What Happens if You Are Hit by a Rental Car Driver?
HomeBlogWhat Happens if You Are Hit by a Rental Car Driver?
Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC | | Car Accidents
When the driver who caused your accident was driving a rental car, it may initially seem like a complicated situation. In reality, however, car accidents involving rental cars are relatively straightforward, and the same general principles apply. In addition, in some cases, you may actually be able to hold the rental car company liable for your losses.
Liability in Accidents Involving Rental Vehicles
Liability in accidents involving rental cars and trucks works just like it does in any other accident. If the rental car driver’s negligence caused the accident, he or she can be held liable for any injuries and other losses that you sustained. Typically, this means that the rental car driver’s insurance will cover your losses. In the event that the other driver does not carry insurance, it’s highly likely that the rental car company sold the renter insurance coverage as a condition of the rental agreement. In either case, if a rental car driver caused your accident, you’ll be making a third-party claim on someone else’s insurance policy.
Rental Vehicle Companies Are Responsible for the Maintenance of their Fleet
In some cases, an accident may actually be the result of poor vehicle maintenance on the part of the rental car company. As rental car companies, and not their customers, are responsible for maintaining their vehicles, people who are injured in accidents caused by poor rental car maintenance may be able to hold the rental car company liable for their injuries and other losses. Some examples of vehicle issues that could cause accidents that are likely the result of poor maintenance include the following:
Malfunctioning taillights, headlights, or turn signals
Brake and steering failures
Inoperable or worn windshield wipers
Cracks in the windshield
Worn tires
Underinflated tires
Poor alignment
If these or any other problems with a rental car played a role in your accident, it’s crucial that you have your case reviewed by an attorney immediately.
What to Do After an Accident With a Rental Car Driver
Take these steps after an accident caused by a rental car driver:
Exchange information
Take photographs of the scene of the accident
Obtain contact information from witnesses
Seek medical attention
Do not provide the insurance company with a written statement
Contact an attorney
Remember, you should call an attorney even if the insurance company says it wants to settle the case. In many instances, the representation of a lawyer can result in significantly more compensation that you would be able to obtain if you represented yourself.
If you suffered injuries in an accident caused by a driver in a rental car, you may be entitled to compensation for your accident-related damages. Attorney David Brauns will review the facts of your case for free and will never collect legal fees unless he wins your case. To schedule your free case evaluation, call our office today at (404) 418-8244 or contact us online.
Warning: Array to string conversion in /nas/content/live/braunslawcom/wp-content/themes/horizon-mercury/partials/share.php on line 12
I am the founding partner of Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC. I only represent plaintiffs in injury cases and only handle personal injury claims. This allows me to focus solely on personal injury litigation and devote myself to helping injured residents in Georgia recover fair compensation for their damages.
Award-Winning Power And Experience
Resources
Providing You With The Resources You Need To Build The Case You Deserve
injury, slip and fall, motorcycle, nursing, law, accident, dog bite, passenger, drunk driving, truck, lawsuit, lawyer, wrongful death claim, personal injury, pedestrian, pain, premises liability, death, insurance, negligence, law firm, legal liability, personal injury lawyer, liability insurance, contingent fee, reputation, pain and suffering, personal injury protection, therapy, health insurance, property damage, driving under the influence, comparative negligence, trial, road, insurance policy, vehicle, statute of limitations, fee, advertising, property, wage, damages, evidence, product liability, court, settlement, sexual abuse, brain, stop sign, construction, health, risk, bus, income, attention, motor vehicle, witness, punitive damages, tort, stress, verdict, jury, spinal cord, distracted driving, negotiation, fault, traffic light, traffic, nursing home, bicycle, philadelphia, houston, defender, employment, burn, michigan, insurance bad faith, justice, commercial vehicle, new jersey, failure, plaintiff, policy, personal injury claims, florida personal injury, personal injury cases, personal injury lawsuit, personal injury settlement, lawyers, injuries, personal injury law, injury cases, compensation, personal injury case, wrongful death, accidents, car accident case, car accident, law offices, car accident victims, personal injury claim, google review, auto accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident, liability, injury case, free consultation, accident attorney near me, auto accident lawyers near me, injury lawyers near me, auto accident attorneys near me, accident injury attorneys near me, work injury lawyer near me, work injury lawyer, car wreck lawyer near me, accident injury lawyer near me, best slip and fall lawyers near me, expert witness, knowledge, percentage, shoulder, pennsylvania, class action, communication, duty of care, compassion, bone, hit and run, legal advice, physical therapy, statute, company, recklessness, suffering, ice, ohio, truck driver, disease, pleasure, duty, mediation, prison, dallas, jersey, health care, payment, medical device, testimony, wisconsin, experience, highway, money, medication, anguish, just compensation, assault, illinois, reckless driving, neck, bad faith, crime, paralegal, information, weight, skill, email address, patient, safety, denver, financial compensation, quality of life, police, minnesota, traffic collision, loss of consortium, speed limit, speed, drowsy driving, alcohol, san antonio, expense, advocate, lyft, first aid, evaluation, sms, soft tissue, emergency, causation, distress, disfigurement, telephone, car accidents truck, personal injury litigation, car accident claims, injury claims, car accident settlement, trial lawyers, vehicle accidents, car accident lawsuit, car accident claim, car accident injury, morgan, illinois car accident, insurance company, car accident cases, motor vehicle accident, vehicle accident, texas car accident, motor vehicle accidents, cain injury law, accident injury lawyer, debt, police officer, license, cycling, texting while driving, statistics, discovery, atlanta, seat belt, blood alcohol content, interstate 410, law enforcement, management, behavior, intersection, physician, judge, judgment, standard of care, tissue, airbag, oklahoma, aggressive driving, ethics, oklahoma city, internet, distraction, medicine, community, back pain, document, memory, drug, road rage, headache, georgia, wheel, fatigue, tire, brake, cycling infrastructure, contract, tailgating, cost, fax, american bar association, georgia personal injury lawyer, metro atlanta, pride, burden of proof, atlanta accident, mcarthur law firm, atlanta personal injury, negligent security, georgia personal injury, injury law, accident attorney atlanta, accident lawyer atlanta, best accident attorney in georgia, best accident lawyer in atlanta, best accident attorney atlanta, injury lawyer augusta ga, georgia accident attorneys, slip and fall attorneys in atlanta georgia, injury lawyer columbus ga, accident lawyers in augusta ga, customer, peachtree street, jury trial, avvo, trial advocacy, zip code, reasonable person, prosecutor, metropolitan atlanta rapid transit authority, emergency department, board certification, national board of trial advocacy, dispute resolution, corporation, violence
What does an accident injury lawyer typically handle?
An accident injury lawyer typically handles cases involving personal injuries resulting from accidents, including car collisions, slips and falls, and workplace injuries, ensuring clients receive the compensation and support they need to recover.
Can accident injury lawyers help with insurance claims?
Accident injury lawyers can significantly assist with insurance claims. They have the expertise to navigate the complexities of insurance companies, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Do accident injury lawyers work on a contingency fee?
Accident injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case, allowing you to pursue your claim without upfront legal fees.
What are the benefits of hiring a local personal injury lawyer in Georgia?
The benefits of hiring a local personal injury lawyer in Georgia include their in-depth knowledge of state laws, familiarity with local courts and judges, and a strong understanding of the regional insurance landscape, all of which can significantly enhance your case's chance of success.
What types of cases do Georgia personal injury lawyers handle?
Georgia personal injury lawyers handle a variety of cases, including car accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, workers' compensation claims, and defective product cases, ensuring victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
How do I find a good personal injury lawyer in Georgia?
Finding a good personal injury lawyer in Georgia involves researching local attorneys, checking their experience and success rates, reading client reviews, and scheduling consultations to ensure they understand your needs and can effectively represent you.
Do I need an accident injury lawyer for a car accident?
The need for an accident injury lawyer for a car accident depends on various factors. If you’ve sustained significant injuries or are facing challenges with insurance claims, hiring a lawyer can help ensure you receive fair compensation.
What is the role of an accident injury lawyer?
The role of an accident injury lawyer is to provide legal representation for individuals injured in accidents, guiding them through the complexities of the legal system to secure fair compensation for their losses and suffering.
How do I find a reputable accident injury lawyer?
Finding a reputable accident injury lawyer involves researching their credentials, reading client reviews, and evaluating their experience in handling similar cases. Look for firms with proven track records and a commitment to client advocacy.
What types of accidents do injury lawyers handle?
Injury lawyers handle a variety of accidents, including motor vehicle collisions, slip and fall incidents, workplace injuries, medical malpractice cases, and product liability claims. They specialize in representing victims seeking compensation for their injuries and damages.
Can an accident injury lawyer help with insurance claims?
An accident injury lawyer can significantly assist with insurance claims by leveraging their expertise to navigate the complex claims process, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, and ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
What are the fees of an accident injury lawyer?
The fees of an accident injury lawyer typically operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that clients only pay legal fees if their case is successful, usually receiving a percentage of the awarded compensation.
What is the statute of limitations for accident injuries?
The statute of limitations for accident injuries is the legal timeframe within which an injured party must file a claim. In Georgia, this period is typically two years from the date of the accident.
How do I know if I need a personal injury lawyer in Georgia?
Determining whether you need a personal injury lawyer in Georgia depends on the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the case, and the insurance company's response. If your claim involves significant medical expenses or disputes, consulting an attorney is advisable.
Can I sue for emotional distress in a Georgia personal injury case?
You can sue for emotional distress in a Georgia personal injury case if you can demonstrate that the distress resulted from the defendant's negligent or intentional actions, and you have also sustained physical injuries as a result.
What are the benefits of hiring an accident injury lawyer?
The benefits of hiring an accident injury lawyer include expert legal guidance, negotiation with insurance companies, maximizing compensation for damages, and alleviating the stress of navigating the legal process, ensuring that your rights are effectively protected.
When to hire an accident injury lawyer?
Knowing when to hire an accident injury lawyer is important. You should consider seeking legal representation immediately after an accident, especially if you sustained serious injuries, if the insurance company is uncooperative, or if your case involves significant medical expenses or liability disputes.
Can an accident injury lawyer help with medical bills?
Accident injury lawyers can assist with medical bills by negotiating with insurance companies and ensuring you receive the compensation needed to cover your medical expenses related to the accident. They work to secure the financial relief you deserve.
What should I ask an accident injury lawyer?
When consulting an accident injury lawyer, it's essential to ask about their experience with cases similar to yours, their approach to handling your case, their fee structure, and the expected timeline for resolution.
How can I prepare for a consultation?
Preparing for a consultation involves gathering relevant documents, outlining questions you have, and thinking through your case details. This ensures a focused discussion and allows your attorney to better understand your situation and provide tailored advice.
What documentation is needed for a claim?
The documentation needed for a claim includes medical records, accident reports, proof of lost wages, and any other evidence supporting your injury and the circumstances of the accident. Ensuring you gather all relevant documents will strengthen your case.
What is the average cost of legal fees?
The average cost of legal fees can vary widely based on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the attorney's experience. Often, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.
How is compensation calculated for accident claims?
Compensation for accident claims is calculated based on factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Each case varies, and legal expertise can help maximize your potential recovery.
What common mistakes to avoid in personal injury cases?
Common mistakes to avoid in personal injury cases include failing to seek medical attention promptly, not documenting the accident and injuries thoroughly, ignoring legal deadlines, and discussing details of the case with insurance adjusters without legal advice.
How does a lawyer prove fault in accidents?
A lawyer proves fault in accidents by collecting evidence such as police reports, witness testimonies, and photographs of the scene, alongside analyzing traffic laws and accident circumstances to establish liability and support their client's case for compensation.
What role do witnesses play in personal injury cases?
Witnesses play a crucial role in personal injury cases by providing objective testimony that can support the victim's claims. Their accounts can help establish facts, clarify circumstances of the accident, and strengthen the case for fair compensation.
Can I appeal if my injury claim is denied?
You can appeal if your injury claim is denied. The appeals process allows you to contest the denial, presenting additional evidence or arguments to support your case for compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim?
The timeline for filing a claim is essential to understand. Generally, you have two years from the date of your accident in Georgia to file a personal injury claim, but it's crucial to consult with an attorney for specifics related to your case.
What types of damages can I claim?
The types of damages you can claim include economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
What factors affect my accident settlement amount?
The factors that affect your accident settlement amount include the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, the degree of fault, insurance policy limits, and the impact of the accident on your quality of life.
accident injury lawyers, accident injury lawyer, georgia personal injury lawyer, accident injury law firm