A weekend in Bucks County could be a last-minute idea or a vacation you plan for months. In either case, do not just focus on the history and the beautiful nature present. Also, consider your safety. Whether you book on an app or directly with a property owner, keep a few things in mind to protect yourself.
At Kwartler Manus, our Bucks County premises liability attorney is available to help you in the event you face serious injuries or losses as a result of the negligence of the property owner. Reach out to us for clarification on your rights in those situations.
How to Know the Property Owner Has Insurance
You do not plan a vacation around "what if" accidents and injuries. However, it is wise to take a few minutes to verify a few key things. You want to be sure the owner has liability insurance on the property itself that covers renters.
In situations where you suffer an injury on their property, you have the right to file a claim against the owner's liability insurance or assets to recover your damages. If they do not have any insurance, that means you may have to seek a claim in court and even sue the owner for your losses against their personal assets. That is possible, but not ideal.
You also want to be sure that renters are not excluded from their policy. Some insurance companies specifically include language in policies to eliminate their responsibility if the owner rents the property out for a fee. That could complicate your claim.
You have the right to ask the property owner to verify their liability coverage. They may not provide it, or they may lie to you about their coverage. This is one of the best reasons to use a third-party booking platform. It helps minimize those risks because the services include liability insurance as part of your booking.
Even in these situations, take every step you can to learn about the owner or company. Read reviews. Gather information about the local neighborhood. You want to know you are entering a safe location.
Protect Yourself From Claims You Have to Pay
There are several situations in which you may be responsible for losses during your trip. Take the time now to verify your own insurance coverage in these situations. Talk to your agent about improving your policy to offer better safeguards for you when necessary.
Health Insurance Coverage
Most health insurance applies across the U.S. You should always read the terms and conditions of your policy to verify that information. However, most policies will cover true emergency medical needs when you visit a hospital or emergency room outside of your general network of coverage. There could be additional costs to this.
In situations where you are traveling a significant distance or into a remote area, you may want to seek coverage that helps you get home, too. Being stranded in a remote location can be expensive when a medical evaluation is necessary. Verify these costs with your insurance provider ahead of time.
Umbrella Insurance
There are times when a renter could be responsible for damages and losses caused to others. This is when your personal umbrella insurance becomes a valuable asset. This coverage provides you with a blanket level of protection for claims made against you. Most people do not plan to need such a claim, but it can happen. Here are a few examples:
- You are in a car accident. Pennsylvania is a "no-fault" state. That means some people opt out of the no-fault system when buying insurance. Under Pennsylvania Statutes Title 75, Section 1705, someone could seek a claim against you if you cause an accident.
- Someone could get into an altercation. Realistically, there is a risk of an altercation or intense situation that could put your family at risk of a lawsuit. A few too many drinks or someone who creates an unsafe situation could take legal action against you.
- You could be responsible for property damage. There are situations where the owner may force you to pay for damage to the property, such as lost furniture or other assets. If a backyard fire gets out of control, that could be problematic for you if they can show you were negligent.
In each of these cases, umbrella insurance helps to provide legal support for you, including paying for a defense attorney for you. It may also pay your losses up to your coverage limits. Because insurance can be confusing, it pays to understand your risks now, before you head out on a trip.
How Our Legal Team Can Help You
A trip to Bucks County should be fun and enjoyable. Most will be. If for any reason you find yourself struggling with injuries or someone else causes you to suffer financial loss, take action. Allow our team at Kwartler Manus to offer guidance. Request a free consultation with our premises liability attorney in Bucks County to learn how we can help you.
Sources
- Section 1705.0 - Title 75 - VEHICLES
https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=75&div=0&chpt=17&sctn=5&subsctn=0
Blog Disclaimer – Kwartler Manus, LLC
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Reading or interacting with this content does not establish an attorney-client relationship with Kwartler Manus, LLC. Every legal matter is unique, and past results, settlements, verdicts, or case outcomes do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future matter. This content may be considered Attorney Advertising under the rules of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. You should not act or rely upon any information contained in this blog without seeking the advice of a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Kwartler Manus, LLC is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and this blog is intended for residents of those jurisdictions.