Maison Law represents anyone that’s been injured in a car accident in Santa Maria. In Santa Maria, you might come across rental cars as you drive around, and getting into an accident with one can raise specific legal questions. Whether it’s a rental car or another vehicle, our Santa Maria car accident lawyers are here to help answer your questions and guide you through the claims process. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Car accidents are unfortunately common in Santa Maria, and dealing with a rental car accident can be even more complicated than normal. At the same time, you really only need a lawyer if your injuries or accident situation is more serious. A minor accident, even with a rental car, likely won’t require legal action. However, given that a rental car accident is at the very least going to raise questions about liability, having our team on your side could be important. Here’s what we can do for you:
- Develop a strategy tailored to your situation.
- Help gather crucial evidence.
- Explain your legal options.
- Guide you through the entire legal process if you decide to pursue a claim.
We aim to make the legal process as smooth as possible for you and your family. We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront to work with us.
Who Is Responsible for a Rental Car Accident in Santa Maria?
Figuring out who is legally responsible for a rental car accident in Santa Maria can be tricky because several parties are likely to be involved, each with different levels of responsibility.
The basic rule for determining liability is the same as with any car accident: it comes down to negligence. Here’s how liability might break down:
- Rental car driver – If the driver was speeding, distracted, or impaired, they could be held responsible.
- Rental car company – The company might be liable if the accident was due to a maintenance issue or a problem with their rental procedures.
- Other drivers – If another driver caused the accident, they could be responsible for the damages.
- Passengers – Passengers might share some liability if their actions, like distracting the driver, contributed to the accident.
- Car or parts manufacturers – If a defect in the rental car or its parts caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
- Local or state government – If the accident resulted from poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage, the government might be responsible.
If you’re driving a rental car and the accident wasn’t your fault, you still have the right to pursue an injury claim under the principle of “comparative negligence.” However, any damages you receive may be reduced based on your level of fault in the accident. In either scenario, this makes the actions you take after the accident itself very important
How Can You Strengthen Your Rental Car Accident Claim?
Dealing with a rental car accident can be frustrating, whether you’re driving the rental or involved with someone else who is. Simply having the right to file a claim doesn’t guarantee you’ll get damages, though. You need to actively support your claim. While a rental car adds some complexity, many steps are similar to any other car accident. Here’s how you can strengthen your claim:
- Call 911 – Immediately check for injuries and call 911 if needed. Accept care from emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and seek further treatment at a hospital for any lingering injuries.
- Report the accident to police and the rental car company – Notify the local police or sheriff’s office to manage the scene and gather essential details. If you’re driving the rental car, call the rental company too, as they will provide necessary guidance.
- Gather information – Obtain names, contact information, and insurance details from all parties involved, including those related to the rental car and company. Try to get contact information from any witnesses that saw the accident. The police can help you with this.
- Document the scene – Take pictures or videos of the accident site, showing damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Be cautious – Be careful when discussing the incident with insurance companies, as they may try to get you to say things that could harm your claim. Avoid posting about the accident on social media.
Remember, a rental car accident is still a car accident, so gathering all the necessary information is crucial, even if injuries make it challenging. From there, you can focus on your damages and how you can get them in a claim.
What Damages Are Available in a Rental Car Accident Claim?
The legal process for recovering damages after a rental car accident is similar to any other car accident. You have two main options: filing an insurance claim out of court or filing a lawsuit in court. Both routes can help you recover “damages,” which is the legal term for your injuries and losses.
Although your specific damages will depend on the details of your accident, there are common types of damages you may be able to recover if your claim is successful:
- Medical expenses – These damages cover costs for hospital stays, doctor visits, medications, and therapy needed for current and future treatment.
- Lost wages – These are for any income lost due to your injuries, including potential future earnings.
- Property damage – These damages cover repair or replacement costs for your vehicle or personal property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and suffering – These damages cover the physical pain and mental anguish related to the accident and your injuries.
- Emotional distress – Similarly, these damages cover the emotional impact of the accident, such as anxiety or depression, affecting your quality of life.
- Loss of quality of life – These damages cover changes in personal relationships or limitations in enjoying daily activities.
- Wrongful death – If the accident is fatal, you or a surviving family member can file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral or burial expenses, as well as damages for loss of companionship or financial support.
Filing a claim for damages after a rental car accident requires building a strong case. Rental car accidents can be complex, especially with the involvement of a rental company. Acting quickly and working with experienced car accident lawyers can be very helpful. You have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim, but if you miss the deadline, you can’t recover damages at all.
How Do Rental Car Companies Handle Accidents in Santa Maria?
Obviously, the biggest difference between a normal car accident in Santa Maria and one involving a rental car is the involvement of the rental car company. Here’s a general overview of how companies like Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, Avis, Dollar, and Alamo handle accidents:
- They make sure everyone is safe
- Ask you or the driver to call them right away.
- Get details about the accident.
- Check the damage to their car.
- Look at the rental agreement and insurance.
- Provide a new car if needed.
- Help with the claims and legal steps.
The rental car company’s liability depends on the details of the accident, but they will always be involved in assessing liability since they own the vehicle. This is enough reason to work with our experienced rental car accident lawyers, but more than that, we can support you and make sure you have the best chance at recovering from your injuries.
Get Help from Maison Law After a Santa Maria Rental Car Accident
Handling a car accident in Santa Maria can be stressful, especially when a rental car is involved. At Maison Law, our experienced rental car accident lawyers are ready to help you. We have the expertise and resources to help you build a strong claim.
If you’ve been in a rental car accident in Santa Maria, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
