What Happens if You Get into an Accident With a Turo Car?

According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Crash Dashboard, the state saw a total of 394,910 car accidents in 2023, which resulted in 252,278 reported injuries. While the majority of these accidents involved parties who owned or leased their vehicles, a portion of them can also be attributed to car rental programs, such as Turo. Programs like Turo allow individuals to rent vehicles while on vacation, when their personal car is in the shop, or when they can’t find a rental car from a big-name provider. Renting a car with Turo has grown in popularity over recent years, introducing a new dynamic to Florida car accidents. The involvement of Turo car accidents highlights the evolving nature of transportation and the importance of knowing how to address Florida accidents that involve a car rental.

Florida car accidents can become particularly complicated when one of the drivers involved is using Turo to rent a vehicle, especially when vehicle damage and injuries are involved. Understanding what happens if you get into an accident with a Turo car is important, as the steps you take afterward can impact liability, insurance claims, and your rights to compensation. Navigating these complexities requires a thorough knowledge of Florida car accident laws involving rental cars, which can vary significantly. This is why it’s important to contact a Florida car accident lawyer at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk if you are injured in a Turo car accident. Our legal experience with rental car accidents can help you pursue the appropriate compensation and navigate the legal intricacies of these types of cases effectively.

How Exactly Does Turo Work?

Turo is a relatively new way to rent cars by offering a convenient car-sharing service that operates through a straightforward online and app-based platform. Individuals who need to rent a car will sign up for the service online and add their driver’s license information to their profile in order to be approved to drive. Once approved to drive, users can:

• Choose the vehicle they want to rent from what’s available in their area
• Select insurance coverage
• Arrange to meet the host to pick up the car

Before driving away in their rental, individuals will use the Turo app to check in to their rental and take photos of the inside and out of the vehicle to document all pre-existing conditions. Upon returning the vehicle, users will then submit another set of images via the app to confirm the car’s return condition. This process not only offers a smooth car rental transaction but also provides protection for both the renter and the vehicle owner.

What Happens If You Get Into An Accident With A Turo Car

When individuals are involved in Turo car accidents, it’s essential to follow several important steps to protect your health and ensure proper documentation for any potential insurance claims.

1. Seek Medical Attention – First and foremost, accept or seek medical care immediately. Prioritizing your health is the most important, and receiving prompt medical attention makes sure that your injuries are properly treated and documented. Adrenaline is known to mask injuries which could be life-threatening, even if you feel okay after being in a Turo car accident. Medical records are also vital for supporting Turo car accident claims, as they provide evidence of the injuries sustained in the accident, which will be used to determine compensation in Turo accident settlements.
2. Call 911 Or Local Police To Report The Crash – If there are serious injuries to anyone involved, dial 911 immediately. If injuries are minor or seem to be non-existent, contact the local authorities and gather information from those involved at the scene. Reporting the accident to local authorities will result in an official Florida police report, which can be very important for your insurance or personal injury claim.
3. Gather Information – While still at the scene, gather as much evidence of the Turo car accident as possible by taking photos of the damage sustained to all vehicles, any road conditions that played a part in the accident, and any visible injuries. Additionally, you should obtain the other involved driver’s insurance details and contact information, as well as ask for contact information from any witnesses.
4. Notify Turo Of The Accident – One of the most important steps to take when in a Florida car accident while renting a vehicle from Turo, is to notify them of the accident. Drivers can contact the company to report the Florida car accident, and they will then receive guidance on your insurance coverage and the next steps to take.
5. Contact A Florida Turo Accident Lawyer Near You – Contact a Florida Turo car accident lawyer at our firm. A knowledgeable car accident attorney, familiar with Turo, can provide the necessary legal advice, support, and representation throughout your claims and recovery process. For experienced assistance with Turo accidents, contact our team of personal injury lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk to ensure your rights are protected and to navigate the complexities of your insurance claim effectively.

Who’s Liable In A Turo Car Accident In Florida?

Determining who is at fault in a Turo car accident involves considering various factors, though it’s also important to note that Florida is a no-fault state. Drivers in Florida must turn to their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policies to seek compensation for injuries first. The at-fault driver’s insurance typically be responsible for any damages which go above your PIP benefits. Liability in a Turo car accident may rest with:

• The Turo Driver – The primary liability for any accident falls on the driver that caused the car accident in Florida. If the person driving the car that is rented through Turo is found to be at fault, they are generally held liable for the damages and injuries resulting from the accident that PIP insurance does not cover.
• The Car Owner – The car owner might be held liable if it can be proven that the Turo vehicle had known issues or defects that contributed to the accident. If the owner failed to address them or notify the renter, then they may be held liable for injuries or damages that resulted from the defects or issues with the car. However, in most cases where the renter/driver is at fault, the car owner is shielded from direct liability by Turo’s comprehensive insurance policy.
• The Other Driver Involved – If the non-Turo driver involved in the accident was driving recklessly or negligently and caused the accident with a vehicle rented through Turo, they may be liable for the car accident.

How A Turo Car Accident Lawyer Near You Can Help

Being in a Florida car accident while renting a car through Turo can be stressful and confusing, especially when injuries are involved. The complexities of handling Turo’s insurance policies and understanding your rights to pursue compensation can add to the stress of the situation. To alleviate this burden so you can focus on recovering from your injuries, contact us to speak to an accident lawyer at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today. Our experienced team can help guide you through the Turo insurance claims process and ensure you understand options as well as your rights to compensation. We’re here to provide you with the legal support you need during this challenging time.