Long Beach Turo Rental Car Accident Attorneys

Protecting Your Rights After a Turo Rental Car Accident

The rise of peer-to-peer car rental services like Turo has added convenience for drivers looking to rent vehicles on their terms. Turo operates much like Airbnb, allowing individual car owners to rent out their personal vehicles to others. While this innovative platform is popular in Long Beach, it comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to accidents involving these rentals. If you’ve been involved in a Turo rental car accident, you may find yourself navigating a complicated web of insurance claims and liability disputes.

At McGee Lerer Ogrin, our seasoned attorneys are here to guide you through the process. We’ll protect your rights, negotiate on your behalf, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at (562) 270-0546 for a free consultation.

The Challenges of Turo Rental Car Accidents

Unlike traditional rental companies, Turo doesn’t own the cars listed on its platform. Instead, private vehicle owners (called "Hosts") upload their cars for renters (called "Guests") to book. This structure introduces unique legal and insurance challenges in the event of an accident.

Insurance Issues

Turo provides liability insurance to renters, but coverage can vary depending on the specific plan chosen and the details of the accident. Some challenges include:

• Insurance Denial: Turo’s insurance may deny coverage if the driver using the vehicle wasn’t listed on the rental agreement.
• No Driver’s License: If the renter doesn’t have a valid driver’s license, coverage could be void.
• Ridesharing Use: If the rented vehicle was being used for commercial purposes (e.g., Uber or Lyft) without proper insurance, liability may not be covered.
• Lack of Personal Insurance: If neither the renter nor the vehicle owner has adequate insurance, your options for compensation may be limited.

Navigating Turo’s insurance coverage policies can be difficult, and an experienced attorney can help ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Liability Complexities

Figuring out who is responsible for a Turo rental car accident can involve multiple parties, such as the driver, the vehicle owner, or even Turo itself. Here’s how liability may play out:

• The Driver (Guest): If the renter behaves negligently (e.g., speeding, texting while driving), they may be held responsible for the accident.
• The Vehicle Owner (Host): The car owner is responsible for ensuring their car is safe and properly maintained. If a mechanical issue caused the accident, the owner could also share liability.
• Turo: Although Turo positions itself as a platform provider, it could bear some level of responsibility if it failed to enforce proper insurance coverage or allowed unsafe vehicles to be listed.
• Commercial Use Cases: If the car was being used for ridesharing or delivery services at the time of the accident, liability could shift to the commercial insurance provider.

Understanding and proving liability requires a thorough examination of the accident and related policies. This is where McGee Lerer Ogrin’s expertise makes a difference.

Steps to Take After a Turo Rental Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a Turo rental car accident, taking the right steps immediately can strengthen your case and increase your chances of fair compensation.

1. Call the Authorities: Report the accident to the police and ensure that an official accident report is generated.
2. Gather Information: Collect the contact and insurance details of all drivers involved. If the vehicle is a Turo rental, make note of the owner’s and renter’s information.
3. Document the Scene: Take pictures of the damage, injuries, license plates, and anything else relevant to the accident.
4. Notify Turo: Inform Turo of the collision via their platform and follow any instructions they provide.
5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to consult a doctor for a proper evaluation.
6. Consult an Attorney: Call McGee Lerer Ogrin to understand your rights and get personalized legal advice.

Understanding Turo’s Insurance Coverage

Turo offers liability insurance for California rentals, but the coverage is limited unless renters purchase additional protection. Here are the basics of Turo’s insurance plans:

• Liability Coverage: Basic coverage meets California’s state minimum requirements of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.
• Premier Coverage: For added protection, renters can opt for the Premier plan with $750,000 in liability coverage.

However, Turo does not provide uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which means if the at-fault driver lacks proper insurance, you could face difficulties.

This gap in coverage underlines the importance of working with skilled attorneys who can explore alternative avenues for securing compensation.

How McGee Lerer Ogrin Can Help

At McGee Lerer Ogrin, we have experience handling Turo rental car accident cases. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Investigating the Accident: We’ll analyze all aspects of your case, from details on Turo’s platform to evidence from the accident scene, to determine fault.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Whether it’s Turo’s insurer, the vehicle owner’s insurance, or your own policy, we’ll handle negotiations to ensure you’re not left with unpaid bills.
• Filing a Claim or Lawsuit: If necessary, we’ll take legal action against the responsible parties to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

Get a Free Consultation Today

Don’t let the complexities of a Turo rental car accident overwhelm you. The legal team at McGee Lerer Ogrin is here to fight for you every step of the way. From investigating fault to navigating insurance negotiations, we’ll ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Call us now at (562) 270-0546 for a free, no-obligation consultation. You don’t have to face this challenge alone—we’re here to help you get back on track.