A rental car accident can instantly disrupt your life, leaving you to deal with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and confusing insurance policies. If you’ve been injured in such an accident, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone.
A Fresno rental car accident lawyer at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers can help.
Our experienced team is here to guide you through the legal process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
At Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we’ve built a reputation for tirelessly fighting for accident victims.
Whether handling tough insurance adjusters, proving liability in complex cases, or negotiating substantial settlements, our team will stand by your side every step of the way.
Why Do Rental Car Crashes Happen in Fresno?
Rental car accidents occur for various reasons, often due to negligence or oversight. Fresno’s busy roads, tourist activity, and local traffic conditions contribute to the frequency of rental vehicle collisions.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Fresno consistently reports high traffic-related injuries each year. Common factors contributing to rental car accidents:
Unfamiliarity with the Vehicle:
Drivers unfamiliar with the rental vehicle’s features or controls may cause accidents.
Tourist Activity:
Out-of-town drivers navigating Fresno’s roads may be more prone to errors.
Mechanical Failures:
Rental cars often experience wear and tear, and poor maintenance can lead to breakdowns or accidents.
Types of Rental Motor Vehicle Accident Cases We Handle
Suppose you’ve been involved in a rental car accident in Fresno. In that case, contacting a Fresno rental car accident attorney is crucial to navigating the complex legalities.
At Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we specialize in managing all rental car accident cases. These include:
Driver Error Accidents:
Collisions caused by negligent or reckless driving.
Mechanical Defects:
Cases involving accidents due to brake failure, tire blowouts, or other vehicle issues.
Multi-Vehicle Collisions:
Complex crashes involving multiple cars, which require thorough investigation.
Head-on collisions:
These high-impact crashes can cause severe injuries.
Rear-end collisions:
Often caused by following too closely or distracted driving.
T-bone accidents:
These occur when vehicles collide at an intersection.
Rollover accidents:
It is especially common with SUVs and can result in serious injuries.
Common Causes of Rental Car Accidents
Understanding the cause of your accident is crucial for determining liability. Common causes include:
Driver Error:
Speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
Defective Parts:
Malfunctions in critical systems such as brakes or airbags.
Poor Maintenance:
Negligence by rental car companies to properly inspect and service vehicles.
Bad Road Conditions:
Potholes, poor lighting, or unclear signage that lead to accidents.
Common Injuries in Rental Car Accidents
Rental car accidents can result in severe injuries that may require extensive medical care and recovery time. Some of the most frequent injuries include:
Whiplash:
A common injury in rear-end collisions that causes neck pain and stiffness. Learn more.
Soft Tissue Injuries:
Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Learn more.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs):
Head injuries caused by the force of impact. Learn more.
Broken Bones:
Fractures caused by the force of the crash. Learn more.
Who is Liable in a Rental Car Accident?
Liability in rental car accidents can be complex, involving multiple parties. Determining fault is key to filing a successful claim.
Liability of the Driver
If the driver of the rental car was negligent, they could be held accountable for damages. This applies to both personal drivers and others operating rental cars.
Liability of the Rental Car Company
Rental companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are safe for use. Failure to maintain cars or provide warnings about known issues can lead to liability.
Third-Party Liability
In some cases, another driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or even the city (for poorly maintained roads) may share responsibility.
How to Sue a Rental Car Company
Suing a rental car company can be complex. They have large teams of lawyers working to protect their interests.
A Fresno rental car accident attorney at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers can gather evidence, negotiate with the company’s insurance carriers, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
You can pursue legal action if a rental car company’s negligence caused your accident. Suing a rental car company often involves proving that:
- The vehicle was unsafe due to improper maintenance or defects.
- The company failed to address known issues or recall notices.
- The company’s negligence directly contributed to the accident.
Contact us for a deeper understanding of suing a rental car company.
What Types of Rental Car Insurance Coverage Does California Offer Its Drivers?
California requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. However, rental car companies often offer additional insurance options. It’s important to understand the different types of coverage available, including:
Personal Car Insurance:
Your personal car insurance policy may extend coverage to rental vehicles, depending on your policy details.
Car Rental Insurance:
Rental car companies offer various insurance packages, such as liability damage waivers (LDW) and collision damage waivers (CDW). These waivers can help protect you from financial responsibility in case of an accident.
Credit Card Coverage:
Certain credit cards provide rental car coverage as a benefit.
Understanding your coverage is vital for ensuring your expenses are adequately compensated after an accident.
The Impact of California’s Strict Liability Laws on Rental Car Accidents
California enforces strict liability laws, which means rental car companies can sometimes avoid direct liability under the federal Graves Amendment. However, exceptions exist, such as when the company neglects vehicle maintenance or rents cars to unqualified drivers.
An experienced Fresno rental car accident lawyer can help identify whether these exceptions apply to your case and ensure all liable parties are held accountable.
Understanding the Graves Amendment
The Graves Amendment is a federal law shields rental car companies from liability for accidents caused solely by the renter’s negligence. However, rental companies are not protected if they:
- Make sure to maintain their fleet correctly.
- Neglect to verify driver qualifications.
- Allow rental of defective or unsafe vehicles.
By working with a Fresno rental car accident lawyer, you can explore how these provisions apply to your accident claim.
Compensation for Rental Car Accidents
If you’re injured in a rental car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
Medical expenses:
Past and future medical costs, including hospital bills, surgery, medication, and therapy.
Lost wages:
Compensation for income lost due to missed work or reduced earning capacity.
Pain and suffering:
Damages for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident.
Property damage:
Compensation for damage to your rental car or other property.
Loss of consortium:
Compensation for the loss of companionship and intimacy with your spouse.
Steps to Take After a Rental Car Accident
If you’re involved in a rental car accident, follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention: Prioritize your health and seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor.
- Document the accident: Take photos of the accident scene, damaged vehicles, and any injuries.
- Gather information: Collect contact information from the other driver, witnesses, and any responding officers.
- Report the accident to the rental car company: Notify the rental car company about the accident and follow their procedures for reporting claims.
- Contact your insurance company: Inform your insurance company about the accident and provide them with the necessary information.
- Consult with a lawyer: A Fresno rental car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
How Rental Car Insurance Affects Your Claim
Legal Complexities Involving Rental Car Accidents
Rental car accidents can involve complex legal issues, especially when dealing with insurance claims and determining liability. A Fresno rental car accident lawyer can help you understand the legal complexities and protect your rights.
Why You Should Hire a Fresno Rental Car Accident Attorney
Navigating the aftermath of a rental car accident can be overwhelming. Kuzyk Law is here to take the burden off your shoulders. With decades of experience and a proven track record of winning cases, we are committed to securing maximum compensation for our clients.
Experience:
Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to handle complex rental car accident cases.
Expertise:
We understand the intricacies of insurance claims and can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Support:
We will provide you with personalized support and guidance throughout the legal process.
Advocacy:
We will fight aggressively to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Proven Results:
Check our settlements and verdicts here.
Trusted Reputation:
See what our clients have to say.
Convenient Local Support:
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Contact The Fresno Rental Car Accident Attorneys at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Today!
Don’t let a rental car accident derail your life. Call the experienced team at Kuzyk Law to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today at Kuzyk Law to schedule a free consultation.
FAQs About Rental Car Accidents in Fresno, California
1. What should I do after a rental car accident in Fresno?
If you’re involved in a rental car accident in Fresno, take the following steps:
- Prioritize safety: Ensure everyone involved is safe and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Document the accident: Take photos of the damage to the vehicles, injuries, and the accident scene.
- Gather information: Collect information from the other driver, including their name, contact information, and insurance details.
- Notify the rental car company: Report the accident to the rental car company and follow their procedures for reporting claims.
- Consult with a lawyer: A Fresno rental car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and protect your interests.
2. Who is liable for a rental car accident in California?
Liability in a rental car accident can vary depending on the circumstances. Potential liable parties may include:
- The driver of the rental car: If the driver was negligent, such as driving recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- The rental car company: If the company failed to maintain the vehicle or provided a defective vehicle.
- Another driver: If another driver caused the accident, they may be held liable.
3. What types of damages can I recover in a rental car accident lawsuit?
If you’re injured in a rental car accident, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses: Past and future medical costs, including surgery, medication, and therapy.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to missed work or reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident.
- Property damage: Compensation for damage to the rental car or other property.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship and intimacy with your spouse.
4. How long do I have to file a rental car accident lawsuit in California?
The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in California is generally two years. However, it’s important to consult with an attorney to determine the specific deadline for your case.
5. How can a Fresno rental car accident lawyer help me?
A Fresno rental car accident lawyer can help you by:
- Investigating the accident: Gathering evidence to determine liability.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Fighting for a fair settlement.
- Filing a lawsuit: If necessary, filing a lawsuit and representing you in court.
Providing support and guidance: Helping you navigate the legal process and understand your rights.
