If you’ve ever used Turo, you know the app makes it easy to rent a car for a day, a week, or more. But much like Uber and Lyft, Turo can make it difficult to determine liability after an accident. If you’ve been hurt in a crash with a rented vehicle, a Bakersfield Turo accident lawyer can help.
When you’re seeking compensation after a car crash, finding the right Bakersfield personal injury law firm matters. Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers has helped countless Californians recover compensation for their medical care, lost income, and other accident-related expenses.
What Are the Common Causes of Turo Accidents?
Like all car accidents, Turo accidents can have any number of causes. These are some of the most common:
Distracted Driving
California law prohibits using a handheld phone while driving. Texting or otherwise using a phone while driving is one of the most common types of distracted driving, but adjusting a GPS, eating, talking to passengers, or even daydreaming can contribute to accidents, too.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding is a contributing factor in many car and truck accidents. However, drivers of Turo vehicles may be particularly tempted to speed for different reasons.
For one, drivers may speed because they’re trying to maximize their rental time or they’re running late to drop off the vehicle. The app also rents out many luxury cars, so drivers who rent sports cars or other performance vehicles may want to see how fast they can go.
Unfamiliarity With the Vehicle
Driving an unfamiliar vehicle comes with unique risks. Drivers may have trouble turning on the headlights, adjusting the mirrors, or finding other controls in rental cars. Trying to figure out an unfamiliar vehicle while driving can be very distracting and ultimately lead to accidents.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
When renting a car from a reputable rental company, drivers know that each vehicle has regularly scheduled maintenance. Because individual owners list their cars on Turo, they are personally responsible for maintenance.
When renting a Turo car, there’s always a risk that the owner hasn’t maintained the car properly. In some instances, that neglect may actually cause an accident.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows your reaction times, impairs your ability to make decisions, and decreases coordination. When you add that to the challenge of driving an unfamiliar car, the risk of getting into an accident can increase dramatically.
Why Your Bakersfield Turo Accident Attorney Cares About Fault
Just like accidents involving commercial vehicles or rideshares, Turo accidents can be complex when it comes to determining fault. Sometimes, one driver clearly caused the accident, but in other cases, there may be some level of fault on both sides.
Your attorney needs to determine each driver’s degree of fault because it could impact your potential settlement. California follows a pure comparative negligence standard. This means that if you were partially at fault, you can still sue the other driver, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Why Choose Us? How the Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Can Help!
In the days and weeks following a serious accident, it can be hard to know what to do next. Once you have been medically stabilized, the next most important step is to contact an experienced Turo accident attorney.
When it comes to selecting a Turo lawyer, you have no shortage of options. Here are a few reasons to consider working with Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers:
- We’ve successfully settled more than 100,000 cases
- We handle major and minor cases alike
- We have countless happy clients
- We routinely secure fair settlements and win trial verdicts for our clients
- We offer free consultations, and you only pay if we win your case
Our team is proud to stand up to insurance companies on behalf of our clients. If you’ve been hurt in a Turo rental accident, get in touch to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.
Understanding Turo’s Terms and Conditions
Turo has a complex set of terms and conditions. These are some key points. (Turo refers to car owners as “hosts” and renters as “guests.”)
- Guests are responsible for damage to the car, regardless of who caused it
- Guests can purchase a protection plan to limit what they owe if the car is damaged
- Protection plans are void if a guest violates the terms of service
- Hosts may not offer liability insurance to guests
- Hosts are responsible for inspecting and maintaining vehicles
In some cases, a guest’s personal car insurance policy may cover them if they rent from Turo. If the car is damaged, the guest must agree to cooperate with Turo when filing a claim.
Notably, guests must agree to Turo arbitration unless they follow a specific opt-out procedure. Thanks to a ruling in a recent Turo class action lawsuit, Turo must also engage in arbitration if a guest or host demands it.
How Insurance Works in a Turo Accident Case
If you get into an accident with your own car, you already know how your insurance applies. But what happens if you crash a Turo car?
That depends on whether you purchased a Turo protection plan. Protection plans come with three elements:
- Liability insurance
- A physical damage contract with Turo
- Roadside assistance eligibility
The physical damage contract limits how much you pay if the car is damaged. For instance, if you crash a Turo rental and have the highest level of protection plan, you won’t have to pay anything for damaging the car.
If you have an auto insurance policy already, that policy will generally be the primary policy in any accident. Your Turo protection plan would then cover anything not covered by your personal insurance.
What Are Some Common Issues That May Arise in a Turo Car Accident Claim?
Some Turo claims are resolved with no issues. Unfortunately, like other accident claims, they can also become complex very quickly.
Insurance Denial
Some guests will rent a car for multiple people to drive but list only one person on their Turo protection plan. If someone not listed on the protection plan drives the car, Turo will likely deny coverage in the event of a crash.
No Driver’s License
Turo’s terms and conditions require that guests be licensed drivers. If a Turo driver is unlicensed, their insurance and their protection plan through Turo will likely not pay.
No Personal Insurance
If you’re hurt by a Turo driver, their coverage through Turo may not cover all of your damages. If the driver doesn’t have a personal auto policy, you may not be able to recover sufficient compensation.
Rideshare Denial
Turo strictly forbids using its rental vehicles for commercial purposes. This includes using them for ridesharing purposes. If a Turo guest uses the vehicle to drive for Uber or Lyft, their Turo coverage and their personal car insurance (if they have it) likely won’t cover your damages.
How to File a Turo Accident Claim
If you get hit by a Turo car, you might be unsure of how to proceed. At the scene of the accident, the driver should give you the details for their personal auto policy (if they have one) and their liability policy through Turo.
You should file a claim with each one. The driver’s personal policy is the primary insurance, so it should cover your damages first. If that policy isn’t enough, the Turo policy should then kick in.
In some cases, you might have trouble getting your claim paid by one or both insurance companies. If this happens (or you’re otherwise having trouble with the process), it’s a good idea to call a Turo accident lawyer.
How Long Does a Turo Accident Case Take in California?
Unfortunately, without knowing the details of your case, it’s impossible to know how long your claim will take to resolve. Some claims may be approved right away, but others may be denied at first. If you hire an attorney and Turo (or the driver’s own insurance company) is refusing to pay, you may even need to file a Turo lawsuit.
However, if you’re a Turo guest and cause damage to a Turo vehicle, claims are generally more straightforward.
Financial Responsibility for Damage to a Host’s Vehicle
Guests are held responsible for any damage to a rented vehicle during the trip. How much they pay for that damage depends on three factors: (1) the total cost of the damage, (2) how much their personal policy covers, and (3) the out-of-pocket maximum on their Turo protection plan.
How We Determine Guest Out-of-Pocket Costs
If a Turo car is damaged on a trip, guests will be charged — though the amount depends on the chosen protection plan. However, if a third party was responsible for the damage, Turo will attempt to recover from that party before charging the guest.
What to Do After a Turo Rental Car Accident in Bakersfield
If you get into an accident with a Turo vehicle, you should take the following steps to protect yourself and maximize your chances of a successful claim:
1. Call 911
Calling 911 summons both police and medical personnel. Both are important:
- A police report will be a critical part of your insurance claim
- Medical personnel can determine whether you need additional medical attention
Spinal cord injuries, concussions, whiplash, and many other kinds of car accident injuries don’t always show symptoms right away, so seeking medical attention is important even if you feel okay.
2. Exchange Insurance Information
Give the Turo driver your contact and insurance information and ask for theirs. Make sure to ask for both their personal policy and their Turo policy.
3. Document the Scene
Take several photos of the damage to both cars and the general area of the accident. Photograph each license plate as well.
4. File a Claim Within 24 Hours
Turo typically asks you to file claims within 24 hours. If the driver has Turo insurance, make sure to file a claim as soon as possible. If the other driver has a personal auto policy, file a claim with that company as well.
5. Talk to a Bakersfield Turo Accident Lawyer
Navigating Turo insurance claims can be complex, and the right lawyer can improve your chances of a favorable resolution.
Contact the Bakersfield Turo Accident Attorneys at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Today!
The Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers team has helped people across California secure the compensation they deserve after being hurt in Turo car accidents. Working with us isn’t about money — it’s about getting your life back.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident with a Turo vehicle, let us help. Call Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers today or contact us online to request a free consultation.
Bakersfield Turo Rental Car Accident FAQs
What Happens if You Get Into an Accident With a Turo Car?
If the other driver is at fault, you should file a claim with their personal auto policy and their coverage through Turo. If you were at fault, the Turo driver will file a claim against your insurance.
How Can a Bakersfield Turo Accident Lawyer Be Helpful After a Crash?
If an attorney understands the intricacies of Turo insurance coverage, they may be able to advocate for you to get the compensation you need. If you’re having trouble getting enough compensation, your lawyer may be able to file a lawsuit.
If You Get Hurt in a Turo Accident, Are You Bound by the Turo Arbitration Clause?
No. The arbitration clause applies to users who have a contract with Turo. If you don’t have a contractual agreement with Turo, you aren’t bound by the clause.
