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.
Call Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC Today to Speak With a Gwinnett County Personal Injury Attorney
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.
