Texas Rental Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents occur quite frequently in Texas. In fact, in 2020, a car crash was reported approximately every minute. For anyone, a car accident can be an unnerving experience, especially when serious injuries result.

However, such understandable stress could be increased if the accident involves a rental car since the rental car company expects the vehicle to be returned in the same condition as when it was rented. The process of determining liability with rental cars in accidents can be quite complex.

If you or your loved one has been involved in a rental car accident, you may be unsure how to deal with the rental car company. Fielding Law is here to help. A rental car accident attorney with our firm can provide the legal assistance you need. Our attorneys have decades of experience with personal injury law. Call us at (877) 880-4090 for a free consultation.

How Rental Car Accidents Are Different from General Car Accidents

When a car accident occurs, the at-fault driver is liable for compensating for damages that resulted, which are usually covered by his or her insurance. In a rental car accident, though, several sources of insurance may be involved.

These include:

The driver’s insurance company
Insurance from the rental car company
The driver’s credit card coverage

Many choose to simply stick to their own insurance policy. Liability insurance would only cover damages to the other car involved in the collision, not the rental car.

In addition to a renter’s auto insurance policy, rental companies offer additional insurance options, such as collision coverage which would cover damages to the rental car as well. Of course, if the driver carries collision insurance, this may cover collision-related damages to both vehicles.

If you are the driver of the rental car, the rental agreement you signed at the time of rental specified these insurance options.

You may choose to reject the rental car company’s insurance since you may be covered by your own insurance policy or a credit card’s coverage. However, even with personal coverage in the bag, there may be certain adjustments to the coverage with rental cars that are mentioned in the rental contract. These may include things like lower liability limits, higher deductibles, and excluding certain types of vehicles from coverage.

As you can see, this can soon get complicated. Therefore, it is wise to speak with a rental car accident attorney before speaking with an insurance company if you have suffered an accident in a rental car.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Texas

Even if you practice safe driving, statistically, it is likely that you will experience a car accident in Texas. After all, you can’t control the actions of other drivers on the road.

The following list are some common causes of car accidents, which includes rental cars, in Texas:

Distracted driving: About 18 percent of all accidents in Texas are due to distracted driving. Distracted driving includes such things as using a cell phone, interacting with passengers, applying makeup, and eating.
Reckless driving: When some drives recklessly, he or she shows a flagrant disregard for traffic laws, which were established to protect lives. Speeding, DUIs, ignoring stop signs, and running red lights are all forms of reckless driving.
Fatigued driving: Some people fail to get sufficient rest and drive while drowsy. Driving fatigue can be as dangerous as drunk driving. In this condition, the driver’s judgment may be severely impaired.
Inclement weather: Sometimes the weather itself can be the cause of an accident. The rain can cause the road to become slick which can be hazardous for travelers. Such conditions may cause a driver to hydroplane into oncoming traffic.
Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and huge cracks in the road are potential hazards for drivers. In an effort to avoid these sorts of dangers, a driver may veer out of his or her lane into oncoming traffic.

Of course, there are other causes of car accidents not listed here. Knowing what exactly caused a collision is vital if you are the driver of a rental car. Such information can be crucial in establishing who is liable for compensation for damages.

For example, if the accident was the result of poor road conditions, liability may fall to the state or municipality responsible for maintaining the roads in a safe condition. Or if a faulty auto part was the cause, the manufacturer may be found liable.

A rental car accident attorney at Fielding Law knows how to investigate thoroughly, examine the evidence, find the exact cause of a car accident, and pursue the at-fault party for compensation. Overall, our law firm can help you navigate the complexities that come with dealing with rental car companies, accidents, and insurance coverage.

Common Injuries from Auto Accidents

Injuries from rental car accidents can range from mild to severe. Some common types of injuries from auto accidents include the following.

Physical injuries:

Whiplash
Lacerations
Burns
Nerve damage
Brain injuries
Spinal injuries
Organ damage
Fractures
Loss of limbs

Emotional injuries:

Anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Depression due to change in lifestyle
Emotional pains from the death of a loved one

If you or your loved one has been in an auto accident with a rental car, and especially if you have suffered injuries, contact the lawyers of Fielding Law without delay. Compensation for injuries more than likely will exceed the limits of the insurance company. Our lawyers will file a lawsuit if necessary to make sure you will be fully compensated for your collision-related losses.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to Receive

When you are injured or have suffered a loss, you have a legal right to pursue compensation for such loss. Although no amount of money can completely compensate for long-lasting injuries or the loss of a loved one, some compensation can certainly help you start rebuilding your life.

Some types of compensation your rental car accident lawyer may pursue include:

Current and future medical expenses
Loss of income (present and future)
Property loss
Pain and suffering
Loss of consortium and support (in the case of wrongful death)

Do Not Delay in Contacting the Attorneys at Fielding Law

Being involved in a car accident with a rental car, with all its complexities, may have left you feeling anxious and overwhelmed with how to go about mitigating compensation. Dealing with a car rental company, and perhaps multiple insurers which are known for negotiating unfair settlements, may only increase your stress level.

Don’t go it alone! Before speaking with an insurance company, call the attorneys at Fielding Law – especially if you have suffered injuries. Our lawyers have extensive legal knowledge in a wide range of practice areas in personal injury law, and we know how to deal with rental companies. Our team is also highly effective in combating the tactics insurance adjusters use.

Our lawyers can help negotiate a fair settlement for your losses that covers your medical expenses and more. Your attorney will even argue your case in court if necessary. We will fight for you so you can focus on healing.

Let Fielding Law’s personal injury attorneys put their years of legal experience to work for you and get you every penny you deserve. Call us at (877) 880-4090 for a free consultation. We only collect payment for our services if we get you money.