Auto Insurance Claims: Middle Car in 3 Car accident., middle car, car damage

Question
QUESTION: My wife was the middle Car in 3 car accident. Have heard horror stories about this. Injured party was in last car. at-fault driver is in 1st car. My wife was in rental but MISTAKENTLY off the rental agreement therefore off the insurance coverage for damages and liability. No action taken by injured party but expecting the worst and would like to know what next step should be.

Oh yes. Wife was uninjured.

ANSWER: Hi Eric,

If the driver behind your wife was the person that caused all of the damage (meaning they rearended your wife and pushed her into the car in front of her)then that person is responsible for all of the damage and injuries in all the vehicles. Initially though, the rental company will be looking to you for payment for the damage to the rental car.  You need to file a claim with the at-fault drivers insurance A.S.A.P.

If your wife hit the car in front of her first, then you have a problem and you will be responsible for paying for the rental car damage, the damage to the car in front as well as the injuries in the car in front.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, That's refreshing to know however 1. should we have legal
representation for that claim and 2. will we need to wait for the rental company's
invoice to do this?


Answer
Hi Eric,

You do not need legal representation at this point. Attornies generally do not handle property damage issues. You should try to coordinate the at-fault drivers insurance with the rental company to get this paid before it becomes a problem.

Richard Hixenbaugh