Turo Car Accident Lawyer
Florida Turo accidents can be complicated. Our Tampa law firm fights for compensation.
Florida car accidents often quickly turn into complicated legal cases. This is especially true if your accident claim or lawsuit involves a Turo accident. Suddenly, you might have a lot of questions about how compensation works in such cases? Is the host responsible for paying for your accident? What if a guest caused your accident? How do compensation claims work in Florida for Turo accidents?
The Turo accident attorneys at Armando Personal Injury Law can help you every step of the way. We understand the constantly changing laws and regulations that apply to Turo and other peer-to-peer car sharing platforms. That’s why it’s critical that you talk to a lawyer at our firm right away. We can answer your questions and explain your legal options.
Make sure you fully understand your legal rights after your Florida Turo accident. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation right now. We have offices conveniently located in Tampa and St. Petersburg to serve you.
Turo Accidents FAQ
- What is Turo?
- Can you rent a Turo car in Florida?
- Do guests have to have car insurance to rent a Turo car?
- How does insurance work for Turo cars?
- What happens if a Turo car is involved in an accident?
- How do I obtain a Turo accident report in Florida?
- Who’s liable for a Turo accident? The Turo host, Turo driver or Turo company?
- Who’s responsible for paying for a Turo accident in Florida?
- Who pays for a Turo accident caused by another driver?
- Who pays for a car accident caused by a Turo guest in Florida?
- Can I sue Turo if I’m injured in a car accident caused by a Turo driver?
- Can I sue my Turo host if I'm involved in a Turo accident?
- Should I accept a settlement claim or file a Turo accident lawsuit?
- How can a Turo accident lawyer help?
Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, similar to Airbnb, but for cars. Founded in 2009, Turo allows private vehicle owners (known as “hosts”) to rent out their personal vehicles to other people (often called Turo “guests”) who need temporary transportation. This service allows drivers to rent a car without going through a traditional rental agency. Turo operates in many states, including Florida, and provides various rental options for different vehicle types and rental periods. This flexibility has made it a popular choice for people seeking an alternative to conventional car rental companies.
Can you rent a Turo car in Florida?
Yes, Turo operates in Florida, allowing residents and visitors to rent vehicles owned by private individuals. The company claims they make it easier to access a variety of car types and models that may not be available through traditional car rental companies. Turo renters (guests) in Florida can search for vehicles near their location and choose based on factors like price, vehicle type and availability. However, Florida drivers should review Turo’s terms and conditions and understand the insurance options before renting, as car-sharing has unique insurance requirements compared to standard car rental agreements.
Do guests have to have car insurance to rent a Turo car?
No, Turo guests do not need to have their own car insurance to rent a Turo car in Florida, as Turo provides its own liability insurance coverage included with every rental. However, it is highly recommended that guests purchase one of Turo’s protection plans to cover potential vehicle damage. You can choose to decline the additional coverage if you believe your existing insurance covers Turo rentals adequately. But you should always carefully check your car insurance policy before renting a Turo car or any rental vehicle of any kind.
How does insurance work for Turo cars?
Insurance for these rentals can be complex. Turo offers optional protection plans for drivers and hosts, but coverage varies by plan. Drivers can select from Turo’s insurance options, which provide liability and physical damage protection, or they may use their own auto insurance if it covers car-sharing rentals. Liability coverage is insurance that pays for any expenses – medical bills, property damage, etc. – due to an accident caused by the insurance policy holder.
In Florida, vehicles must have minimum liability coverage as per state law, so either Turo’s policy or the host’s insurance typically provides this. Drivers and hosts should check their personal insurance policies to see if car-sharing coverage applies before renting or listing a car on Turo.
What happens if a Turo car is involved in an accident?
If a Turo car is involved in an accident, the insurance coverage will depend on the protection plan chosen by the driver (guest) and host. Turo’s insurance plans cover damages up to a certain limit, but drivers may still be responsible for costs exceeding their coverage. The driver and host should report the accident to Turo immediately. The guest should notify the police right away – that’s the law in Florida when there’s a car accident.
In Florida, if the driver or host has additional insurance that covers car-sharing, it may help with costs not covered by Turo’s insurance. Accident claims can be complex, especially when personal and Turo-provided insurance policies are involved. This is why anyone involved in an accident should contact a Florida Turo accident attorney at our law firm right away.
How do I obtain a Turo accident report in Florida?
To obtain a Turo accident report in Florida, you will often need to take the following steps:
- Contact the local law enforcement agency: If law enforcement (a local police officer or state trooper from the Florida Highway Patrol) responded to your accident, they should have filed an accident report. Contact the police department, sheriff’s office or Florida Highway Patrol directly that handled your Turo accident. You also can typically request a copy of the accident report online, by mail, or in person, depending on the agency. There may be a small fee (usually $10) to get a copy of the report.
- Request a copy through Florida’s Crash Report Portal: In Florida, you can obtain accident reports through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Crash Report Portal. The report is usually available within a few days of the accident. You will need information such as the date of the accident, the location and the drivers involved in the crash. FLHSMV charges a fee, and the report is only accessible to authorized individuals (such as the parties involved, legal representatives, or insurance companies) within the first 60 days after the crash.
- Contact Turo support: If you reported the accident to Turo, they may have documentation related to the incident. Customer support can provide information on how to access any reports they have on file, which may assist with your claim or legal case. Turo may not provide an official “accident report,” as that typically comes from law enforcement, but they may have additional documentation related to the accident.
If you are pursuing a claim for injuries or damages (financial losses) for your Turo accident, always make sure to carefully review your accident report. Any mistake could end up costing you financial compensation you rightfully deserve for your Turo car accident.
Who’s liable for a Turo accident? The Turo host, Turo driver, or Turo company?
Liability for a Turo accident depends on the circumstances of the crash and many different factors. Typically, the driver (guest) is primarily liable if they caused the accident. The Turo host may be responsible if they failed to maintain the vehicle properly, resulting in an unsafe condition that contributed to the accident.
Turo itself is generally not liable since it operates as a platform rather than a rental company. However, Turo provides insurance plans to cover certain liabilities, so the company’s policy may come into play based on the coverage chosen by the driver and host. And never assume that Turo is not directly or indirectly responsible for your accident in some way. Always talk to an attorney who can review the details of your case and explain possible legal options.
Who’s responsible for paying for a Turo accident in Florida?
Responsibility for paying for a Turo accident in Florida usually falls on the driver, particularly if they chose a Turo insurance plan with liability coverage. If the driver is found at fault, their insurance coverage, either from Turo or their personal insurance policy, should cover damages, the legal term for financial losses. If another driver was at fault, their insurance might be responsible. Turo hosts who maintain their vehicles can typically avoid liability. However, if a mechanical issue with the host’s vehicle caused the accident, the host’s insurance may play a role in covering the damages. This is why Turo accident injury victims should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after their crash to learn more about their legal rights.
Who pays for a Turo accident caused by another driver?
If another driver causes an accident with a Turo vehicle, that driver’s insurance should cover the damages per Florida’s liability laws. In this case, the Turo driver or host may file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance. Turo’s insurance may cover damages if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. In Florida, all drivers are required to carry minimum liability coverage, so ideally, the at-fault driver’s insurance would cover the accident costs, but additional claims may be necessary if their insurance coverage is insufficient.
Who pays for a car accident caused by a Turo guest in Florida?
In Florida, who pays for damages from a car accident caused by a Turo guest depends on several factors, including the insurance policies involved and the level of coverage selected. Potential sources of financial compensation may include:
- Turo’s insurance coverage: Turo offers protection plans for guests (drivers) that include varying levels of liability coverage. If a guest selected one of Turo’s insurance plans, that coverage may provide liability protection up to a certain amount, covering damages for the other party if the guest is at fault. Higher-tier Turo insurance plans offer more extensive coverage, while lower-tier plans provide minimal insurance coverage.
- Guest’s personal auto insurance: If the guest has their own auto insurance policy, it may cover damages in a Turo-related accident, depending on the terms of their policy. In Florida, personal auto policies may or may not include coverage for rented or shared vehicles, so it’s important for guests to check with their insurance provider to understand how their car insurance policy works in cases involving a car-sharing accident.
- The other driver’s insurance (if applicable): Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that injured parties first turn to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if damages exceed PIP limits, the injured party may file an accident claim against the at-fault guest’s insurance or Turo’s insurance, depending on the available coverage.
In cases involving significant accident-related expenses, determining who pays for such financial losses (damages) can be complicated. An experienced car accident attorney in Florida can help navigate the insurance claims process and determine the best route for obtaining the maximum financial compensation based on the details of the accident.
Can I sue Turo if I’m injured in a car accident caused by a Turo driver?
Suing Turo directly for an accident caused by a Turo driver can be challenging because the company defines itself as a car sharing platform rather than as a traditional car rental agency. Turo typically avoids direct liability in accidents involving its rented vehicles. However, you may be able to file a claim against the Turo driver’s insurance or the Turo insurance plan chosen by the driver. In specific cases, an attorney can evaluate whether Turo has any additional responsibility, especially if your lawyer can prove that the company acted in a reckless or negligent manner.
Can I sue my Turo host if I'm involved in a Turo accident?
Yes, in some cases, you may be able to sue your host if you’re involved in an accident while using their vehicle. However, Turo host lawsuits often depend on the specific circumstances of your accident. Generally, Turo hosts are responsible for maintaining their vehicles and ensuring they’re safe for renters. If the host’s negligence in maintaining the car led to the accident, such as faulty brakes or tire issues, you may have grounds to sue them for damages (financial losses) resulting from your accident.
In Florida, vehicle owners can be held liable (legally responsible) under negligent entrustment if they rent out a car they know (or should have known) is unsafe. This means if your accident was caused by a mechanical failure that could be traced to poor maintenance by the host, they may share liability. Florida’s liability laws require vehicle owners to meet basic safety standards, and failing to do so could make the host partially responsible for your collision.
Should I accept a settlement claim or file a Turo accident lawsuit?
Deciding whether to accept a Turo settlement offer or file a Turo accident lawsuit seeking damages (financial compensation) often depends on several factors, including how much compensation is offered in the settlement and the extent of your injuries.
You might be tempted to accept a Turo accident settlement offer since you can resolve your case quicker and avoid having to go to court. However, many times, settlement offers can fall short and not provide enough money to pay for medical expenses, lost wages and future anticipated financial losses. This is why many people choose to file a Turo lawsuit.
Just be aware that many Florida lawsuits involving motor vehicle accidents of any kind can often turn into fierce legal battles. Rather than simply paying you the money you rightfully deserve, many insurance companies and their attorneys will do everything they can to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all. This is why it’s essential to consult with a Turo car accident attorney who can review the details of your case and advise you on the best course of action.
How can a Turo accident lawyer help?
A Turo accident lawyer can help you in many different ways. First and foremost, they can answer any legal questions you might have about your accident. That way, you can make informed decisions based on the facts. Other ways that a Turo car accident attorney can assist you include:
- Conduct an in-depth investigation into your Turo accident.
- Carefully review your accident report to make sure it’s correct.
- Consult with an accident reconstruction expert if necessary.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to maximize your compensation for your financial losses.
- Explore other legal options that may apply to your particular accident.
- File a lawsuit on your behalf if necessary and represent you at all relevant court hearings and trials.
Our experienced accident attorneys at Armando Personal Injury Law know exactly what to do in such situations. Turo might be a relatively new company but our lawyers have years of experience dealing with all different types of Florida car accidents. As a result, we know the laws that apply to Turo accidents and all other car accident claims in Florida.
Give your Turo accident claim or lawsuit the best opportunity for success. Contact our law firm and schedule a free case evaluation with a Florida Turo accident lawyer focused on winning your case. We have two Florida offices conveniently located in Tampa and St. Petersburg.