Rental Car Accidents

Miami and South Florida are among the most popular travel destinations in the country. With millions of visitors each year, rental cars crowd the roads alongside local traffic. When an accident happens in a rental vehicle, the aftermath can be more complicated than a typical crash. Questions quickly arise about who is responsible, whether the rental company bears any liability, and how different layers of insurance apply.

At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we help both residents and visitors navigate rental car accident claims. Our attorneys have represented injury victims across Florida since 1976. If you were hurt in a rental car crash—whether you were driving the rental or struck by one of its drivers—we can help you sort through the legal and insurance issues to pursue the compensation you deserve on account of your injuries.

The combination of heavy traffic, unfamiliar roads, and frequent tourism makes Miami a hotspot for rental car collisions. Common scenarios include:

• Out-of-town drivers missing turns and making sudden lane changes
• Distracted driving while relying on GPS or maps
• Drivers unfamiliar with Miami’s fast-paced highways like I-95 and the Dolphin Expressway
• Parking lot accidents near hotels, malls, and tourist attractions
• Visitors misjudging speed or spacing in congested traffic

For local drivers, the influx of rental cars increases the chance of being hit by someone who is unfamiliar with the city’s streets.

One of the biggest differences in rental car accidents is how insurance works. Several different policies may be involved, including:

• The driver’s personal auto insurance
• The rental company’s coverage
• Optional insurance purchased at the rental counter
• Credit card coverage used for booking the rental
• Other drivers’ auto insurance policies

Sorting out which policy applies—and in what order—can be confusing. Rental companies and insurers may try to shift responsibility to avoid paying. Our attorneys understand these disputes and work to ensure that the correct insurer covers the full extent of your damages.

Liability depends on the details of the crash. Potentially responsible parties may include:

• The rental driver, if they caused the accident through negligence
• The rental company, if the vehicle was poorly maintained or unsafe
• Another driver involved in the collision
• A third party, such as a manufacturer, if a defective part contributed

Florida law limits when rental companies themselves can be held liable, but exceptions exist when the company failed to maintain its fleet or knowingly rented an unsafe vehicle. Our firm investigates maintenance records, rental agreements, and accident reports to identify all sources of liability for your accident and resulting injuries.

If you are involved in a rental car crash in Miami or elsewhere in Florida, you should:

• Call 911 and get a police report documenting the crash
• Seek medical care immediately
• Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and license plates
• Exchange information with all drivers and note the rental company name
• Avoid signing rental company forms without legal advice
• Contact an attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters

These steps can protect both your health and your legal rights.

If you were injured in a rental car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills, hospital stays, and rehabilitation
• Future treatment or therapy needs
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Funeral and burial costs in fatal cases

We work with medical professionals, financial experts, and accident investigators to build a strong case on your behalf that reflects the full impact of your injuries.

Rental car accidents are different from standard car crash cases. They often involve multiple insurance companies, disputes over contracts, and out-of-state visitors who are unfamiliar with Florida law. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we handle these complications so you don’t have to. Our attorneys know how to interpret rental agreements, negotiate with insurers, and pursue claims in all Miami and South Florida courts.

Whether you live in Florida or were visiting when the crash occurred, our attorneys can represent your interests and protect your rights.

If you were injured in a rental car accident in Miami or anywhere in Florida, don’t let insurance companies and rental agencies push you around. Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada is here to stand up for you.

We offer free consultations, and we only get paid if and when we win your case. Call us today at 877-448-8585 to speak with a Miami rental car accident lawyer about your claim.