Car accidents can be a traumatic and stressful experience, especially if the car involved in the crash was a leased vehicle. If you lease your vehicle, you are a lessee, and you don’t actually own the vehicle. So, when a leased vehicle is damaged in a car accident, the lessee has to deal with additional interested parties, which increases the complexity of negotiating property damage settlements. This, in turn, can increase the length of time that you are dealing with the aftermath of a car accident in your leased car.
The Arizona car accident attorneys at The Dr. Lawyer Law Group have handled many cases involving leased cars. If you’ve been injured in a car accident involving a leased car, our team will deal with the insurance companies, the leasing company, and your medical providers to ensure your recovery is stress-free.
Read on to find out what you should do if you're in a car crash while driving a leased car:
Check for injuries and call for help
The first and most important step after any car accident is to check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if there are no visible injuries, it is still important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Additionally, call the police to report the accident and request an officer to come to the scene.
Gather information
While waiting for the police to arrive, gather as much information about the accident as possible. Take photos of the scene, including any damage to the leased car, and get the contact information of any witnesses. If there are witnesses, ask them politely to stay to make a statement to the police.
If the other driver is present, exchange insurance, license, and contact information with the other driver. It is also important to write down the make, model, and license plate numbers of any other vehicles involved in the accident.
Notify the leasing company
Once you have left the accident scene, notify the leasing company that the car has been involved in an accident. They will likely request a copy of the police report from you. You can find instructions on requesting your Tempe, AZ, Traffic Accident Report here. You can find instructions on requesting your Glendale, AZ, Traffic Accident Report here,
Depending on the lease contract you entered into, failure to notify the leasing company of the accident could result in additional charges or penalties. When speaking to the leasing company, it is also important to get information about the leasing company’s repair preferences. They may have specific repair requirements that must be followed.
Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance company to report the accident and file a claim. Information on how to do that can be found on your insurance card or online. Let them know that the car involved in the accident is a leased vehicle, and provide them with the leasing company's information. Your insurance company will work with the leasing company to resolve any damages or other issues related to the accident.
Keep all documentation
Keep a record of all documentation related to the accident, including the accident report, repair invoices, and communication with the insurance company and leasing company.
Consult with an attorney
If you have been injured in the accident or if there is a dispute over liability or damages, it is important to consult with an attorney who has experience handling car accident cases involving leased vehicles. An attorney can help protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies and leasing companies, and pursue compensation for any injuries or damages you have suffered.
Car accidents are already stressful when they don’t involve a leasing company. If you were driving a leased vehicle and were in a car crash in Arizona, there are better options than taking the word of insurance and leasing companies that don’t have your best interests in mind. Call The Dr. Lawyer Law Group today, or schedule a free case strategy session online, to find out what legal rights you may have.