Being involved in a traffic accident with a rental car can be a stressful experience. The aftermath can be particularly challenging, especially when navigating insurance and legal issues. Consulting a car accident attorney as soon as possible is essential.
Our Pasadena rental car accident lawyers can help you manage the stress and confusion that follows. The good news is that our payment model is structured to relieve your financial burden.
We only get paid if you are compensated, retaining an agreed percentage of your compensation as attorney’s fee.
Determining Fault
Like any other traffic accident, determining fault in a crash involving a rental car is a necessary step. It is the only way personal injury victims can hold another party or persons responsible for losses suffered.
In Texas, liability in a car accident is primarily based on the concept of negligence, where the following must be demonstrated:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
Duty of care refers to the legal obligation to protect others from foreseeable harm. For example, motorists must exercise reasonable caution by observing traffic laws.
Any deviation that puts lives and property at risk amounts to a breach of duty. Common examples include speeding, road rage, failure to yield, manufacturing defects, and improper road maintenance.
Further, there must be proof to show causation, which is a direct or proximate link between the at-fault party’s actions and the accident. Damages are the last element of negligence essential for determining liability in a Pasadena rental car accident.
Who Can I Sue?
Once the concept of negligence is applied in your case, one or more parties may be sued depending on their contribution to the accident. An experienced rental car accident attorney may help you sue:
Rental company
Rental car companies may be sued for accidents stemming from improper vehicle maintenance or rented out vehicles with known defects.
Additionally, they may be at fault for renting cars to inexperienced or unfit drivers. A skilled rental car accident attorney can identify potential violations that expose these companies to liability.
Rental Car Driver
Rental car drivers may be at fault for reckless driving involving speeding, inexperience, driving under the influence, road rage, failure to yield, and distracted driving. Witness statements, police reports, and traffic footage can demonstrate negligence and support your case.
Vehicle Manufacturer
If a vehicle defect contributes to a crash, the vehicle manufacturer and maintenance company may be held responsible. This includes failure to warn users about safety concerns or risks, unsafe designs, and manufacturing flaws.
Filing a product liability claim against huge motor vehicle companies may be challenging, especially when dealing with aggressive defense attorneys. Hiring a car accident lawyer levels the playing field and ensures you are rightfully compensated for your losses.
Other road users
If the actions of other road users, such as motorists, pedestrians, bikers, or cyclists, contribute to a rental car accident, these parties may be sued.
Victims can file a claim against the insurance companies of the at-fault persons or initiate a lawsuit in court. Enlisting a rental car accident attorney is vital for identifying potential gaps in liability.
Government Agencies
In some instances, government agencies may also be sued for traffic accidents resulting from poor road designs and failure to maintain road infrastructure.
However, suing a state agency comes with unique limitations that make the claim process challenging. Most jurisdictions, including Texas, have strict legal requirements that govern the processing of such cases. For example, victims have up to six months to file a lawsuit from the day of the crash.
For a free legal consultation with a rental car accident lawyer serving Pasadena, call (832) 449-8230
Who Pays for Damages in a Rental Car Crash?
Determining who pays for losses in a car accident primarily depends on who is at fault. As previously discussed, one or more parties may be held liable in a rental car accident. In many cases, insurance companies step in to compensate victims based on applicable coverage. For example, if another driver caused the crash, they are obligated to pay out of pocket or through their insurer.
Another compensation option for rental car accidents is to file a claim with the company’s insurance provider. Many rental service providers have coverage for property damage, allowing victims to claim relevant damages such as vehicle repair costs.
For hit-and-run accidents, you may pursue compensation from your insurer through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Underinsured Motorist Coverage.
A knowledgeable rental car accident lawyer in Pasadena can review relevant insurance laws and policies on your behalf to ensure you understand your rights and options.
Pasadena Rental Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Contact a Pasadena Rental Car Accident Lawyer Today
Car accident claims involving rental vehicles can lead to confusing legal and insurance complexities. You don’t have to risk it alone when our seasoned rental car accident attorneys in Texas are available to assist.
We can guide you through the claim process by discussing and protecting your rights. To get started, please get in touch with us today for a free case evaluation.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form