Visiting Manatee County? What To Do After A Bradenton Rental Car Accident

Bradenton is a popular winter destination for visitors looking to escape cold weather. While rental cars are a convenient way to get around, figuring out who’s responsible in the event of a crash and how to handle the situation can be overwhelming.

Our experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer helps both locals and visitors get the compensation they deserve. Find out how Bradenton rental car accidents often happen and the steps you can take to protect your rights afterward.

Visiting Manatee County This Winter? Common Causes of Rental Car Accidents in Bradenton

The winter months are peak season for the Gulf Coast, and the Manatee County Convention and Visitors Bureau reports that more than 75,000 ‘snowbirds’ visit Bradenton at this time of year. Renting a car is convenient for running errands and visiting popular attractions, but rental car accidents in Bradenton happen regularly. Common causes include:

• Confusion at intersections or roundabouts;
• Problems merging or failing to yield on U.S. 41, Manatee Avenue, or other busy roads;
• Being unfamiliar with speed limits and feeling pressured to keep up with traffic;
• Mechanical issues or poor maintenance on the rental vehicle.

Unfortunately, reckless driving by other motorists can also put you at risk and is often the underlying cause of Bradenton rental car accidents.

Protect Your Rights to Compensation After a Bradenton Rental Car Accident

Florida’s Division of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) advises that there are more than 6,000 car accidents in Manatee County each year. If you are involved in a rental car crash while visiting Bradenton, what you do in the aftermath matters. Here’s how to protect yourself and your rights to compensation in an injury claim:

• Call 911 and report the crash, even if it seems minor. The police report is critical.
• Take photos of all vehicles, damage, road signs, license plates, and visible injuries.
• Exchange information with all parties, including driver’s licenses, insurance, and rental agreements.
• Seek medical care immediately, even if you plan to return home soon. Documentation is key.
• Get legal help before speaking with insurance adjusters from the rental company or the other drivers’ insurers.

In most cases, multiple insurance policies may be involved, such as your personal auto insurance, the rental company’s coverage, and possibly a credit card company’s supplemental protection. This can lead to delays, finger-pointing, and denied claims, which is why you need an experienced Bradenton rental car accident lawyer in your corner.

Injured in a Rental Car Crash? Contact Our Experienced Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer Today

Rental car accidents in Bradenton can get complicated fast, especially for out-of-state drivers or visitors unfamiliar with Florida’s laws. If you are involved in this type of crash, don’t wait to get help.

At the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely, we’ll investigate, sort out who’s responsible, and fight for the compensation you deserve. To get our experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer in your corner, call or contact our office online and request a consultation today.

Source:

mymanatee.org/departments/convention-and-visitors-bureau

flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2022.pdf