Rental Car Accidents in Chicago: Who Pays for Your Injuries?

Driving a rental car in Chicago, whether for business, vacation, or convenience, should provide freedom and flexibility, not cause you to worry. But when an accident happens, your first thought is often: who’s responsible for the damage and, more importantly, for your injuries?

Rental car accident claims involve unique liability questions that don’t arise in other crashes. Understanding how Illinois law and insurance rules apply can help you navigate claims and secure the compensation you deserve.

Why rental car accidents are legally complex in Illinois

Rental car accidents involve more than just two drivers exchanging insurance information. When the vehicle is owned by a rental company, multiple layers of responsibility come into play. A victim may have to navigate between their own insurance, the rental company’s policies, and the coverage of any other at-fault drivers. Each of these parties has its own adjusters, lawyers, and rules, making even simple claims time-consuming. Illinois law also adds its own framework for liability, which can further complicate matters for those unfamiliar with the system.

What insurance applies to Illinois rental car accidents?

One of the most confusing aspects of rental car crashes is figuring out whose insurance applies. Many people assume that the rental company automatically covers them, but that is not always the case.

Typically, your personal auto policy is the first line of coverage if it extends to rental cars. The rental company may offer add-on coverage options, but those can vary and drivers often decline them at the counter. When you’re injured in a rental car accident, understanding how these different coverages interact is crucial for protecting your rights.

Common rental car insurance coverages include:

• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Covers damage to the rental vehicle.
• Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): Provides additional protection beyond your personal policy.

If your insurance or rental coverage is insufficient, the at-fault driver’s liability policy may cover the shortfall. Sorting this out requires careful review of the accident and the policies involved.

Common injuries in Illinois rental car accidents

Accidents involving rental cars are no different than personal vehicle accidents in their potential to cause serious, life-altering injuries. Chicago’s crowded streets, high-speed highways, and unpredictable weather increase the risk of severe crashes. Victims may find themselves not only battling painful physical harm but also facing the added stress of dealing with multiple insurance carriers. Injuries from these collisions often require extensive medical treatment and long recovery times.

Some of the most common injuries include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries.
• Broken bones and fractures.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions.
• Spinal cord injuries that may result in paralysis.
• Internal bleeding and organ damage.
• Severe lacerations and disfigurement.

How liability for Illinois rental car crashes is determined

Determining liability in a rental car accident involves untangling the circumstances leading to the crash. Investigators may look at whether a driver was distracted, impaired, or speeding, or whether the rental vehicle itself was unsafe due to poor maintenance. Unlike a typical car accident, a rental company may be drawn into the case if it failed to inspect or repair the vehicle before renting it out. Identifying who is responsible requires examining contracts, maintenance records, and insurance documents, evidence that can be hard for victims to access on their own.

What damages you may recover after an Illinois rental car accident

The aftermath of a rental car accident can extend far beyond medical bills. Victims often face months of rehabilitation, lost wages, and emotional suffering. Illinois law allows injured parties to pursue a wide range of damages, which is the legal term for the money awarded to compensate for both financial losses and personal harm. By building a strong claim, you may be able to recover compensation that fully reflects the short- and long-term impact of your injuries.

Available damages may include:

• Emergency medical care, hospitalization, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Ongoing treatment and long-term care.

How Wallace Miller helps after an Illinois rental car crash

Taking on a rental car accident claim without legal help can leave you at the mercy of powerful insurance companies. At Wallace Miller, we know how to cut through the confusion and identify the responsible parties.

Our attorneys review every policy involved, investigate whether the rental company followed its obligations, and negotiate aggressively with insurers. We also focus on your recovery, helping you document the full extent of your injuries so that compensation reflects your actual losses, not just what insurers want to pay.

Contact our Chicago rental car accident attorney today

If you were injured in a rental vehicle crash in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, it’s critical to know who’s paying for the cost of your injuries. Wallace Miller is here to help you navigate the insurance maze and secure the compensation you’re entitled to. Call 331-425-8022 or begin your free case evaluation online today.