Rental cars are convenient for traveling on vacation or business trips. However, they can also be confusing to deal with during car accident litigation. If you were recently in a wreck involving one or more rented vehicles, you may have questions about who is liable for the incident and what your options are for recovery.
Speaking with a lawyer who understands cases involving Alpharetta rental car accidents could help you make sense of your legal situation. A knowledgeable car accident attorney could explain how courts generally view these types of claims, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and help you file a lawsuit in civil court if necessary.
Are Rental Car Companies Liable for Traffic Wrecks?
After an accident with someone driving a rented car, an injured victim may wonder whether they could hold the rental company responsible for the crash. This is usually not possible for most rental car accidents in Alpharetta, but a well-practiced attorney could advise on whether a particular case warrants civil action against the company.
In order for someone to successfully sue a rental company for a traffic collision, they must be able to prove that the company’s negligent act or omission directly caused the car wreck. For example, if a crash stems from a faulty car component that the rental company should have addressed, it may be possible to hold them liable for the accident. Likewise, a company could be liable if they rent a car to someone with a suspended or revoked driver’s license who then causes a vehicular collision.
Insurance Claims for Rental Car Crashes in Alpharetta
In most cases, rental car companies do not bear legal responsibility for rental car accidents in Alpharetta. However, depending on the terms of the rental agreement and what add-on features the car had, a person injured by the vehicle may be able to recover some compensation through insurance coverage provided by the rental company.
Additionally, most personal auto insurance policies in Georgia also cover rental car accidents, so it may be possible to seek restitution through a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. However, this option may not offer enough compensation to cover all of an injured victim’s losses, especially if their accident resulted in catastrophic harm or permanent disability.
Fortunately, since Georgia maintains a “fault” car insurance system, rental car accident victims in Alpharetta are not required to use up their own insurance coverage before pursuing compensation from a negligent third party. Instead, a qualified lawyer in the area could help a victim file suit immediately after their rental car wreck for both economic and non-economic damages.
Talk to an Attorney About Rental Car Accidents in Alpharetta
Dealing with serious injuries, loss of work income, property damage, and emotional stress after a car accident can make it difficult for an injured victim to pursue damages on their own. Unfortunately, accidents caused by rental car drivers may require insurance negotiations and legal action to obtain the financial resources a person needs to recover.
If you were hurt by a rental car driver, discuss your options for recovery with a seasoned attorney. Dedicated legal guidance could be valuable for those involved in Alpharetta rental car accidents, so call today for a free consultation.