If you were injured in a collision involving a rental vehicle, you may be wondering how liability works and what you can do to get compensation for your losses. Accidents involving rental cars can be particularly stressful due to the added complexities of dealing with a rental agency and different insurance policies.
A lawyer skilled in handling rental car accidents in Winder could review your situation and help you pursue compensation from the negligent driver. Whether you were riding in a rental car at the time of the crash or the at-fault party was driving a rental car, the car wreck attorneys at Smith Hulsey Law could handle all key procedures and documentation involved so you can focus on your recovery.
Rental car accidents frequently occur because one or more drivers fail to exercise reasonable caution behind the wheel. There are numerous types of negligent driving that can lead to dangerous or deadly rental car collisions in Winder.
For example, driving too fast can make it harder to react to hazards and cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle. If a driver takes their eyes off the road, even for a moment, this can increase the risk of a wreck. Common types of distracted driving include texting, eating, or talking to passengers.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and slow reaction time. Drivers who get behind the wheel while drowsy will likely have a harder time noticing and reacting to situations on the road.
Behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, and failing to yield to other drivers can contribute to rental car accidents. Negligently operating a vehicle during poor weather road conditions caused by rain, snow, ice, and fog can also lead to collisions because they make it harder to see and respond to hazards.
The person who rented the car and was driving it at the time of the accident is generally considered primarily liable if they caused the crash due to negligence. In these cases, the at-fault driver’s personal insurance usually pays for the victim’s damages.
Any insurance the at-fault driver purchased from the rental car company could also cover some costs. On the other hand, if the victim was driving the rental car when a negligent driver hit them, the other driver’s insurance should pay for any injuries and damages.
The rental car company will not generally bear any liability for a collision. However, if the rental car company engaged in negligent vehicle maintenance or rented vehicles to unlicensed or intoxicated drivers, they may bear legal responsibility for accidents in Winder.
Compensation after a car wreck can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages. Factors such as the insurance policy limits involved, the extent of the damages sustained by the injured party, and the liable party or parties can determine the value of the claim.
Rental car accidents in Winder can involve more legal complexities than other types of motor vehicle collisions. Depending on who was legally at fault for the crash, another driver’s insurance policy, insurance purchased from the rental car company, and even your own insurance policy could play a role in your compensation recovery.
If you are unsure about your legal rights, the best thing to do is speak with an attorney who could help you explore your legal options. Get in touch with the experienced rental car accident attorneys at Smith Hulsey Law to request your free consultation.
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