Your Rights After an Accident with a Rental Car in Texas
Being involved in any kind of car accident can be confusing, frustrating, and devastating. It can be even more complicated when one of the vehicles is a rental car. If you or a loved one are seriously injured you need to know whether you have the right to compensation to help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we know the challenges that car accident victims and their families face. We have decades of experience helping injured parties obtain the maximum compensation allowed in the state. Our lawyers are unafraid to take cases to trial and fight for the recovery our clients deserve.
If you were involved in a rental car accident in Texas, contact our office at (713) 751-0025 to book a free consultation today.
What Happens After an Accident with a Rental Car?
The initial moments after an accident with a rental car are similar to any other crash. You need to get yourself and others to safety, check for injuries, and contact 9-1-1. As with any accident, you are expected to exchange information with other drivers. If you are unable to because of your injuries, law enforcement will take down the information.
Once you have sought medical attention, you can focus on whether you should pursue legal action against another liable party. It is in your best interest to consult with a car accident attorney as early in the process as possible to determine all of your options.
If one of the involved parties, including yourself, was driving a rental car it can become challenging to ensure that claims are filed against the correct insurance policies. An attorney can help ensure that the right parties are held liable for the accident.
When Can You Sue a Rental Car Company for a Wreck?
Texas is an at-fault insurance state, meaning that an injured party can seek compensation from a motorist, person, or entity that was responsible for the accident. In many cases, it is driver negligence such as inattention, speeding, or impairment that causes an accident. In some instances, however, it may be a third party such as a rental car company that can be held legally responsible.
Cases where a rental car company may be held liable for a person’s damages:
- The vehicle was not properly maintained;
- The vehicle contained a known defect; or
- The company engaged in unlawful business practices such as knowingly renting to someone without a valid driver’s license.
To prove that the rental car company was liable for your injuries you will need to prove that they were negligent. In other words, you must show that the company breached the duty of care owed to you. It can be exceptionally difficult to prove this kind of liability without the help of an attorney.
Hiring a Rental Car Accident Lawyer in Texas
If you are involved in a rental car accident in Texas, you need an experienced lawyer by your side. Contact our office at (713) 751-0025 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. There are no fees unless we win. Call today to speak directly with an attorney.
