If you are traveling to another state from California or your car is in the garage for repairs, you might need to rent a car. However, traditional car rental companies often charge high rates. Over the years, more people seeking car rental companies' help have been exploring alternative options, such as Turo. Turo is a ride-sharing service that allows individuals to rent out their vehicles for a daily fee. Additionally, those looking to rent a car can use the platform to browse and reserve vehicles that meet their preferences.

This vehicle rental system is convenient but new, and the rules remain unclear. For example, you might ask what would happen if you were injured in a Turo vehicle accident. Which insurance policy would cover your injuries and any other damages? Learn more about what occurs in the event of an accident with Turo in California.

Remain At The Accident Scene

If there is an injury or fatality, stay at the scene of the accident until law enforcement arrives unless you require urgent medical help. If you leave the scene of an accident where someone is injured, you could face charges for a hit-and-run.

The penalties include:

  • A hefty fine not exceeding $10,000
  • A jail sentence of up to one year (or even longer in cases of severe injury or death).

If the other driver(s) run away, contact the authorities to locate them. If the responsible driver is unidentified, you may still receive compensation from your own insurance company if you meet certain criteria:

  1. Medical Payment coverage
  2. Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage
  3. Collision and comprehensive insurance coverage

Seek Medical Attention

You should contact law enforcement if you are injured and require urgent medical help. Dial 911 or ask someone else to make the call on your behalf. If you are being driven to the Emergency Room by someone else, provide the other driver(s) with your contact information before leaving.

Do Not Claim You Are Not Injured

If you believe you were not hurt in the accident, do not tell the other drivers involved. Soft-tissue injuries may not be noticeable right away. If you claim you are not injured, the other driver's insurance company might use that to reject your claim or make a lower offer.

Move the Vehicle To a Safe Location

If possible, move the vehicle to the side of the road or to another safe location. Cars that obstruct traffic can cause additional harm to either you or others.

Nevertheless, it is advisable to keep the cars in their current position if relocating them poses a risk. If someone dies or is injured, do not move the vehicles. Wait for law enforcement unless the cars pose a danger.

Note Down Details of the Other Vehicle

After moving the cars (if necessary) and seeking medical help for any injured persons, make sure to take notes or pictures of:

  • The license plate number of all vehicles involved in the collision
  • The year, brand, type, and paint color of the other vehicles
  • If available, obtain the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the other vehicles

This information is necessary for you to inform the California DMV about the accident. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is typically found on a driver's insurance card and registration. However, it is wise to verify it in person, especially if the driver lacks insurance.

The VIN can be found in the following location:

  • At the point where the windshield and the driver's side dashboard meet
  • On the driver's side door
  • If riding a motorcycle, it is located on the steering head's left side

If the driver does not cooperate, do not try to obtain the VIN from their vehicle.

Share Contact Information With Other Drivers And Witnesses

Request to view the driver's license, insurance, and other registration details. Capture an image of these papers. If not, note down the figures. You should also obtain contact details from all individuals involved in or present during the accident. If a police officer arrives, note down the officer's name.

You should also give your information to the other driver, regardless of who was to blame. You are required to show your identification details to the police upon request. These include:

  • Driving license
  • Registration
  • Your Insurance coverage

If not, you might be subject to penalties and hefty fines.

Leave Your Contact Information if the Other Property Or Vehicle Is Unoccupied

California law states that you must choose between two options if you hit an empty vehicle or other property:

  • Find the proprietor and share with them a copy of your driver's license and registration
  • Place a note containing your name and address in a visible location on the vehicle or property and quickly inform either:
    • The city's police department where the accident took place
    • If the accident happened in unincorporated land, the California Highway Patrol's local office

According to regulations, the note should provide details about the situation. Nonetheless, it should give minimal information. Ensure you remember the accident scene so you can file a report.

Do Not Acknowledge Or Accept Blame

Even if you believe you caused the accident, you should avoid admitting wrongdoing. The blame could be placed on the other driver. Alternatively, the issue could also be:

  • Poorly planned road designs
  • Negligence in the construction of highways
  • Negligence from the vehicle manufacturer or maintenance provider

In California, you can still seek compensation for a car accident under the "shared fault / pure comparative negligence" law, even if you were partially at fault. Assigning blame would only decrease the amount of compensation you receive.

Capture Images Of The Scene Of The Accident

Take pictures of the accident scene and the vehicles involved. These images can help your lawyer or adjuster assess what happened, as long as it is safe to do so. It can also stop someone from accusing you of causing any future damage to the vehicle or property.

If it is not safe to take pictures at the accident site or if you need to leave for medical help, return later to take photos when you can.

Create A Report Of The Incident As Soon As Possible

When possible, jot down all details about the incident, no matter how insignificant they may appear. The shock of the accident may cause details to blur, so it is best to record what you remember quickly.

Some examples of things to document are:

  • The date and time when the accident took place
  • The way each vehicle is moving
  • Your most accurate guess of the speed of each driver
  • The color of any traffic signals that were in sight
  • The road conditions (like potholes or inclement weather)

Record The Injuries You Have Sustained

Capture – or have another person capture – images of any noticeable injuries using your phone or camera. You can record:

  • The severity of the bodily harm sustained
  • Your emotional distress can cause severe mental and psychological harm. It may lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The greater the evidence of your injuries that is recorded, the higher your chances of your personal injury lawyer securing the compensation you are entitled to.

Report the Incident

According to California regulations, you must inform the California Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days of a collision if:

  • Someone died
  • Someone sustained an injury (even if it was minor)
  • The crash led to damages exceeding $1,000

Make sure to file an accident report even if you are unsure, especially if you plan to submit a claim to your car insurance. Accidents need to be documented to the DMV using California DMV Form SR1.

Not reporting an accident to the DMV could lead to your driver's license being suspended for a maximum of one year. If law enforcement does not show up at the scene of a crash where there were injuries or death, you must file a written crash report within 24 hours to:

  • Police authorities in the area
  • The California Highway Patrol officers

If there is only one instance when it is advisable not to report an accident, it is when:

  1. There were no other drivers involved
  2. Your car only suffered minor damage that you can handle or are willing to cover the repairs for
  3. Despite collision insurance, you may still pay less for repairs than your deductibles

Contact Turo For Roadside Assistance 

You have to report the accident to Turo within 24 hours. They will lead you through the claim process and will organize roadside assistance. You can call them through the Turo app.

Inform Your Insurance Provider

California's car insurance regulations follow a fault-based system. Individuals involved in accidents should report claims to the responsible party's insurance provider. You must report an accident promptly under the insurance policy.

You should inform your insurance company, even if you are at fault for the accident. The other party could also report the accident, putting you at risk of:

  • A revoked driver's license
  • Terminated auto coverage

Report your injury early. This helps your insurer protect your claim in a car accident lawsuit. California does not allow auto insurers to raise rates for accidents that are not your fault.

Requirements For Insurance Coverage

You must have a minimum amount of insurance for each car you register in California. These include the following:

  • $15,000 worth of bodily injury protection per individual
  • $30,000 worth of coverage for injuries in each accident
  • $5,000 in coverage for property damage. (This is shortened to 15/30/5 insurance coverage)

Operating a vehicle without insurance is a violation. Being found guilty for the first time results in:

  • Fines ranging from $100 to $200
  • Seizing the vehicle
  • Revocation of your license

You must show proof of insurance if you are involved in a crash, renew your registration, or are requested by a police officer at a traffic stop.

Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

Hire a skilled California auto accident lawyer promptly to safeguard your rights and assess all evidence, such as the police report, to establish your right to compensation.

A lawyer with years of experience will:

  1. Assist in locating a doctor who is willing to accept a medical lien if you are unable to cover the costs of healthcare services
  2. Write a letter requesting insurance compensation. This will help increase your chances of securing a settlement offer for your losses

Ultimately, a skilled California injury attorney is well-versed in the tactics of insurance companies and comprehends the insurance regulations. Your attorney can spare you the hassle of managing your adjuster and the other party's adjuster.

Here are reasons why hiring a lawyer can be beneficial for your claim:

  • Evaluating Your Situation

Your accident attorney will begin by assessing the details of your accident. This includes:

  1. Reviewing the incident reports
  2. Looking at the relevant insurance policies
  3. Determining the coverage limits

It is essential to understand these elements to build a strong case on your behalf.

  • Identifying The At-Fault Parties

In a Turo accident, multiple parties could be at fault. This may include the renter, the vehicle owner, and Turo. It could also involve other drivers in the incident. Your lawyer will review these connections to determine who is liable for the damages. They can also check the rental agreement, vehicle maintenance records, and the driving history of those involved.

  • Insurance Negotiations

Handling insurance companies can feel overwhelming, especially when several policies are in play. A Turo accident attorney can negotiate with insurance adjusters for fair compensation. They understand how insurance companies try to reduce payouts. Personal injury attorneys are also experienced in countering these tactics effectively.

  • Legal Representation

Your lawyer will take your case to court if negotiations do not lead to a satisfactory settlement. This process includes preparing and filing a lawsuit, collecting evidence, and representing you during the trial. The goal is to build a strong case that clearly shows the extent of your injuries and the responsibility of those involved.

  • Securing Compensation

Securing the maximum compensation for you is the main objective of a Turo accident lawyer. This compensation could help in paying for associated costs for:

  1. Pain and suffering
  2. Lost wages
  3. Property damage
  4. Medical bills
  5. Other related costs

Given the serious effects of auto accidents, you should receive fair compensation for your recovery and long-term well-being.

Determining Fault In a Turo Car Accident

In California, the person responsible for causing an accident must cover all injuries and damages costs. When a Turo driver causes an accident, you must decide whether to file the claim with Turo, the driver, or the vehicle's owner.

The following are parties that can be held responsible in a Turo accident:

Turo Driver/Renter

Turo refers to renters as "guests." If the Turo guest is to blame for the crash, their auto insurance will be held accountable for any damages. However, if the Turo driver has purchased insurance through Turo, this could also be used as additional coverage.

In this case, you must first submit a claim to the Turo driver's insurance. If their policy does not fully cover the damages, you can seek compensation through Turo's insurance. Turo offers three protection plans for drivers:

  • Premier—This includes up to $750,000 in third-party liability coverage. It also provides full physical damage protection up to the car's cash value with no deductible
  • Standard—This plan offers the state's minimum liability coverage with a $500 deductible for physical damage
  • Minimum—This plan only provides the state's least liability coverage with a $3,000 deductible

Each plan varies in the amount of liability coverage, physical damage protection, and deductible costs. These plans are designed to supplement the driver's auto insurance. Turo's insurance does not cover medical expenses (Personal Injury Protection). Additionally, it does not protect uninsured or underinsured motorists.

Turo Car Host/ Owner

If the Turo vehicle owner is at fault, they may be responsible for neglecting car maintenance. They could also be liable for not informing the renter about safety issues or defects. The renter can file a negligence claim against the owner. This would help recover damages from the accident, including compensation for injuries.

Turo offers car owners various protection plans, including liability coverage of up to $750,000. However, the owner's insurance would not cover the accident. Most insurance policies become void when a peer-to-peer car-sharing service shares the vehicle.

A Third Party

If a third party causes a Turo accident, their insurance must cover the damages and injuries. For example, if another driver causes an accident, their insurance will pay for the losses of everyone involved, including the vehicle owner and the Turo renter.

You should gather solid proof at the scene to back up your claim against the third party. This could include obtaining a police report, witness statements, and pictures. The third party's insurance is primarily responsible for covering the losses. However, Turo's insurance may offer some coverage depending on the specifics and the chosen protection plan.

A car accident attorney can help you file claims against the at-fault party. They can negotiate settlements and ensure you secure fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Find an Experienced LA Turo Accident Lawyer Near Me

If you have been involved in a Turo accident, you can contact a personal injury law firm. At Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney, we understand Turo's insurance policies and California's personal injury laws, which prepares us to handle these complex cases effectively.

Our team knows how much a car accident can affect you physically, emotionally, and financially. We will work hard to secure the highest compensation possible for your situation. Contact our personal injury law office today at 424-237-3600 to arrange a free consultation.