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Car rental companies frequently have strict policies regarding renting vehicles to people with past DUI convictions on their records, restricting certain vehicles (like luxury and larger SUVs) from accessing.
Rental companies also consider the renter’s overall driving record; if one incident of DUI occurred among an otherwise clean driving history, rental companies might be more willing to rent the vehicle.
1. You’re Not Insured
No matter if it is your vehicle or a rental car, if you are arrested for DUI you will be charged with this offense and may also be subject to additional penalties such as jail time or community service. To safeguard yourself it’s advisable to seek advice from an experienced DUI attorney so you can understand both what penalties await you as well as effective defense strategies you should employ against these allegations.
Many rental car companies will not rent to people with DUI records to reduce risk and liability issues associated with renting their car, since such behavior signals risk. They don’t want to become responsible for damages or legal problems that might occur because someone rents their vehicle.
Though it is possible to rent a vehicle after being charged with DUI, the process can be complex. Knowing rental car policies as well as considering alternate transportation solutions are crucial. Consulting an experienced DUI defense attorney such as Jim Yeargan will greatly increase your odds of approval when renting vehicles in the future.
2. You’re Involved in a Collision
Some rental companies might view your DUI as a one-off incident and not view you as a liability, depending on their policies and how your entire driving history is assessed. Budget and Hertz both require waiting 48 months after receiving a DUI conviction before renting another vehicle from them again; to maintain open communication and build trust over time with these rental companies is key.
If you are involved in an accident while under the influence of alcohol or other substances and you’ve received a DUI conviction, your personal auto insurance may cover some or all damages; however, to protect your rights and ensure a fair settlement for injuries and property damage it would be wise to seek advice from an experienced drunk driving attorney before making a claim on insurance alone.
An experienced drunk driving lawyer can walk you through the process and negotiate with the rental car company’s insurance provider to secure you fair compensation for your claim. If settlement can’t be reached, an attorney may file suit on your behalf – especially when involved in an accident with another rental car. Getting involved in an accident while under the influence can be terrifying experience – contact Jim Yeargan now to discover more about how we can assist you!
3. You’re Involved in an Accident
Rental car companies may be held liable in DUI accidents occurring on their property; it is essential to understand how various factors influence how rental car insurance and accident settlements are allocated.
Rental car companies take your entire driving history into consideration, including any DUI convictions. A record with only one DUI may be viewed more favorably than one filled with reckless driving and multiple traffic violations. Furthermore, certain rental car companies impose age restrictions which could make younger drivers appear less favorable to them.
After an accident occurs, it’s critical that rental company procedures be strictly adhered to. This means reporting it quickly, providing any requested documentation, taking photos of vehicle damage and road conditions as soon as possible and documenting other pertinent details so you can maximize your claim against any negligent drivers who caused it. Doing this will enable you to maximize any claim filed against them later.
Car accident victims who have been injured can seek compensation in various forms, such as compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages aim to make injured parties whole again after an accident has taken place by covering losses related to medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering (both mental and physical), etc. Additionally, many states also allow victims of accidents to collect punitive damages to punish bad behavior by those involved in the crash.
4. You’re Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident
If you are involved in an alcohol-related car accident while driving a rental vehicle, additional complications could arise. Depending on state laws, your rental car could be impounded to prevent further drunk driving incidents or confiscated to deter future incidents if damaged in an accident – potentially forcing you to pay extra daily charges and repair costs before returning it on schedule to its agency. Likewise, some rental agencies require collision coverage or proof of other coverage before being permitted to rent another car from them.
If the drunk driver was at fault, you may be eligible to seek damages from their insurance company. Unfortunately, however, you may face difficulties recovering compensation for injuries and losses caused by them; insurance companies are for-profit businesses and will do everything possible to minimize payouts; they might try claiming that your injuries weren’t related to the accident; that you contributed by being distracted, speeding or not wearing a seatbelt; etc.
An arrest for DUI can be devastating to your life and livelihood, particularly if it interferes with essential parts of it like renting cars and traveling. Consult a knowledgeable lawyer right away for help with navigating your situation; they can advise on the length of time until renting cars are allowed and possible alternatives in case none are available to rent.
