Turo Car Accident Lawyers in Trenton NJ

Fighting for Clients Injured in Turo Accidents in New Jersey

Turo enjoys a well-deserved reputation as one of America’s premier peer-to-peer (P2P) car rental platforms, founded initially in San Francisco around 12 years ago. As a platform catering specifically to individuals looking for short-term rentals at affordable rates through peer-to-peer connections. All you have to do is punch location information into the user-friendly platform, confirm a few minor details such as rental length and preferred brand name, then find car options ranging from convertibles to SUVs. Reputable car owners from whom you can rent your desired model will usually respond very quickly with their offers. Car owners have two options: they can meet you at a designated spot or leave the car where you are located. Car renters find this service less expensive and more convenient than going to a rental company.

Car accident claims are already complex to handle, and if we add Turo to the mix, they can get even more challenging. Our team of New Jersey personal injury lawyers is equipped with the experience you need when facing an auto accident involving Turo. Dealing with insurance companies requires qualified lawyers who can advocate for your rights and seek the entirety of your due compensation. For a free initial appointment with one of our committed injury lawyers, call (609) 528-2596 right away.

Compensation Through Turo Insurance Coverage in NJ

If you’re renting a car through Turo, you can purchase Turo’s insurance coverage to protect yourself and the vehicle during the rental period. If you experience an incident that results in damages or other losses, you can seek compensation through Turo’s insurance coverage.

First, you need to report the accident. If you experience an incident, such as an accident or theft, report it to Turo immediately. You can do this through the Turo app or website. Provide as much information as possible about the incident, including photos of any damage or loss. To file a claim, you must provide documentation of the incident and any damages or losses. This may include a police report, photos, and receipts for any repairs or replacements.

Turo will investigate the incident and determine whether your claim is eligible for compensation. This process may take some time, so be patient.  This is where it can go wrong.  Insurance companies are part of a billion-dollar industry that gets richer daily by bilking claimants out of the settlements they deserve.

If your claim is approved, you’ll receive compensation through Turo’s insurance coverage. The payment amount will depend on the type of coverage you purchased and the specifics of the incident.  Your best bet is to contact an attorney before accepting any offer from the insurance company.

Top Causes of Accidents Related to Turo

As with any car rental or driving activity, there can be several causes of accidents when using Turo.

The most common cause of accidents is driver error, including distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It can be tempting for a user renting a convertible such as a BMW Z4 to see how fast they can go, but speed isn’t the only issue. The faster you drive, the more complex the car’s handling becomes. Also, if the driver is unfamiliar with the car, mentally measuring the length and width of the vehicle can be challenging.

Poor car maintenance is another cause. If the owner of the rented vehicle has not maintained the car properly, it could lead to a malfunction or failure, resulting in an accident. Worn brake pads, tires with no tread, a defroster that doesn’t work correctly, or steering issues can all cause a dangerous accident.

Driving under adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, and ice presents its own challenges and accelerates the possibility of crashes. Tragically though avoidable if one heeds caution, many motorists lack awareness about how just a tiny bit of water (0.3cm) on a roadway could lead to hydroplaning at any speed over 35mph. Black ice, which is concealed and caused by snow melting, refreezing overnight can pose a huge risk to unsuspecting drivers. Sometimes accidents are caused due to other drivers ignoring traffic regulations and driving recklessly or too fast on the roads, warranting their actions irresponsibly and leading up to potential crashes. Though sometimes, good driving practices cannot prevent such tragic mishaps from happening as the vehicle itself could have mechanical flaws- brakes not functioning adequately, steering system malfunctioning.

Gap Between Maintenance and Safety in the Turo App

As it is an application, there is no way for the Turo company to inspect the cars in its fleet visibly.  Car owners must complete a maintenance checklist before joining the company, but there is no way to certify that the checklist has been completed and that all of the necessary upkeep has been applied.

Part of the downside to renting a car from the Turo application is the uncertainty that the vehicle is roadworthy.  Turo offers insurance coverage, but having insurance does not mean there won’t be an accident.

Immediate Steps After a Turo Accident

The first thing you should do is call 911.  Request an ambulance, even if you don’t seem injured.  Once the adrenaline has decreased from the excitement, you may notice pain in your back, neck, shoulders, or torso.  It is better to be safe than sorry. Additionally, by calling 911, the police will report the accident, giving you an accurate account of the events.

If you or someone with you can get the contact information from the other drivers or witnesses, Renters can buy insurance, but no matter what, they are covered for a maximum of $750,000 policy from Turo.

One thing you must avoid at all costs:  do not, under any circumstances, admit fault.  Even when trying to assure the other driver that everything will be OK, do NOT apologize.  An apology indicates fault, even when that isn’t what you meant to say.  Also, do not give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company.  They can use what you say against you regarding settlement negotiations.

Gathering evidence at the moment at the scene of the accident by taking photos and video and talking to witnesses will help you when settling your case.

It’s important to note that liability determination can be complex, and the outcome can depend on several factors. Suppose you’re involved in an accident while driving a Turo rental car. In that case, it’s essential to document the accident as thoroughly as possible and to contact Turo and your insurance company as soon as possible to report the incident and start the claims process.

Is Determining Liability Different in Turo Accidents?

Liability in Turo accidents is determined in much the same way as liability in traditional car accidents. When an accident occurs involving a Turo rental car, liability is typically determined based on the following factors:

Liability is based on negligence. This means that the party who acted in a negligent manner and caused the accident will be held liable for any resulting damages. It may be determined based on the evidence gathered at the accident scene. This includes eyewitness accounts, police reports, and any other relevant evidence. 

Liability in Turo accidents may also be determined based on the laws of the state where the accident occurred. Each state has different laws regarding car accidents, which can impact how liability is determined.  Overall, liability in Turo accidents is determined based on the same principles as traditional car accidents. The main difference is that Turo’s insurance coverage may be more significant in determining liability than conventional insurance coverage.

Turo provides liability insurance coverage to its hosts and renters in the event of an accident. The coverage amounts vary depending on the host’s individual insurance policy and the rental period. If the Turo host’s insurance policy does not cover the damages caused by the accident, then Turo’s insurance policy will come into play.

Explore Your Compensation Options After a Turo Accident with Cohen & Rielchelson

When you are injured in a car accident, you need an accident attorney on your side who has the experience to get you the fair compensation you deserve.  When you file a claim with the Turo company, that helpful, kind person who rented you their car will not negotiate your settlement.  Turo’s team of accident experts, doctors, adjusters, inspectors, and more have the job of calculating the lowest possible settlement for you.

At Cohen & Rielchelson, our personal injury attorneys will protect your rights and make sure the insurance company will treat you fairly.  We can seek damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Our years of experience at the negotiation table and in the courtroom have given us the tools we need to get you what you deserve.

If you have been injured in a Turo accident in Lawrence, Windsor, Hamilton, Ewing, Hopewell, Trenton, Woodbridge, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Burlington County, and throughout New Jersey, contact us at (609) 528-2596 or online by filling out the form today to connect with an experienced attorney who can help.