Santa Clarita Rental Car Accident Lawyer

Los Angeles County is a magnet for tourists from all over the world. Since it is not easy to get around without a vehicle, many will turn to a car rental company. Research shows that there is a higher crash rate for rental cars than for cars that are not rentals. If you have been injured in a rental car accident in Santa Clarita, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

If you were driving a rental car and were injured in a crash, you may be entitled to a settlement check just as if you were driving your own car. If the other driver operating a rental car was negligent in the crash, they must pay for the damages you suffered. Drivers injured in collisions with rental car drivers may also seek compensation when the other motorist was at fault. In other words, the standard rules of car accident compensation apply to rental car crashes.

Common Causes of Rental Car Accidents in Santa Clarita

Beyond the usual factors that cause car crashes, there are additional reasons why rental car crashes happen. A rental car driver may be in an unfamiliar car in an unfamiliar area. The combination of the two can make the driver more tentative and uncertain.

Other studies show that rental car drivers may be younger and have less driving experience than the average motorist. Finally, rental car drivers may have less of an emotional connection with a car that they temporarily have, and that can cause them to take greater chances and have less regard for safety.

Usually, the rental car company is not liable for what people do when renting cars. The renter assumes complete control of the vehicle, and they are the ones who must pay for any injuries they cause others.

How Insurance Works in Santa Clarita Rental Car Crashes

The renter is obligated to have some form of insurance on the vehicle. Either they use their own auto insurance policy or purchase coverage through the rental car company. Either way, there is some insurance policy to pay when the renter causes an accident.

There are numerous sources of financial compensation when you have been injured in a rental car accident:

• The rental car driver’s own auto insurance policy
• The insurance that the driver purchased when they rented the car
• Any supplemental insurance that the driver bought
• The driver’s credit card company may also provide insurance coverage
• Your insurance policy if the driver was uncovered or undercovered

As you can see, there is a web to untangle when you seek financial compensation for a rental car accident. An experienced attorney knows how to get to the bottom of the situation and where to go to file a claim.

When You Can Sue the Rental Car Company

The rental car company may be held liable when the car itself was the issue in the accident. The company has a legal obligation to inspect and maintain its vehicles before renting them to others under federal law. You can sue the rental car company if the accident was caused by a defect such as a brake or tire failure.

You may also be able to sue the rental car company if they did not perform a proper check before renting the vehicle to the driver. At a minimum, they must ensure that the driver has a valid license and that it was not revoked or suspended.

Otherwise, you would need to proceed against one of a number of different insurance coverages. You may need to file multiple claims to get the damages you deserve if the coverage on one policy is not enough. If the renter still does not have enough coverage, they can be personally liable for the extra amount.

Your Rental Car Accident Damages

Here are the personal damages that you are eligible to recover in a rental car accident:

• The complete cost of your medical bills
• Lost wages for the time that you miss from work
• Pain and suffering that comes from your accident injuries
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement

The damages you sustain can be considerable after any car accident. More serious car accidents could mean you are eligible for a larger settlement check. Before getting that check, you may have to deal with many insurance companies, all of which do not want to pay you the money you deserve.

More so than in other types of cases, it takes a tenacious and dedicated lawyer to get you a settlement check after a rental car accident.

Contact Our Santa Clarita Rental Car Accident Lawyers

When you have been injured in a rental car accident, you need a lawyer who can get up to speed quickly. You may even be in an unfamiliar legal jurisdiction, and you must have an attorney who knows the area.

One Law Group has helped injured accident victims in the Santa Clarita and Los Angeles County areas as they seek compensation for someone else’s carelessness or recklessness. You can call us at 1.844.626.1529 or message us online to schedule your free initial consultation.

Rental Car Accident FAQs

How do I win a rental car accident case?

Like any car accident case, you would need to prove that the other car’s driver acted unreasonably under the circumstances.

What if the rental car driver did not stop at the scene of the accident?

You can file a claim against your auto insurance policy, assuming you have coverage for uninsured drivers.

What should I do after a rental car accident?

You should seek medical help to have your injuries treated and diagnosed. Then, you should contact an experienced attorney to handle your legal case.