Car rental and car accident

When we rent a car, we run the risk of being involved in a car accident.

It is a very common phenomenon when moving on the roads, often not depending on the driver's ability or attention, so we should follow a series of steps to avoid unpleasant consequences.There are cases where the lessee finds his vehicle hit.

First and foremost step, whether we are at fault or not, our primary concern is human life and health, so if there is the slightest injury or hypothesis of injury, the EHIC 166. 

After we have drunk for the injured, then the hirer should contact the car rental agency and immediately report the location of the accident and the true and accurate circumstances of the incident.

The agency that owns the car will, after getting the necessary information from the lessee, guide you on the next steps, which vary depending on the severity of the accident.

If there is only material damage, the usual steps are for the lessee to remain at a short distance from the vehicle and wait for the competent authorities (traffic police) to record the incident and provide any documents requested to facilitate the control. In addition, the accident care from the vehicle's insurance provider will also attend the accident scene to take a statement from the driver(s).

The traffic report and the accident report form by the care of the insurance provider is very important to establish the responsibility of the accident, i.e. which of the vehicles involved is responsible for the accident.After this procedure, if the rented vehicle is functional the lessee can continue his planned trip, otherwise the rental agency is obliged to deliver to the lessee a new functional vehicle.

It is very important not to neglect any of the above steps and the reason is that there must be documentary evidence to prove or disprove fault. It is also very important not to trust anyone involved, with excuses e.g. ".... go away and I'll call you later and we'll work it out...", "... you don't have much damage, we'll fix it...", "... it's obviously your fault, go away and don't talk...". The Greek Police and the Greek Courts are responsible for fault and any disputes.

All of the above applies to accidents involving property damage or minor injuries. In cases of serious accidents where drivers or passengers are unable to testify or communicate, the authorities (traffic police) will inform the car rental agency, and the owner will take charge of the case.

Finally, there are some cases that occur to vehicle lessees, such as finding the rented vehicle in the parking lot with property damage.

In these cases, unless there is an eyewitness or a camera to prove fault, unfortunately the tenant is held responsible for the property damage. In all accident cases when hiring a vehicle we should inform the owner of the car and report the true facts to help control the accident.