Las Vegas is one of the busiest tourist destinations in the country, with millions of visitors each year coming for conventions, nightlife, shows, and attractions. That constant flow of tourists means rental cars are everywhere – navigating busy streets on the Strip, surrounding crowded hotels, and merging into unpredictable local traffic. When an accident involves a rental car, things can get more complicated than a typical crash. You may have to deal with multiple insurance companies and have a harder time getting the compensation you are owed. Knowing what steps to take immediately after the accident can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery. Speaking with a skilled Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the process and maximize your chances of recovery.
Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries
Your main priority after any crash, including one involving a rental car, is making sure no one is in immediate danger. If it’s safe, get yourself and others away from moving traffic to avoid further harm. In high-traffic areas of Las Vegas, like the Strip or convention center routes, fast-moving cars, buses, and pedestrian congestion can make the scene even more hazardous
Call Law Enforcement and File a Report
In Nevada, you are required to notify law enforcement of an accident when someone is injured, killed, or when there is significant property damage. Rental car companies and insurance providers almost always check for an official police report before resolving claims, which makes this step especially important. When officers get there, give them an overview of what happened so they can make a report. This official documentation helps create a record of what happened and can be essential in determining coverage and compensation in rental car accident cases.
Collect Important Information From the Scene
Once everyone is safe and emergency services are on the way, start collecting details that will help with any insurance or legal claims. Get the rental car driver’s full name, phone number, and driver’s license information. Make note of the rental car company’s name, the contract number, and any insurance policy numbers they provide. Track down anyone who saw the crash happen and ask for their names and contact information. Eyewitness accounts can help you corroborate your story if it is challenged. Don’t forget to record specific location details. In Las Vegas, that often means noting identifiable landmarks like the names of nearby casinos, hotels, or event venues, as well as relevant road signs and traffic signals in the area. This can help create a clear record of where and how the crash occurred.
Take Photos and Document Evidence
Use your phone to take pictures. Get wide shots and close-ups of all cars involved. Include close-up images of license plates and any stickers, decals, or markings showing which company owns the rental. Document surrounding elements that might play a role, like condition of the street, the position of traffic lights or signs, visibility issues, or anything blocking the road.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Many people don’t feel injured after an accident and assume that means they shouldn’t seek medical attention. This isn’t the case. Pain, dizziness, tension, or stiffness can show up hours later and might be signs of a more serious condition. The sooner you’re examined, the sooner injuries can be treated. Also, same-day documentation of your medical conditions can be critical when negotiating with insurance companies and rental car companies. They will look for proof that the accident actually caused your injuries, and if you didn’t get medical attention right away, they will use this to argue you weren’t actually injured.
Understand How Rental Car Insurance Works
Accidents involving rental cars can be more complicated than typical crashes because there may be several layers of insurance coverage in play. Each possible source of coverage has its own rules, limits, and conditions. Knowing how these policies work can help you see who might be responsible for your damages and in what order claims should be made.
Driver’s Personal Auto Insurance
If the rental car driver has their own car insurance policy, it may extend to accidents that happen in a rental vehicle. The scope of this coverage depends on the policy terms. Some policies exclude rentals entirely or apply reduced limits, which can leave gaps in coverage if the accident causes significant losses.
Rental Company’s Liability Coverage
By law, Nevada requires rental companies to carry minimum liability insurance. This coverage is meant to protect people injured or whose property is damaged by the rental car driver’s actions. However, these policies may only meet state minimum requirements, not necessarily enough to cover all accident-related costs, especially in major collisions.
Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) from the Rental Company
Many rental companies offer SLI as an add-on option when renting the car. This extra coverage can provide much higher liability limits than the standard policy required by law. This coverage is only available if the renter opted in and purchased it during the rental process.
Credit Card Accident Coverage
Some credit cards provide rental car insurance benefits if the renter uses the card to book and pay for the rental. This coverage is often secondary, stepping in only after other insurance policies (like personal and rental company coverage) have been applied. Credit card coverage often focuses on damage to the rental vehicle rather than covering injuries to others, but every program has its own rules, exclusions, and claim requirements that need to be looked into. When multiple possible insurance sources are involved, it can be unclear which company should pay first and in what amount. A lawyer can help you figure this out so you can get what you are entitled to.
Contact a Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer
When a crash involves a rental car, the insurance process can quickly become incredibly overwhelming. A Las Vegas car accident attorney who understands Nevada accident law and rental car insurance issues can step in to protect you and your claim. They can investigate the details, identify every possible source of coverage, and communicate with the insurers so you don’t get pressured into admitting fault or accepting less than you deserve. If you need help after an accident with a rental car, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
