At Maison Law, we help car accident victims in Glendale. With the high volume of traffic in the city and area, car accidents are common. More to the point, Glendale’s proximity to numerous attractions and tourist areas means that rental cars are plentiful along I-5 or California Route 2. When your accident involves a rental car, it adds complexity to the legal process. However, you still have options. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
Why You Might Need a Lawyer
Car accidents can be challenging, and while you aren’t required to have a lawyer, having one can be beneficial, especially when a rental car is involved. Our team of car accident lawyers in Glendale have the experience and resources to help you.
Minor accidents may not require legal action, but if you’re seriously injured or a rental car is involved, we can help by explaining your rights, investigating what happened, figuring out who’s responsible, and helping you through the claims process.
Being in a rental car accident is never ideal, but it happens. When it does, our team can make things easier for you and your family by giving you the right support and guidance.
How Does a Rental Car Accident Approach an Accident in Glendale?
It’s certainly true that the legal process for a rental car accident is more complicated because the rental car company and their insurance carrier are involved. However, since the rental company owns the car, they are responsible for covering your injuries and damages if they are at fault.
This applies to all rental car companies, regardless of their own company policies. In Glendale, as in other places, the most popular rental car companies are usually:
- Enterprise
- Avis
- Hertz
- Dollar
- Budget
- Alamo
As the vehicle owner, the rental company has specific responsibilities when renting out their cars. These include making sure that the:
- Driver is licensed and typically above 25 years old
- Car is in good working condition
- Company policies and procedures are followed during the rental process
If the rental company or its employees fail to meet these responsibilities and an accident occurs, the company may be liable for your injuries and damages. But as with anything, it depends on the circumstances.
Who’s Liable For a Rental Car Accident in Glendale?
After understanding how a rental car company is involved in the legal process, the key step is to determine who is legally responsible for the accident and your damages. This is done by establishing “negligence,” which refers to actions that breach the duty of care to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Here are the main possibilities when a rental car is involved:
- Person driving the rental car – If the driver was speeding, distracted, or under the influence, they are likely responsible for the accident.
- Rental car company – If the rental car company didn’t follow their own procedures, failed to properly screen the driver, or were negligent in their maintenance of their vehicle, they could carry some liability for the accident.
- Other drivers – If another driver caused the accident because of their negligence, they would typically be responsible for the damages.
- Passengers – If a passenger’s actions, such as distracting the driver, contributed to the accident, they might share some liability.
- Manufacturers – If there was a part failure in the rental car or it was made poorly, the manufacturer could be held responsible. This also applies if the rental company failed to inspect the car.
- Government agencies – If the accident occurred due to poorly maintained roads or improper signage, the responsible government agency might be liable.
What If You’re Driving the Rental Car?
If you rented the car and were driving, your legal options remain similar. However, California’s “comparative negligence” rule applies, meaning you can file an injury claim, but your potential damages may be reduced by your share of the fault.
What’s the Claims Process After a Rental Car Accident?
Legally, a rental car accident is treated like any other car accident. While there are some unique aspects to these cases, your options remain the same if you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence. You can proceed with an injury claim through one of two main options:
- Insurance claim – This process is less formal and managed entirely by the insurance company. They will gather evidence, conduct their investigation, and decide on a settlement amount. Although this route can provide quicker access to funds (known as “damages”), it may not fully cover all your injuries and losses.
- Personal injury lawsuit – This option requires more time and effort but can offer a better chance at a fair settlement or verdict. It involves a legal process within the court system, overseen by a judge and jury.
No matter which option you choose, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for your vehicle or for fees related to the rental car
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death expenses, if the accident is fatal
You have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. Missing this deadline, known as the “statute of limitations,” will prevent you from recovering damages, regardless of how strong your case is. Still, you have to take steps to protect your claim.
How Do You Protect Your Rental Car Accident Claim?
Filing an injury claim doesn’t automatically guarantee compensation for your damages. You need to prove your case by taking specific steps after the accident, especially when a rental car is involved. Here’s what you should do:
- Get medical help -Call 911 and move to a safe location on the road if possible.
- Report the accident – Inform local police (usually the Glendale Police Department of LA County Sheriff about the incident.
- Collect necessary information – Gather details about the driver and the rental car. If you’re driving the rental, contact the rental company and follow their instructions.
- Gather evidence – Take photos and videos of the scene, including damage and road conditions.
- Exchange information – Swap insurance and contact details with other parties involved.
- Be cautious with statements – Be careful when speaking with insurance adjusters. Cooperate with the police and avoid posting about the accident on social media.
While every accident is unique, these steps are generally helpful, especially in rental car accidents. Prioritize your health and safety, and follow these steps to build a strong claim. Remember, rental car companies have specific procedures for handling accidents.
Experienced Glendale Rental Car Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a rental car accident in Glendale, our skilled team at Maison Law can help. Rental car accidents can be complex, but we have the experience and resources to explain your options and guide you through the recovery process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
