Maison Law represents anyone that’s been injured in car accidents throughout Santa Cruz. With the high volume of traffic and diverse range of vehicles, including rental cars, accidents can be complex. Our experienced lawyers are here to help you through these situations. Contact us today for a free consultation to explore your options.
Do You Need Our Legal Help?
While no one wants to experience a car accident, especially involving a rental car, it’s a common situation in Santa Cruz due to its location within California. With access to places like Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk, vacationers and travelers are frequently around the area, most of them in rental cars.
In terms of what you need, you probably won’t need legal action if your accident is minor. However, if a rental car is involved, it can complicate things more than usual, on top of having significant injuries. The more serious your situation, the more legal help you’ll need, and our team will be there to support you. We can:
- Investigate the accident
- Figure out who’s responsible
- Negotiate with rental car companies and their insurance carriers
- Help you through the claims process
Ideally, your accident and injuries will be minor and won’t need legal action. However, if a rental car is involved, it can complicate things. If your injuries are serious, it makes the situation even more challenging. That’s where our team can help–by guiding you through the process and supporting your claim and rights.
What Should You Do Following a Rental Car Accident in Santa Cruz?
No matter where your accident happens in Santa Cruz, it’s very important to act quickly and methodically to gather the information you need for a claim. This is especially important when a rental car is involved. Here’s what you need to do to strengthen your claim:
- Take care of your health – Check for injuries immediately and call 911 if necessary. Get care from emergency medical technicians (EMTs) when they arrive, and seek further treatment at a hospital if needed.
- Report the accident – Notify the Santa Cruz Police Department or sheriff’s office so they can manage the scene and collect essential information. Also, make sure the rental car company is told about the accident.
- Gather pertinent details – Get names, contact details, and insurance information from everyone involved in the accident. You also need to focus on details about the rental car and company. Don’t forget to get contact information from any witnesses.
- Document the accident scene -Take photos or videos of the accident scene, capturing damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Be careful when talking about the accident – Avoid discussing the accident with insurance companies until you’ve consulted with our team. If you do talk to someone, stick to the facts. Also, steer clear of posting about the incident on social media.
While every accident is unique, these steps are generally applicable, especially with a rental car involved. Focus on your health and safety first, and follow these steps to manage the situation effectively. This forms the foundation for your eventual claim.
Who’s Liable For a Santa Cruz Rental Car Accident?
The big question you have to answer involves who’s legally responsible (or, “liable”) for your car accident and injuries. While the legal principle is straightforward–negligence determines liability–applying this principle can be complex when there’s a rental car involved. Moreover, several parties may share liability, depending on the specifics of the accident. Here’s a breakdown of who might be responsible:
- Rental car driver – They are liable if they broke traffic laws, were speeding, drove under the influence, or were distracted.
- Rental car company – The company may be responsible if the accident was due to a maintenance issue or problems with the rental process.
- Another driver – As with any accident, another driver can be held liable if their actions caused the accident.
- Manufacturer – If a defect in the rental car or its parts caused the accident, the manufacturer might be liable.
- Government or road maintenance agencies – They can be liable if poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage contributed to the accident.
- Passengers – Passengers might share liability if their actions, such as distracting the driver, contributed to the accident.
- Yourself – If you were driving the rental car but did not cause the accident, you can still file an injury claim. However, under California’s “comparative negligence” rule, your potential damages may be reduced based on your share of the fault.
Santa Cruz sees a lot of traffic, including rental cars. Accidents can happen due to things like not knowing how to handle a rental car, getting lost on unfamiliar roads, speeding, tiredness, bad road conditions, or car problems. Knowing these risks helps you stay safe and figure out who’s at fault. But from there, you have legal options for recovering damages.
What Claims Options Do You Have After a Rental Car Accident in Santa Cruz?
Whether you’re renting the car or someone else is, you can file an injury claim if the accident was caused by negligence. The process remains the same regardless of where in Santa Cruz the accident happens. You have to file an injury claim. Generally, you have two options for filing this claim:
- Insurance claim – This is a less formal process managed by the insurance company. It can provide quicker financial support, but remember, their goal is to minimize their payout.
- Lawsuit – This route takes more time and effort but offers a better chance of receiving fair damages. Our team will assist you throughout the legal process.
In either case, we can help you build a strong case for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income or earning potential
- Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle
- Towing or other service charges for the rental car
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses
Remember, in California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. Missing this deadline means you can’t recover damages. Understanding the risks helps you take precautions and determine who’s at fault in your rental car accident, but remember, our team is here to offer guidance and support.
Dedicated Rental Car Accident Lawyers in Santa Cruz
Given how often you travel in Santa Cruz, getting into an accident isn’t out of the question. When a rental car is involved, it adds complexity to the situation. At Maison Law, our team of Santa Cruz rental car accident lawyers will be there to make sure you have what you need for a successful claim. We’ll explain your rights and assist you through the process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
