Car accidents can be traumatizing, especially if you suffered serious injuries. If you were hurt in an accident with a rental car in Los Angeles due to another driver’s fault, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. Speak to Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to find out whether you have a personal injury case by calling (800) 794-0444.
Potential Compensation for Rental Car Accident Victims
You could receive compensation for your losses, such as:
- Medical costs
You could recover compensation for hospital and surgery bills, costs of medical treatment, prescription medicines, and for any medical equipment. You could also receive compensation for future medical costs, physical therapy, and a home health aide.
- Lost income
If you are unable to work due to injuries suffered in wreck, you could receive compensation for lost wages. You might also receive awards for future lost income or future earning potential.
- Personal property
You could get compensation for any destroyed or damaged personal property. This could include your vehicle and other items of personal property, such as cell phones, purses, clothing, and any other items.
- Loss of enjoyment
If you suffered physical or mental injuries, you may not be able to do things you enjoyed before the collision, such as certain activities or hobbies. You could receive compensation for this loss of enjoyment.
- Mental anguish and pain
You could get compensation for the emotional pain and anguish suffered as a result of your injuries from the accident.
- Disfigurement and physical impairmentIf you have a permanent disfigurement or physical impairment from the accident, for example a permanent limp, you may also receive compensation.
- Pain and sufferingYou may also receive compensation for any physical pain you are suffering because of your personal injuries.
This is not an exhaustive list of compensatory awards you could receive after a rental car accident. Types of compensation and the amounts depends on your individual case and your specific injuries. A rental car accident attorney can advise you regarding the compensation you may receive from a personal injury lawsuit.
Complications of Liability in Accidents with Rented Cars
It can be quite complicated to understand liability from an accident with a rental car. Rental car companies typically offer supplemental insurance when you pick up the car, for example, collision damage waivers and other additional types of coverage. Rental car agencies are usually not responsible for your injuries and losses, even if the at-fault driver was driving a rental car at the time. This means you generally cannot sue a rental car agency except in certain circumstances, such as when the vehicle had a defect or if the agency rented to an underage customer.
Generally, the rental car driver should have adequate liability insurance in addition to the add-on insurances that the rental agency may offer. California Civil Code § 1936.05 requires a minimum coverage for rental cars, and a driver’s own car insurance usually suffices. The minimum liability insurance coverage ceiling may be too low to adequately compensate you for extensive injuries and property damage if you get into an accident with a rented car, though.
If you were involved in a wreck with a rented car, several parties and insurances may come into play, including the rental car agency, the driver of the car that was rented, the driver’s automobile insurance, and any additional rental car agency insurances.
You have a right to enlist the help of an accident attorney when negotiating a fair settlement with insurances or obtaining compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Having a Los Angeles rental car lawyer by your side may allow you to focus solely on your recovery while also pursuing your legal options.
For a free legal consultation with a Rental Car Accidents Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Common Causes of Rental Car Accidents
Rental car accidents do not differ from other car accidents in many respects. In general, all types of vehicle accidents can happen because of speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, or drivers distracted, among other reasons.
Some circumstances remain unique to cars rented. Tourists and persons on business trips typically rent cars more so than locals who might use their own cars to get around. Drivers visiting from other states and other countries may struggle with unfamiliar roads, traffic patterns, and local traffic laws. Visitors could also engage in distracted driving while using their phone or the car’s GPS to get to their destination. Driving an unfamiliar car can also be challenging as it can take a while to become familiar with the dimensions, handling, and features.
While driver-related accident causes are the more obvious perhaps, accidents can also result from negligence of a rental car agency. Rented cars can have defects with their tires or brakes, for example, due to an agency neglecting the maintenance or servicing of their cars for rent.
Los Angeles Rental Car Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Contact a Los Angeles Rental Car Lawyer for Help Today
Whether you rented a car and suffered injuries in an accident, or you got into an accident with a driver of a rental car, we can handle your accident case. The insurances and laws regarding rental cars and liability can be confusing and hard to understand for anyone. If you do not know where to turn with your questions, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for help now.
If you suffered personal injuries and property damage, you might wish to file a personal injury lawsuit and hold the at-fault party responsible, but you may remain unsure who is responsible for the rental car accident. We can discuss your unique case with you and determine whether you have a case against another driver or a car rental agency. California’s Code of Civil Procedures §335.1 allows you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, so call us as soon as possible.
Call us today for a free consultation and to find out whether you could receive compensation. You can reach us at (800) 794-0444.
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