Rental Car Accidents in McKinney

Rental car drivers generally fall into one of two categories: Either their own wheels are in the shop for maintenance, or they have rented a car on vacation. In both scenarios, having an accident in a rental car can be complicated. Your liability, insurance, and coverage on the rental car all make a big difference in the out of pocket expenses after the crash.

Accident injuries are important as well. Using a rental car for transportation does not stop negligent drivers from speeding, texting, or drinking and driving around you. If you are injured in a rental car accident, contact the McKinney auto accident attorneys at the McCraw Law Group. Our attorney team has years of experience representing clients severely injured in car accidents, and we fight for a just and timely settlement.

Pre-Rental Checklist

Every car rental company will perform a pre-rental checklist with the renter. During this “walk around”, the rental companies are checking for previous physical damage caused by other renters. However, physical damage is rarely the cause of an accident. Before driving away, make a mechanical pre-check of the car and note any issues – even minor – before leaving the lot. A good mechanical checklist includes these seven points:

• Tires – Look for proper inflation and signs of damage
• Brakes – Listen for noise and check stopping ability
• Gauges – Do they function?
• Fluids – Manually check oil level and coolant before the car warms-up
• Pedals – Check that function is smooth and responsive
• Windshield Wipers – No broken parts and full range of motion
• Lights – Brakes, running lights and night lights

Fifteen minutes to check these seven items can tell you everything about the car’s mechanical foundation. In the event that you’re injured in a rental car accident, having this information can be vital to determining the cause and determining fault. The McKinney accident attorneys at the McCraw Law Firm work with auto accident recreation specialists that can help piece together the reasons for the accident.

What Should I do After an Accident?

If you are involved in an accident with a rental car, the first thing you should do is call 9-1-1. Even if injuries are not immediately present, a police officer should be called to help clear the scene and check on everyone involved. After calling 9-1-1, the McKinney auto accident attorneys at the McCraw Law Group recommend the following:

1. Get Medical Treatment. Your health is the most important concern after a crash. The rental car company can take care of the vehicle in the hours after a crash. If you feel pain, call your doctor or visit the nearest emergency room for a check of your vitals.

2. Gather Information and Document Evident. There is a plethora of information from the accident scene that can help the McCraw attorneys to process your McKinney car accident case:

• Names and contact information of witnesses
• Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
• Photos of injures
• Date and exact times of accident
• Detailed notes recalling your version of events surrounding the accident.

3. Don’t Admit Fault. Saying “I’m sorry” or “My mistake” after an accident is a common response. These phrases can appear to place you at fault. Let the evidence and evaluation of the accident determine what factors caused the crash.

4. Contact a McKinney Car Accident Attorney. Even minor accidents can cause serious complications. Neck, back and internal injuries from a rental car accident may take days or weeks to appear. Your health is our priority, and the McCraw Law Group accident attorneys can help fight for a settlement that will cover your medical bills.