Car accidents are never convenient, but they can be even more confusing when they involve a rental car. Whether you were driving a rental or were struck by someone in a rental car, you now have to navigate dealing with multiple insurance companies while also recuperating from your injuries. Determining who is liable and how to seek compensation does not have to rest solely on your shoulders.
An Albany rental car accident lawyer can listen to your case, establish who to hold accountable, and pursue damages on your behalf. In other words, at Bader Law Injury Lawyers, we do the legal work for you. We offer a free, no-commitment consultation to evaluate your case. Call our office today to get started at (404) 888-8888.
If a Rental Car Driver Struck You
In many cases, if the other driver was negligent, they can be held responsible for your injuries. By violating traffic laws or failing to heed signs, the driver breached a duty of care that everyone must observe on the road. It doesn’t matter what vehicle they were driving. Their negligence led to your injuries, and they may be found responsible.
For a free legal consultation with a rental car accidents lawyer serving Albany, call (404) 888-8888
The Unique Factors Involved in Rental Car Accident Cases
One of the most challenging aspects of any car accident claim is working with insurance companies. In the case of a negligent rental car driver, the process of pursuing compensation functions much the same as any other accident: their insurance pays for your injuries and damage.
However, in some cases, there may be some additional factors, such as:
- Rental agency coverage
- Credit card coverage
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
Rental car services offer optional coverage in the event of an accident. If the driver at fault for your accident took this option, that insurance coverage could be used to help pay for your expenses.
Similarly, some credit cards will cover certain damages and expenses related to a rental car accident. However, each card service may have different rules for whether their coverage is used secondary to personal insurance, as well as which expenses the credit card will actually cover.
Finally, some drivers will simply not have enough insurance coverage to adequately compensate you for all of your losses. In this case, you may have to pursue the driver personally with a lawsuit to recoup damages.
Albany Rental Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
When to Contact a Lawyer
If you were injured by a rental car driver in an accident, consulting a legal professional as soon as possible can help prevent confusion from the beginning. If you were the victim of negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. This compensation could come from the rental car service, the driver’s personal insurance, additional credit card coverage, or the driver directly.
Contact the team at Bader Law Injury Lawyers now and an Albany rental car accident lawyer can evaluate the steps to pursue in your case. Call us today at (404) 888-8888.
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If You Were Driving a Rental Car
If you were in the rental car and were struck by another driver who was deemed responsible for the collision, your injuries and expenses may be compensated by that driver’s insurance, just like in a regular accident. If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to pursue them personally for compensation through an injury suit.
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Proving the Driver’s Negligence
Regardless of who was driving the rental car, to file a personal injury claim you will need to demonstrate that the other driver behaved recklessly, thereby causing your injuries. Some common negligent behaviors are:
- Running lights
- Speeding
- Failing to yield
- Drunk or distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Lane change errors
- Ignorance of local laws
- Wrong-way driving
Out-of-town drivers using a rental could cause an accident by being unaware of local laws or unfamiliar with roads. While these mistakes may seem less egregious than texting while driving, for instance, they still constitute a lack of care. If you were injured by a driver who performed any of the above errors or you suspect other negligence, your rental car injury lawyer can explain the next steps in filing a suit.
What Your Albany Rental Car Collision Attorney Can Do
In addition to determining who to hold liable, your personal injury lawyer can assist with every step of the process along the way. This can include:
- Filing the suit
- Gathering evidence
- Interviewing witnesses and experts
- Establishing the value of the case
- Communicating with the other parties
- Reviewing settlement offers
- Arguing your case in court
Your attorney can also let you know the statute of limitations for your case. Georgia typically allows two years from the date of the accident for personal injury filings, according to Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.) § 9-3-33. However, depending on your case, your window to file could be different, so get in touch with a personal injury lawyer today.
When the Rental Company Is Liable
In a few cases, the rental car company itself could be held responsible for an accident. This typically involves a failure on their part to properly maintain the vehicle or address known defects. Some vehicle defects could include:
- Tire problems
- Faulty brakes
- Broken lights
- Steering issues
- Bad wiring
If you were a rental car driver and you suffered a tire blowout, brake failure, or other vehicle issue and you suspect the cause was the rental agency’s lack of vehicle maintenance, you may be able to hold that company liable.
Exercise Your Right to Seek Compensation with Bader Law Injury Lawyers
It does not matter whether you or the other driver was driving a rental car. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, they may be held liable for your injuries. With the help of an Albany rental car accident lawyer, you can pursue compensation to recover the cost of your medical bills, expenses, and even pain and suffering.
Call the office of Bader Law Injury Lawyers today for your free consultation at (404) 888-8888.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
