Many people are unable to afford a new car. For this reason, leasing a vehicle has become a popular alternative. Statista stated, “29.83 percent of the new cars in the U.S. were on lease in the first quarter of 2018.” This increase in leased vehicles has raised questions for many Americans on what to do if they’re in an accident in a leased vehicle, and for good reason. There are particular requirements that one needs to follow after being in an accident in a leased vehicle. If these specific actions are not followed, you could owe money to the leasing agency for not abiding by the contract rules.
If you or someone you know has been in an accident in a leased car, it can be confusing and difficult to know how to proceed. Here are some steps you should take after a car accident in a leased vehicle:
A car accident lawyer can help you with your claim after a car accident. Whether you are unsure about how to handle the insurance claim, or are seeking compensation for an injury you suffered from the crash, our personal injury lawyers will know how to approach your unique case.
Most car leases require that you have insurance on the vehicle. After the insurance company has been notified, they will set up a time with a claims adjuster to have the damages inspected. Some companies will send an adjuster to the location of the accident or recommend a body shop to give you an estimate.
It’s vital to inform the leasing company after an accident, because different companies have specific requirements regarding repairs for the vehicle. For example, some companies expect the damages to be fixed with only original manufacturer parts. If you are unaware of these specific requirements when repairing your leased car, you could face hefty financial penalties once the contract comes to an end.
If another driver caused the accident, you can potentially pursue a claim for vehicle damage. The same steps are to be followed such as informing your insurance company and the leasing agency; however, you would also need to contact the other driver’s insurance company.
It can be difficult to understand the rules and guidelines of insurance companies without the assistance of a car accident lawyer. Insurance companies will look out for their best interests, rather than the interests of the person involved in the accident. If you’re trying to handle the insurance companies on your own, you need a car accident lawyer on your side. Our dedicated team will fight for you.
If you or someone you know has been in an accident while driving a leased vehicle, you need a car accident lawyer. The car accident lawyers at Colbert Cooper Hill Attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help you with your claim. We understand how difficult it may be after an accident, and the uncertainty over what to do next can be stressful. Our car accident lawyers want you to feel confident that your case is being handled by legal professionals. We always strive to work diligently and keep you updated on the status of your case.
We believe in guiding our clients every step of the way. With more than 25 years of experience, we have the knowledge to assist you with your case. If there has been an accident involving a leased vehicle, we can help. Call us today at (887) 579-6800 or fill out a free online consultation form. You can reach a team member anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.