benefits

Some credit card companies provide rental vehicle benefits when the rental is paid for using the card. Coverage varies by issuer and often includes important limitations and exclusions.

Determining which policies apply and how the available coverage interacts can be one of the most complicated parts of a rental car accident claim.

Conboy Law can review your insurance coverage, explain your legal options, and pursue every available source of compensation. Call 312-726-9000 today for a free consultation.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Liability depends on how the accident occurred. In many cases, more than one person or entity may be responsible for your injuries.

• Another Driver: If another motorist caused the collision through negligent driving, they may be liable for your damages.
• The Rental Car Driver: When the individual operating the rental vehicle caused the accident, they may be held responsible for the injuries and losses resulting from the crash.
• The Rental Car Company: Although rental companies are generally protected from vicarious liability under the federal Graves Amendment (49 U.S.C. § 30106) simply because they own the vehicle, they may still be liable if their own negligence contributed to the accident, such as failing to properly maintain the vehicle or negligently entrusting it to an unqualified driver. 
• Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defective vehicle component, such as faulty brakes, steering, or airbags, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or another party in the chain of distribution may be liable.
• Government Entity: When dangerous roadway conditions, defective traffic signals, or poorly maintained public roads contribute to a crash, a governmental entity may bear responsibility under certain circumstances.

When Can a Rental Car Company Be Liable?

Many people assume the rental car company is automatically responsible because it owns the vehicle. In most cases, that is not true.

Under the federal Graves Amendment (49 U.S.C. § 30106), rental car companies are generally protected from liability solely because they own the vehicle. However, they may still be held liable if their own negligence or criminal wrongdoing contributed to the accident. 

Examples of potential negligence include:

• Failing to properly inspect or maintain the rental vehicle
• Renting a vehicle with known mechanical defects
• Negligently renting a vehicle to an unqualified or unauthorized driver
• Failing to repair recalled or unsafe vehicle components

Determining whether a rental company may be liable often requires a thorough investigation into the vehicle's maintenance records, rental history, and the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Common Causes of Rental Car Accidents

Rental car accidents occur for many of the same reasons as other motor vehicle crashes. However, drivers who are unfamiliar with the vehicle or the surrounding area may face additional challenges.

Common causes include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failure to yield the right-of-way
• Following too closely
• Improper lane changes
• Driving while fatigued
• Unfamiliarity with local roads
• Poor weather conditions

Identifying the cause of the accident is an important step in determining liability and pursuing compensation.

Common Injuries in Rental Car Accidents

Depending on the severity of the collision, victims may suffer injuries ranging from minor soft tissue damage to life-altering trauma.

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal organ injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Permanent disability

Even injuries that initially seem minor can worsen over time, making prompt medical treatment essential.

What Is My Joliet Rental Car Accident Case Worth?

Every rental car accident claim is different. The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the available insurance coverage, and how the accident has affected your life.

Factors that may influence the value of your claim include:

• The extent of your injuries
• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Available insurance coverage
• Whether multiple parties share liability

An experienced Joliet rental car accident lawyer can evaluate these factors and pursue the maximum compensation available.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Joliet Rental Car Accident Claim?

Economic Damages

• Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and follow-up medical expenses
• Future medical costs and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket costs, including disrupted travel for visiting renters

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement and permanent scarring
• Loss of a normal life

Rental-Specific Disputes: Loss of Use and Damage Billing

Rental companies frequently bill renters for repair costs, administrative fees, diminished value, and loss of use for every day the car sits out of service. These invoices arrive quickly and are often inflated.

We challenge unsupported charges and pursue them against the responsible party where the law allows.

Conboy Law can identify every available source of compensation and protect your rights throughout the claims process. Call 312-726-9000 today for a free consultation.

Can I Recover Compensation If I'm Partially at Fault?

Yes, possibly. 

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. You may still recover compensation if you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is generally reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you are generally barred from recovering damages.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce the amount they pay. An experienced attorney can help challenge unsupported allegations and protect your claim.

What Should I Do After a Rental Car Accident?

The steps you take after the accident can affect both your health and your legal claim.

1. Call 911 and report the accident.
2. Seek immediate medical attention.
3. Exchange information with everyone involved.
4. Photograph the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
5. Notify the rental car company as soon as required by your rental agreement.
6. Report the accident to your insurance company.
7. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney before accepting a settlement.

How Long Do I Have to File a Rental Car Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most personal injury lawsuits arising from rental car accidents in Illinois must be filed within two years of the date of the injury. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident.

Why Choose Conboy Law?

Rental car accident claims can quickly become complicated due to overlapping insurance policies, rental agreements, and questions about liability. You need a law firm with the experience and resources to navigate these issues while protecting your interests.

At Conboy Law, we have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients throughout Illinois. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate every case, analyze insurance coverage, negotiate aggressively with insurers, and prepare every claim as though it will proceed to trial. We charge no attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact Our Joliet Rental Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

A rental car accident can leave you facing serious injuries, confusing insurance issues, and mounting financial losses. You should not have to go through these challenges alone.

Conboy Law proudly represents accident victims throughout Joliet and Will County. Call 312-726-9000 today for a free consultation with an experienced Joliet rental car accident lawyer and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.