Jake
Turo operates as a peer-to-peer car rental platform. What does that mean, you ask? Essentially, vehicle owners rent out their personal vehicles to people in need of a car through the Turo platform. This differs from traditional rental car companies, which own and manage a fleet of vehicles of various makes and models. The appeal of Turo is that you can rent out a specific car, getting the exact specifications, trim, and even color that you’re looking for. However, in some cases, vehicles may not be properly maintained for regular road use, leading to a preventable collision. If you are injured in a preventable crash, contact an experienced Jackson car accident lawyer for prompt assistance.
In the event of a car crash involving a Turo driver, determining liability can be complex. The specifics of responsibility for a wreck are often outlined in Turo’s user agreement, which details the terms and conditions for both renters and hosts.
Distracted Driving is on the Rise on U.S. Roads
Distracted driving has become an increasingly significant safety concern, particularly amongst rideshare and commercial drivers. However, rental car drivers also engage in unsafe behavior behind the wheel sometimes. If you’re driving an unfamiliar vehicle, it may take some time to get used to the car’s handling, technological interfaces, and driver assistance features. Ironically, the systems that make the car easier to operate can end up being more of a safety hazard as the driver figures out how to use them!
Turo drivers may face unique distractions, such as navigating using GPS on their personal devices or becoming familiar with the controls of an unfamiliar vehicle. Other forms of inattention can also put you at greater risk of experiencing an accident. You should avoid eating, texting, or taking a phone call without a hands-free driving feature. Legally, distracted driving is often considered a form of negligence, which can result in a citation or increased liability in the event of a crash. If a distracted Turo driver causes or contributes to an avoidable collision, they will likely be found at fault for the wreck based on evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and phone records.
Does Turo Provide Car Insurance for Their Renters?
It can be very hard to determine who is liable for a Turo collision and how insurance coverages apply to everyone involved in the crash. Turo has several protection plans available as add-ons for renters, which provide various levels of coverage for damage to the vehicle they are renting. The platform also offers some degree of liability insurance for renters, but the amount and types of coverage offered depend on the state. Turo generally provides the lowest level of liability insurance that is legally acceptable in the state the vehicle is located in, which can fall woefully short of covering collision and medical damages in a wreck.
A Turo driver’s personal insurance policy may be required for claims in excess of the coverage offered through the rental platform. If the driver is uninsured or only carries the minimum amount of coverage required in their state, other motorists involved in a wreck may be forced to file through their own insurance company or sue for damages in excess of the at-fault driver’s coverage limits. If you run into difficulties securing compensation after an accident caused by a distracted Turo driver, you should consider contacting a lawyer to better understand your legal options.
Legal and Financial Repercussions for the Distracted Driver
When a Turo driver is found to be liable for a crash due to distracted driving, they may be subject to various legal and financial repercussions. The at-fault driver may be cited, forced to pay a fine, or even criminally charged if the accident was especially severe. If the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage does not provide adequate financial relief for the crash’s victims, they may file a lawsuit to recover compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and damaged property.
In most cases, Turo cooperates with law enforcement and insurance investigators following an accident. Drivers that repeatedly exhibit poor judgment or dangerous behaviors may be banned from using Turo altogether.
What You Should Do if You’re Hit by a Turo Driver
If you are involved in a wreck caused by a distracted Turo driver, you should immediately call the police to file a report and exchange insurance information. Take down the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details (if any provided outside of Turo), and the vehicle’s license plate number. If the driver reveals that they are driving a rental vehicle, make a note of that fact for future claims. Consider seeking legal advice from a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options for recovering damages.
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