Renting a car can provide freedom and flexibility while traveling in an unfamiliar city like Tampa. However, accidents and crashes can happen even to the most careful drivers. Getting into a car accident is one of the worst things that can happen during a vacation or business trip. Should you be involved in a collision while driving a rental car in Tampa, it is important to know the proper steps to take following the accident. If you get into an accident with your rental car in Tampa, here is what you need to know about how to handle the situation and what consequences you may face.

The Accident Rate in Tampa

Motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of death resulting from unintentional injury in the United States. In 2022, 13,524 fatalities occurred in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. in which at least one driver was impaired by alcohol. This means intoxicated drivers were involved in at least 32% of all transport fatalities nationwide that year. Many of these drunk driving fatalities occurred in cities like Tampa.

According to statistics, there were 262 incident reports in Tampa, FL in 2024. This is considerably higher than any other city in this area. It is also reported that in 2022, there were 73 fatalities on Tampa’s roads.

Steps to Take if You Are Involved in a Rental Car Accident

• Contacting the Authorities – If you are involved in a crash with your rental car, the first thing you should do is contact the police. Under Florida law, you are required to contact law enforcement if there is any injury, death, or property damage over $500 resulting from the accident.
• Alerting the Rental Company – After contacting the authorities, your next call should be to the rental car company. Inform them that you have been in an accident with one of their vehicles. The rental agent will walk you through the steps you need to take regarding insurance claims and arrange for a replacement vehicle if necessary.
• Seeking Medical Attention – If anyone involved in the crash is injured, including yourself, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Liability and Damages

• Assessing Liability – Liability for the accident will be determined by the police report and investigation. If you are deemed to be at fault for the crash, either fully or partially, you will be liable for damages. The rental car company’s insurance will cover their vehicle, but you could be on the hook for any other property damages or injuries to others. Consult experienced Tampa car accident attorneys for guidance on liability laws.
• Paying for Damages – As the renter, you are responsible for damages to the rental vehicle, whether you caused the accident or not. Make sure you have a thorough inspection of the vehicle before driving off the rental lot, and point out any prior damage to the rental agent. If the rental car is damaged in the crash, expect to pay any deductible required by the rental company’s insurance policy.
• Dealing with Injuries – Injury claims resulting from the accident will be handled through the insurance policies of those involved. If you are found liable for injuries to other parties, the rental company’s insurance should cover associated costs, but your own policy may also be involved.

Being in an accident in a rental car can create headaches, but following protocol at the scene, staying in contact with the rental company, and contacting your insurance provider will help smooth the process. Acting responsibly if an accident occurs will limit further troubles down the road. With some preparation and knowledge of Florida laws, you can handle this unfortunate situation properly.