Our Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Explain Your Options After an Accident With a Rented Motorcycle
Being involved in an accident while riding a rented motorcycle in Indiana can be a frightening and stressful event. Knowing the right steps to take immediately after the accident can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety and protecting your legal rights. Whether you're a local or visiting from out of state, it's essential to be prepared and informed about what to do if you find yourself in this situation. We explain how our experienced Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer team at Keller & Keller can help you with this process so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.
What to Do Immediately After the Accident
The following steps are important to take after an accident with a rented motorcycle in Indiana:
- Ensure your safety and seek medical attention. Your priority should always be ensuring your safety. Check for injuries to yourself and others involved in the accident. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Even if injuries seem minor, seeking medical attention is crucial as some injuries might not be immediately apparent.
- Move to a safe location. If possible, move your motorcycle to the side of the road to prevent further accidents or obstructions.
- Gather information and evidence. Collect information from all parties involved, including names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details. Take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. These can serve as valuable evidence later.
Dealing With the Rental Company
Notify the rental company about the accident as soon as possible. Follow their specific procedures for reporting accidents, usually outlined in your rental agreement. They may have specific forms or steps you need to follow.
Your rental agreement contains crucial information about your responsibilities and the rental company's policies regarding accidents. Review it carefully to understand your obligations, including any required notifications and insurance coverage details.
Understanding Insurance Coverage
It is vital to understand what type of insurance coverage you have for the rental bike. There are several options. Check if you purchased insurance through the rental company when you rented the motorcycle. This coverage might include liability, collision, and comprehensive protection. Understand what is covered and the limits of the coverage. Purchasing insurance through the rental company is typically done if you are only using the rental bike for a short period of time, such as for recreation.
If you have your own motorcycle insurance, it might extend to rental vehicles. Contact your insurance provider to clarify your coverage in such scenarios. Ensure you understand how your policy interacts with the rental insurance. This type of coverage is common if your bike is being repaired and you need coverage while your bike is in the shop.
Some credit cards offer rental vehicle insurance if you use the card to pay for the rental. Contact your credit card company to see if this benefit applies to your rented motorcycle and understand the coverage limits and conditions. This insurance often kicks in after you submit a claim through your own personal insurance and usually only applies to auto rentals. If you plan on using your credit card to rent a bike, contact your credit card company to confirm coverage options.
Don’t Delay Contacting Our Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Consulting with our skilled Indiana motorcycle accident lawyers can be beneficial, especially when dealing with complicated situations involving rental agreements and insurance claims. Your lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Keller & Keller Indiana motorcycle accident lawyers know you have choices when hiring a motorcycle accident injury lawyer. We want you to make the decision that is right for you.
Our client, Charles, said this about choosing us, “And it came down to me making a decision between Keller & Keller and another law firm. And I mulled over it, I ruminated, I marinated, all night long on this decision. And it came down to your preparation. That was the most impressive thing. It stood you apart from all the rest. It was your preparation. You delivered assurance to me that you were going to represent me, and not only represent me because that is what you do, but represent me because you cared. You gave me the impression that you actually cared, and you wanted to see me justly compensated for the negligence, for my injuries, for the whole experience.” You can read more of Charles’s motorcycle accident client testimonial here.
