Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weekends in the United States. Millions of people hit the road to visit friends and family, often relying on rental cars to make the trip. Unfortunately, with crowded highways, unpredictable weather, and long-distance driving, car accidents are far too common during the holiday season.
If you’re involved in an accident while driving a rental car during Thanksgiving travel in Pennsylvania or another state, the situation can be confusing. Who pays for the damage? Whose insurance applies? And what should you do right after the crash?
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself legally and financially.
1. Check for Injuries and Call for Help Immediately
Just like with any car accident, your first priority is safety. Pull over to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away.
Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to get evaluated by medical professionals. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain, and prompt medical documentation will be important if you later file an insurance claim or injury lawsuit.
2. Contact Law Enforcement and File a Police Report
Whether you’re in Pennsylvania or traveling out of state, always report the accident to local law enforcement. A police report serves as an official record of what happened and includes vital information such as driver details, insurance providers, and fault assessment.
The rental company will almost certainly require a copy of this report before processing any claims, and your insurance company may also request it to verify the circumstances of the crash.
Similar Post: How Do Police Reports Impact Car Accident Cases in Philadelphia?
3. Notify the Rental Car Company Immediately
After you’ve spoken to the police, contact the rental car company. Most rental agreements require drivers to report any accident as soon as possible, even if the damage appears minor.
A company representative will usually give you instructions about what to do next, such as whether to move the vehicle, arrange for a tow, or complete a damage report. Failing to notify them promptly can violate your rental agreement and complicate your claim later.
4. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re able, take photos and videos of everything at the accident scene, including:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Road and weather conditions
- License plates and driver’s license information
- The rental car’s make, model, and VIN number
Also, collect contact information from witnesses. Evidence gathered on the spot can be crucial when determining liability or disputing claims later on.
Similar Post: What If You Forgot to Take Photos at the Scene, Can You Still Prove Your Case?
5. Understand Whose Insurance Applies
One of the biggest sources of confusion after a rental car accident is which insurance policy covers the damage. Depending on your situation, several different layers of coverage may apply:
A. Your Personal Auto Insurance
Most Pennsylvania auto insurance policies extend coverage to rental cars. This typically includes both liability coverage (for injuries or damage to others) and collision/comprehensive coverage (for damage to the rental car itself). Check your policy or call your insurer to confirm what’s included.
B. The Rental Car Company’s Insurance
When you rent a car, the company usually offers several optional protection plans, such as:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers repair or replacement of the rental car, often without a deductible.
- Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): Provides additional coverage if your personal policy limits are low.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers medical costs for you and your passengers.
If you purchased any of these add-ons at the counter, they may help limit your out-of-pocket costs.
C. Credit Card Coverage
Many major credit cards provide secondary rental car insurance if you use the card to pay for the rental. This coverage typically kicks in after your primary insurance and may help cover deductibles or gaps.
Before relying on it, review your credit card’s terms to understand what’s included and what’s excluded (for example, some cards don’t cover certain vehicle types or rentals longer than 15 days).
6. Determining Fault in a Rental Car Accident
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means that multiple parties can share fault for a crash. If you’re found to be less than 51% responsible, you may still recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
Insurance adjusters and attorneys will review police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage to determine who was at fault. In out-of-state cases, different rules may apply depending on where the accident occurred, which is why it’s important to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
7. What If You Were Hit by Someone Driving a Rental Car?
If another driver in a rental vehicle caused the accident, their personal insurance usually serves as the primary coverage if the driver owned a car. However, if they declined coverage or their policy doesn’t apply, the rental company’s supplemental insurance may step in.
Unfortunately, these claims can be complicated, especially when multiple insurers try to shift blame or deny responsibility. Having a lawyer handle communication ensures your rights are protected and that you aren’t pressured into an unfair settlement.
8. Seek Medical Attention and Follow Up
Thanksgiving accidents often occur during long-distance travel, meaning victims might return home before symptoms fully appear. Always follow up with your doctor and keep copies of all medical records and receipts.
If you develop pain, dizziness, or discomfort days later, notify both your insurance provider and your attorney. This documentation links your injuries directly to the crash.
9. How a Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorney Can Help
Navigating insurance claims after a rental car accident can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to recover during the holidays. A skilled Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can help you:
- Determine which insurance policies apply
- Gather police and rental company reports
- Communicate with insurers and negotiate fair compensation
- Pursue claims for medical bills, lost income, and property damage
- Handle out-of-state accident complications
An attorney ensures you don’t get caught between conflicting insurance companies or pressured into accepting less than you deserve.
10. Tips for Avoiding Rental Car Accidents During Thanksgiving Travel
While not every accident can be prevented, these tips can help you travel more safely:
- Inspect your rental car before driving off the lot and note any existing damage.
- Adjust mirrors, seats, and GPS before starting your trip.
- Avoid distracted driving and take regular breaks on long drives.
- Plan for extra time to reach your destination.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or medication that impairs alertness.
A few precautions can go a long way toward keeping your Thanksgiving travel smooth and accident-free.
Injured in a Rental Car Accident During Thanksgiving Travel? We Can Help.
Dealing with a rental car accident is stressful enough, but dealing with it during the holidays can feel overwhelming. Between confusing insurance policies, travel delays, and painful injuries, it can be hard to know where to turn.
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our experienced car accident attorneys understand the complexities of rental car crashes. We work tirelessly to uncover every source of compensation and ensure that negligent drivers and corporations are held accountable.
If you or a loved one was injured in a rental car accident during Thanksgiving travel, call us today at 215-486-0123 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let our team handle the legal process so you can focus on healing and spending time with those who matter most. We represent clients injured in Bristol, Philadelphia, Downingtown and throughout Pennsylvania.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.