Rental cars are an excellent option for travel, whether for work or leisure. While no one expects to be injured while renting a vehicle, it can happen. Depending on the circumstances, multiple people, including a third-party driver or the rental company, could potentially be at fault.
When you or a loved one is hurt in a rental car accident in McAllen caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation for your injuries. A dedicated auto collision attorney could represent you in a claim against the responsible party. For more information, contact our law office to schedule an initial consultation.
Common Causes of Rental Car Wrecks
Although relatively uncommon, rental car crashes in McAllen do happen from time to time. Some common causes of these incidents include the following:
- Lack of familiarity with the vehicle
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, talking to passengers, etc.)
- Excessive speed or reckless maneuvers
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Mechanical failures or defective parts
- Inclement weather conditions
Those injured in a vehicle accident of any kind should consider working with an experienced lawyer. Legal representation could protect a person’s rights and increase the chances of obtaining fair compensation.
Liability for Rental Car Crashes
When someone rents a vehicle, their auto insurance will typically cover any accidents or injuries. However, it is important to remember that rental car insurance may have limitations. For example, insurance may not cover a foreign car rental.
Similarly, rental car companies may require supplemental insurance. While additional coverage is not always necessary, it can offer peace of mind if an accident occurs. Car rental companies may provide their customers with supplemental coverage through the following:
- Damage waivers (Cover damage to the rented vehicle)
- Supplemental liability insurance (Offers additional liability coverage for a rental car driver who causes damage to another person or property)
- Personal accident insurance (Covers medical expenses incurred due to an accident)
- Personal effects insurance (Covers stolen items in the rental car)
Determining who is responsible for a rental car collision can be challenging. In many cases, multiple parties share the blame for the incident. For example, the rental company could be liable if it acted negligently, such as renting a vehicle to a driver with a history of prior accidents.
Potential Forms of Compensation
The at-fault party’s liability coverage can reimburse damages related to the crash, including the following:
- Property damage to other vehicles
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Loss of consortium
For questions regarding liability for a rental car crash, consult a McAllen attorney.
Meet With a McAllen Rental Car Accident Attorney Today
When you suffer injuries in a rental car accident in McAllen, your primary focus should be on recovering. Unfortunately, these incidents can lead to a surplus of medical expenses and other losses.
Our dedicated personal injury attorneys have years of experience helping clients like you recover compensation for their injuries. We will work with you to investigate the cause of the crash and determine your damages.
Rental car crashes can involve a lot of back and forth with insurance companies. We can negotiate to maximize your compensation from the at-fault driver. Reach out to our office today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.