After an accident in Aurora, you may require a rental car to return to your normal day-to-day operations. However, car rental costs can add up quickly, and you may have questions about who should be responsible for paying them. The experienced car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer Ltd. are here to help.
Our lawyers have won many cases like yours, and some of our team members worked in the insurance industry. After the trauma of a car accident, you may not be able to consider every need you have or possess the time to take care of all your obligations. We know exactly how auto insurance works for and against victims, and are ready to stand up for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you are owed.
Insurance Involvement in Getting a Rental Car After an Accident
The party responsible for getting your rental car depends on the type of accident you endured and the auto insurance purchased by you and the other Aurora drivers involved. Illinois is an “at-fault” state, meaning multiple parties may bear the responsibility for an auto accident. Comparative negligence refers to situations in which numerous people are at fault.
Illinois Auto Insurance Minimum Requirements
At a minimum, Illinois drivers must carry liability insurance, which pays up to:
- $25,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $50,000 for injuries to multiple people
- $20,000 coverage for property damage
In addition, state minimum auto insurance requires a driver to have $25,000 to $50,000 coverage for bodily injuries when struck by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
The At-Fault Party’s Insurance Should Pay for Your Rental Car
In straightforward situations, such as common rear-end accidents, the at-fault driver is wholly responsible for the injuries and damages caused by a wreck. In a perfect world, law enforcement is called immediately, and the responsible driver shares their insurance information with the victim and police.
The at-fault driver’s insurance will only pay up to policy limits. $20,000 of property damage coverage may be enough to fix your vehicle and pay for getting a rental car following your Aurora accident. However, things can get complicated when someone is driving without insurance, visiting from a state with low minimum insurance requirements, or leaves the scene of the accident.
Subrogation
In such complex cases, insurance companies will sue each other in a process called subrogation. If you were the victim of a car accident, a full coverage policy may pay for your rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. Then, your insurer can sue the at-fault party’s insurance for reimbursement.
Call an Aurora Attorney Today for Help Getting a Rental Car After an Accident
Auto accidents can be incredibly stressful and painful for those involved. We know how scary it is to watch medical bills and auto repair bills pile up while you are missing work to recover. We also recognize that rental cars get very expensive if your vehicle requires extensive repairs. If you need assistance getting a rental car after an accident in Aurora, contact us today. The attorneys at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer Ltd. could help you communicate with insurance companies to cover your rental car, as well as your medical bills, missed wages, and more.