Florida Turo Accident Lawyer

Car accidents involving a car rental service usually differ from regular car accident claims. However, Turo accidents can be even more complex as they are not a traditional car rental company. Nonetheless, suppose you have been involved in a car accident in Florida caused by someone driving a Turo rented vehicle. In that case, you may be entitled to file a claim for compensation due to their negligence or wrongdoing.

Since filing a Turo accident claim is different from regular car accident claims, you may need the help of an experienced Florida Turo accident lawyer to understand your rights and legal options. 1-800-Injured can help connect you with various nearby and dedicated attorneys who offer free case consultations.

1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that aims to facilitate the connection between personal injury victims and proven, established, and knowledgeable attorneys. If you have been injured in a Turo accident in Florida, receive a free consultation with an attorney today and learn more about your legal options. Here is what you should know about Florida Turo rental accidents.

How Turo Differs From Traditional Car Rental Companies and Affects Liability

Traditional car rental companies in Florida operate differently than Turo. If traditional car rental companies actively engage in maintenance, upkeep, and adherence to safety standards, then Turo places this responsibility on the shoulders of vehicle owners who list their personal cars on the platform.

Traditional car rental companies own their cars, which means such companies constantly service and update their fleet, while Turo relies on vehicle owners responsibly listing properly maintained vehicles on their platform. Although Turo does have certain criteria for vehicle listing and even driver screening, they are not as extensive or standardized as what traditional car rental companies typically conduct.

The insurance difference is another huge difference between Turo and traditional car rental companies. Turo offers its own insurance coverage for vehicle owners and renters, but there are varying levels of protection, which also differ from state to state. Yet, generally, regarding liability insurance, Turo offers the minimum requirement in each state and up to $750,000, depending on the selected coverage.

Since Turo is a peer-to-peer car rental marketplace that allows individuals to rent out their personal vehicles to others, multiple parties can be held liable in a Turo car accident claim. Still, an experienced Turo accident lawyer can help you hold the responsible parties liable and receive fair compensation. Contact 1-800-Injured to connect with a reliable attorney today.

Turo Accidents in Florida – Main Causes

Florida is among the main markets of Turo, as over 10,000 vehicles are available for rent across the state. With so many rental cars available on the market, Turo car accidents are prone to occur for various reasons. Among the most common causes of car accidents in Turo accident cases are the following:

Vehicle or Road Unfamiliarity

Many people using the services of car rental companies usually do so when visiting a new place or unfamiliar area, either as a means to travel during vacation or for other reasons. Since such individuals might not be familiar with Florida’s road, traffic norms, or local driving habits, there is an increased risk of accidents.

Regarding vehicle unfamiliarity, among the primary causes of Turo’s success may be related to its wide range of vehicles available for rent, which range from SUVs to sports or luxury cars. When renters have so many choices, they are bound to rent a car that they have never driven before.

However, each vehicle has its own handling characteristics, unique control set, blind spots, and other features. This unfamiliarity can easily be a contributing factor to Turo car accidents.  

Distracted Driving or Driving Under the Influence

Auto accidents often result due to distracted driving or driving under the influence. Regarding Turo car accidents, it’s easy for drivers, especially tourists, to get distracted or engage in reckless driving while driving under the influence as they enjoy their vacations and take in Florida’s scenery.   

Speeding

Speeding is a common cause of car accidents worldwide, and it’s easy to see why car enthusiasts renting Turo sportscars may engage in such practices as they get the opportunity to ride more powerful cars.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance or Defects

Sometimes, vehicle owners neglect their car’s upkeep and maintenance schedules. This can easily result in car accidents where the Turo driver is hardly to blame for the incident. In such instances, extensive research and evidence gathering are crucial to sort out the liable parties, and this is when a Turo accident attorney can help you out.

Liability in Turo Car Accident Claims

When it comes to Turo car accident incidents, usually, the primary liable entity is the driver. However, multiple liable parties can be held responsible depending on the specific circumstances in each case. Here are some of the usually liable parties in Turo car accidents:

Turo Driver/Renter

In instances where the accident was caused by the negligence or reckless behavior of the person who rented the Turo vehicle, they may be held responsible. This could include situations where the renter was driving under the influence, speeding, distracted, or violating traffic laws.

Turo Vehicle Owner

The owner of the Turo vehicle may also bear some responsibility in certain situations. For example, if the owner failed to properly maintain the vehicle, knowingly rented out a vehicle with mechanical defects, or provided inaccurate information about its condition, they could be held liable.

Other Negligent Drivers

If the accident involved multiple vehicles and another driver was at fault, that driver would be responsible for the damages caused by their negligence.

Third Parties

In some cases, liability may extend to other parties, such as vehicle manufacturers or maintenance providers, if a defect or mechanical failure contributed to the accident. However, proving this requires strong evidence and expertise, which Turo accident attorneys can provide you with.

Turo

In rare instances, the company may be liable in some way for the accident. Mostly, their insurance coverage can come into play in certain accidents.

Your Insurance Company and Turo’s Policy

Both car owners/hosts and guests/renters can benefit from various levels of insurance coverage offered by Turo. These policies are meant to protect both parties if an accident occurs. Turo’s insurance coverage can include uninsured motorist protection, physical damage, liability, and others. Yet, everything depends on the insurance plan chosen by clients.

If a renter in Florida declines Turo’s coverage, their personal auto insurance or personal injury protection plan comes into play. This is especially true if the damages resulting from the accident exceed the company’s policy limits. In many instances, overlaps or gaps can occur between a driver’s or owner’s personal insurance and Turo’s insurance. This mainly occurs when a personal insurance plan covers rental cars.

Working With 1-800-Injured

Although Turo accident claims are complex and more challenging to deal with than regular car accident claims, Florida Turo accident victims can still receive a fair settlement for their injuries and other damages. Everything depends on the specific circumstances of your case, how strong the evidence is, and legal representation.

1-800-Injured can help you connect with an experienced attorney specializing in Turo accident claims where Turo drivers caused the accident. Working with car accident lawyers or law firms can help you tackle the claims process easier and guide you through it from the beginning until the end.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help After a Turo Accident in Florida

Personal injury cases involving Turo rental cars require specialized care and a deep understanding of Turo’s insurance policy, your own, Florida law, and more. A personal injury attorney dedicated to solving Turo accident claims in Florida can offer you the necessary legal guidance, help with investigation and evidence gathering, handle insurance claims, determine liability, calculate damages, and negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement.

If negotiations with insurance companies fail, a car accident attorney can prepare your case for trial, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue your case in court. Having a skilled litigator on your side can significantly strengthen your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome and ensure you are compensated adequately for property damage, lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.  

Steps To Take After Being Involved In a Turo Accident

Although a personal injury attorney can help strengthen your case, everything you do during and after your Turo rental accident will play a crucial role. Here are the steps you should take after being involved in a Turo accident:

Accept Medical Care

Medical records play a crucial role in Turo car accident claims. However, you should first prioritize your health and well-being by receiving medical attention. This way, your medical situation will be recorded, your health will be taken care of, and you will gain the necessary documents to support your car accident claim.

Contact Authorities and Gather Information

Sometimes, a police report can make a huge difference in Turo car accidents. This is why you should report the accident to local authorities, as they will create an official report documenting the accident. While you are at the accident scene, you can also gather evidence by taking pictures of the damages to your car, the rental car, road conditions, and your injuries. Request the other driver’s insurance company details and contact information, and write down the contact information of witnesses.

Notify Turo 

When you are involved in an accident with a Turo driver, you can contact the company to report the accident and receive guidance on your insurance coverage.

Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer

Lastly, consult with a personal injury attorney specializing in car accidents involving rental cars. An attorney can provide you with the necessary legal advice, support, and representation even during your recovery process. Contact 1-800-Injured to get started and be connected with a nearby professional lawyer who deals with Turo accident claims.