Renting a car in Hempstead, New York makes travel easier until a crash happens, and then the legal picture gets more complicated than a standard car accident claim. The Falkowitz Law Firm, marketed under the 1-800-GET-GARY brand, represents clients involved in rental car accidents in the Hempstead area.
Because New York is a no-fault state, a driver’s own personal auto insurance typically covers damages and injuries first, regardless of who caused the crash. The firm notes that renters without their own coverage may find that a credit card’s rental car protection fills the gap, though the scope of that coverage often differs from what a cardholder expects, which is why the firm reviews rental agreements and credit card terms with clients directly. A driver who was not at fault, or only partially at fault, may still recover compensation for injuries and vehicle damage, while a driver found fully at fault can be held responsible for compensating other victims.
The firm also explains that rental car companies themselves are rarely liable for an accident, since responsibility generally falls on the driver. Exceptions exist, such as when a rental company fails to properly maintain a vehicle or rents to a driver without a valid license, in which case the company itself could share liability.
The Falkowitz Law Firm can be reached at 844-438-4279, with its office located at 1225 Franklin Avenue Suite 325, Hempstead, NY 11530.