CAR ACCIDENTS IN LEASED VEHICLES

Regardless of the type of accident you were in, if you were driving a leased vehicle, you should take steps to protect yourself.

First off, at the scene of the accident you should inquire into the well-being of any other drivers after ensuring you have not sustained any major injuries. Afterwards, you should contact the police to come respond to the accident to speak with any witnesses and file an official report. You should speak with the officer and obtain a copy of any report they make.

You are required to exchange your information with any other drivers at the accident scene such as your contact and insurance information. If you can, take photographs of the accident scene and any damage to your vehicle and any bodily harm.

How should I handle the insurance aspect?

Your lease agreement probably asks you to carry insurance for the vehicle and included in the agreement is likely a requirement to contact the dealership or leasing agency to inform them of the accident. You also need to notify your insurance company afterwards.

Your insurer will make an appointment with a claims adjuster to observe your car’s damage and will then tell you how to go about repairing the vehicle. The leasing company on the other hand, may have specific requirements for how to repair the vehicle.

Whether you own your car or were leasing it does not affect the situation if your accident was the fault of another driver’s negligence. In this case, you will also contact the same parties afterward but you should also call the other driver’s insurance company. The other driver’s insurer will either accept the claim or dispute it and if they deny your claim, you have the option of filing a suit against the driver.

If you are unwilling to spend the time and expenses related to litigation, you can pay for your car’s repairs through your own insurance company’s collision coverage.

If you were involved in a car accident, whether you own the vehicle or not, you should speak with a personal injury attorney from the firm to learn what to do. Call our office today!