Traffic accidents are stressful. Being in a car accident involving a leased car can only complicate matters further.
Yet, this does not prevent you from recovering compensation for your losses. It also does not prevent you from partnering with an attorney who can manage each of your legal obligations.
What You Need to Know About Accidents Involving Leased Cars
Here are some things to know about collisions in leased cars:
Insurance Should Cover the Car’s Damages
Most (if not all) car leasing companies require motorists to carry insurance. In Florida, if you get into a collision, you can generally file a claim with your own provider to recover compensation. However, this does not necessarily mean the claims process will be easy.
The insurance company could refuse to acknowledge your claim, arguing that you don’t have coverage. It could even accuse you of causing the collision, limiting how much you can recover.
Yet, just like if you owned the car, you have coverage options. Your insurance provider should pay for your losses up to the liable policy’s limits – end of story.
You Have to Report the Collision to the Car Leasing Company
Every leasing company requires you to report any collisions. While each filing deadline is different, ideally, you should tell the leasing company as soon as possible. If you don’t report an accident, you could be in violation of your leasing agreement. This could result in extra fees, among other penalties.
You Must Follow Certain Procedures If Your Car Is Totaled
If your leased car was totaled, that means it costs more to repair the vehicle than it’s actually worth. In this situation:
- Your lease is likely over.
- You may have to pay out the rest of your loan on the vehicle.
- Your insurance coverage may pay for any losses.
- You could have to pay various out-of-pocket fees imposed by the leasing company.
When you partner with a car accident attorney, they can give more information about your situation, legal options, and what you can recover.
What Should I Do After an Accident Involving My Leased Car?
After an accident involving a leased car, you should:
- Notify the leasing company. The leasing company might have certain mechanics you can bring your car to. It will also provide more information about documents you need to sign and fees you need to pay.
- Notify your insurance carrier. The leasing company isn’t the only entity that needs to know about your collision; so does your insurance company. When reporting the incident to your insurance company, share the time, date, and location of the incident. You may also need to provide your driver’s license number and other related information.
- Document the car’s damage. If you’re physically able, take pictures of your vehicle’s damage as soon as possible. This includes taking photos of shattered windows, blown-out tires, and dents.
- Seek medical care. If you suffered harm in the accident, you should seek a doctor’s advice as soon as possible. In doing so, you can start treatment to better your condition. You can also get documentation that can support your right to damages.
You Can Seek Compensation After a Collision Involving a Leased Car
We cannot stress this enough: in many respects, collisions involving leased cars are no different than standard car crashes. So, just like you would in a collision involving two non-leased vehicles, you can still recover compensation.
Compensable losses in your case largely depend on your situation, including the severity of your injuries and the cost of your financial losses. Damages include:
- Healthcare expenses
- Lost income, tips, and bonuses
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Property damage expenses
- Loss of consortium, mobility, and independence
- Physical scarring
- Mental trauma
- Wrongful death-related losses, such as funeral and burial expenses
A Lawsuit Could Be Necessary When Seeking Damages
Our Florida law firm resolves many injury cases through insurance settlements. This means, through negotiations, we resolve many claimants’ cases. However, a lawsuit may be necessary if negotiations don’t pan out.
In general, you have:
- Four years to file an injury lawsuit, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a)
- Two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d)
When you partner with a car accident attorney, they can manage each of your case’s deadlines—including the statute of limitations. They can also determine whether any exceptions under Florida Statutes § 95.051 give you more or less time to act.
You Have the Right to Partner with Our Florida Law Firm
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine has advocated for car accident claimants since 2006. In that time, we’ve recovered millions for injured claimants, including those who suffered losses in leased car accidents.
During your free case review, we will listen to your story and explain your legal options. You don’t have to manage your case alone. We’re here to manage each of your legal obligations – and at no upfront cost.
To get started, dial 1-800-747-3733.
We Can Help.
