Chicago Rental Car Accident Lawyer

Experienced Legal Counsel for Accidents Involving Rental Vehicles in Chicago

A Chicago rental car accident lawyer can help you if you’ve been injured in a crash involving a rental vehicle—whether you were the driver, a passenger, a pedestrian, or hit by someone driving a rented car.

These cases often involve unique complications, such as multiple insurance policies, unfamiliar vehicles, and liability disputes between renters, rental car companies, and other parties.

Injuries from rental car accidents can range from whiplash and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.

In many cases, rental car accident victims face mounting medical expenses and lost income while trying to sort out coverage between personal auto insurance, rental company policies, and sometimes even credit card benefits. These are not typical fender-benders — they require legal insight and strategic action.

A rental car accident attorney can assist when:

• You’re injured while driving a rental car for work or personal use, and the at-fault driver disputes liability.
• You’re hit by someone driving a rental car, and it’s unclear whose insurance is responsible.
• A loved one is seriously hurt or killed in a crash involving a rental car, and you’re pursuing a wrongful death claim.

Contact our Chicago car accident lawyers today to get help from attorneys who understand the legal, insurance, and logistical challenges these cases bring. We’ll fight to get you the full compensation you deserve.

Verdicts and Settlements from Our Rental Car Accidents in Chicago

Our case history includes numerous high-value verdicts and settlements for victims involved in car accidents in Chicago:

• $4,000,000 settlement for the family of a passenger who suffered fatal injuries in a crash during a business trip while riding in a rental vehicle.
• $3,200,000 recovery for a pedestrian with disabilities who sustained severe orthopedic injuries after being struck in a crosswalk by a rental car.
• $2,000,000 policy limits settlement secured for a client injured in a rollover accident involving a rental SUV.

Common Rental Car Accident Injuries

Rental car accidents can result in a wide range of serious injuries. Some of the most frequently reported include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden impact can cause soft tissue damage and long-term mobility issues.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Collisions often result in broken arms, legs, or ribs.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These may lead to temporary or permanent paralysis.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even mild concussions can result in long-term cognitive effects.
• Lacerations and Burns: Caused by airbags, shattered glass, or vehicle fires.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs may not be immediately noticeable but can be life-threatening.

Our firm ensures car accident injuries are fully documented and accounted for in every insurance claim.

Liability in Chicago Rental Car Accidents

Determining liability in a rental car accident case can be complicated. Multiple parties may be liable, including:

• The Rental Car Driver: If they acted negligently;
• The Other Driver: In multi-vehicle collisions;
• The Rental Car Company: If the vehicle was improperly maintained or rented to an unlicensed or clearly unfit driver;
• Employers: If the driver was operating the rental car for work purposes;
• Vehicle Manufacturers or Mechanics: In cases involving defective parts or faulty repairs.

Our rental car accident lawyers investigate every angle to identify the at-fault party and pursue appropriate compensation.

Types of Rental Car Accidents Our Law Firm Handles

We’ve represented clients involved in nearly every type of rental car crash, including:

• Rear-end collisions
• T-bone accidents at intersections
• Head-on crashes
• Multi-vehicle pileups
• Pedestrian accidents
• Rollover accidents
• Crashes involving commercial or rideshare rentals
• Accidents caused by vehicle defects

Insurance Coverage in Rental Car Accidents

Navigating insurance coverage is one of the most complex parts of rental car accident claims. Multiple policies may apply, including:

• Renter’s Personal Auto Insurance: Often the first line of coverage for liability and vehicle damage.
• Rental Car Company’s Insurance: Basic liability insurance may be included, but it varies by provider and state.
• Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): Optional extra liability coverage offered by rental companies.
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Covers physical damage to the rental car but may not include liability.
• Credit Card Coverage: Some cards offer secondary coverage if the rental was paid with that card.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): May apply if the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance.

Understanding the relationship between these policies is critical to ensuring full compensation. Our Chicago rental car accident lawyers work directly with insurance companies and adjusters to hold them accountable.

Common Causes of Rental Car Accidents in Chicago

Rental car accidents often result from a combination of unfamiliarity and poor road conditions:

• Unfamiliarity with the Vehicle: Drivers may not know how to operate specific features or judge the size and handling.
• Unfamiliarity with Chicago Streets: Confusing one-way streets, heavy traffic, and complex intersections can overwhelm out-of-town drivers.
• Distracted Driving: GPS usage and looking for directions can take a driver’s eyes off the road.
• Typical Car Crash Causes: Speeding, fatigue, drunk driving, and failure to yield are all common causes of serious car accidents.
• Vehicle Malfunction: Poor maintenance can cause brake failures or tire blowouts, which can shift liability to the rental car company.

Local Laws and Regulations That Affect Your Rental Car Accident Case

Illinois has specific rules that can affect your case. Here are a few key statutes and regulations:

• 735 ILCS 5/2-1116: If you’re found to be less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you’re barred from recovery.
• 625 ILCS 5/11-401: Drivers involved in an accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage must remain at the scene, render aid, and report the crash to police immediately. Failing to comply can lead to criminal penalties.
• 625 ILCS 5/6-305: Rental car companies in Illinois must provide minimum liability coverage that complies with the state’s mandatory coverage laws unless the renter has valid insurance or waives it in writing.

Our firm stays up to date with all local laws to ensure your case is handled correctly and effectively.

What to Do Immediately After Rental Auto Accidents in Chicago

If you’re involved in a rental car accident in Chicago, taking the right steps immediately after the crash can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what to do:

• Prioritize Safety: Move to a safe location and check for injuries.
• Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance.
• Exchange Information: Include licenses, rental agreement, and personal and rental insurance details.
• Document the Scene: Take photos, videos, and witness statements.
• Seek Medical Attention: Don’t delay — symptoms often appear later.
• Notify the Rental Car Company: Report the accident according to their terms.
• Do Not Admit Fault: Anything you say to insurance adjusters can be used against you.
• Contact a Chicago Rental Car Accident Lawyer: Let an experienced attorney guide the legal process.

Investigating Your Chicago Rental Motor Vehicle Accidents

A thorough investigation is essential. We take the following steps:

• Obtain the official police report from the Chicago Police Department or the responding local agency.
• Carefully review the rental agreement and all applicable insurance coverage to understand your rights and responsibilities.
• Analyze the vehicle’s maintenance records to check for any history of mechanical issues or negligence.
• Inspect the rental car for defects or malfunctions that may have contributed to the accident.
• Interview witnesses and, if necessary, work with experts to reconstruct the accident scene accurately.

Potential Compensation in a Chicago Rental Car Accident Case

Depending on your injuries and losses, you may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement or permanent disability
• Vehicle or property damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Funeral and burial expenses in fatal accident cases

Our goal is to help car accident victims secure fair compensation that fully reflects the impact of their injuries.

Why You Need a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Rental car accident claims are some of the most complex personal injury claims. Hiring an experienced rental car accident attorney gives you an edge in:

• Untangling insurance coverage issues;
• Understanding rental company liability limits;
• Collecting and preserving crucial evidence;
• Dealing with insurance companies and adjusters;
• Maximizing compensation through negotiation or litigation.

Don’t let a car crash derail your life — let a seasoned rental car accident lawyer fight for your rights.

FAQs About Rental Car Accidents in Chicago

Who Pays for the Damage to the Rental Car?

It depends on who was at fault and what insurance coverage is in place. Your personal auto insurance, the rental company’s policy, or a credit card benefit may apply.

What if the Person Who Hit Me Was Driving a Rental Car?

Depending on the circumstances, you can file a car accident claim against the driver, their personal insurance, or potentially the rental car company.

What Happens if I Caused an Accident in a Rental Car?

Your personal accident insurance would typically serve as primary coverage, followed by any supplemental coverage from the rental agreement.

Does My Personal Auto Insurance Cover Me if the Accident Happened Outside of Illinois?

Yes, in most cases, your auto insurance follows you nationwide, but limits and terms vary — check with your auto insurance company.

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

The Illinois statute of limitations for car accidents is generally two years from the date the accident occurred (735 ILCS 5/13-202).

Consult a Chicago Rental Car Accident Lawyer Near You!

If you’ve been involved in a rental car accident in Chicago, don’t wait. Rosenfeld Injury Law is ready to review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the fair compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation today. Our Chicago rental car accident lawyers are here to help you move forward with confidence.Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.