Rental Car Accidents in Thousand Oaks

Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys, APC represents car accident victims in Thousand Oaks. Getting around Thousand Oaks brings you in contact with many different vehicles, some of which include rental cars. You can just as easily be involved in a car accident with one of these vehicles as any other, but it does bring up certain questions about the legal process. Our team of Thousand Oaks car accident lawyers will be there to answer any questions and support you. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Should You Hire a Lawyer?

No one wants to be involved in a car accident, whether it’s with your own vehicle or a rental. However, accidents are common in Thousand Oaks due to the high volume of travelers. Whether you need our lawyers depends on your circumstances.

If your accident or injuries are minor, legal action probably won’t be necessary. However, rental car accidents can be complex, especially when injuries are involved. In such cases, you should think about working with our team Here’s how we can help:

  • Provide a customized strategy for your unique situation.
  • Help you collect important evidence.
  • Clarify your legal options.
  • Support you through the entire legal process if you choose to move forward.

 

Our overall aim is to ease the burden of the legal process for you and your family. We offer free initial consultations and operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there’s no upfront cost to you.

What Should You Do After a Rental Car Accident?

For as confusing as it can potentially be, a rental car accident in Thousand Oaks isn’t necessarily all that different from any other car accident in terms of what you need to do. Basically, you need to get as much information as you can for a potential claim. But you also have to prioritize your health. So, after you’re in a rental car accident, here’s what you should focus on:

  • Getting medical attention – Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if needed. Let the emergency medical technicians (EMTs) take care of you and consider going to the hospital for a thorough check-up.

  • Calling the police – Contact the Thousand Oaks Police Department or the Ventura County Sheriff to document the accident scene. Also, you’ll want to tell the rental car company about the accident and follow their instructions if you’re driving a rental car.

  • Collecting all the information you can – Gather names, contact details, and insurance information from everyone involved. Note details about the rental car and company, and obtain contact information from any witnesses.

  • Gathering evidence – Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the damage, road conditions, and any injuries.

  • Being careful – Consult with us before speaking to insurance companies about the accident. Avoid posting anything about the incident on social media.

 

Remember, while each accident is unique, following these steps can help ensure you handle a rental car accident effectively. Focus on your health and safety first, and keep in mind that rental car companies have specific protocols for managing accidents.

How Rental Companies Handle Accidents

When a rental car is involved in an accident in Thousand Oaks, the rental company plays a crucial role in the process. This involvement remains consistent across different rental companies, each of which has its own specific procedures. Still, it’s helpful to know what companies could be involved:

  • Enterprise
  • Budget
  • Dollar
  • Hertz
  • Avis
  • National

These companies take several steps to protect themselves in the event of an accident:

  • Maintaining records – Rental companies maintain detailed records of the driver, insurance, and vehicle, which are essential for handling claims.

  • Evaluating and assessing the vehicle – Companies have procedures in place to evaluate the condition of their vehicles to ensure they are in proper working order.

  • Offering extra insurance – Regardless of whether the renter purchases additional insurance, the rental company has its own insurance to manage accidents. This insurance is the primary point of contact for claims if the rental company is found liable.

What if you’re driving the car?

Generally, these steps are the same whether you’re the one driving the car or not. Where the process may differ concerns your liability versus the rental car company’s liability. Under California’s “comparative negligence” rules, you can still file an injury claim, but your overall recovery is going to be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident itself. So, like any other car accident, figuring out liability is a huge step in the process.

Who’s Liable For a Thousand Oaks Rental Car Accident?

The confusing part about a rental car accident in Thousand Oaks is figuring out the legal responsibility–or liability–of the accident itself. This is because a number of different people and companies could be involved, each with varying degrees of responsibility.

When you think about it, though, this isn’t all that different from a regular car accident. The legal standard for liability doesn’t change when there’s a rental car company involved, either. It still depends on “negligence.” So, when there’s a rental car accident in Thousand Oaks, the liable party will be whoever:

  • Acted negligently, which was directly related to the accident and your injuries.

So, this opens up liability to any of the following, depending on the specifics of the accident:

  • Driver of the rental car – Responsibility lies with the driver if they were speeding, distracted, or driving under the influence.
  • Rental car company – The rental company can be held accountable due to their ownership of the vehicle if the accident resulted from a maintenance issue or procedural problem.
  • Another driver – Another driver not directly involved in the collision could be liable for damages if they caused the accident.
  • Passengers – Passengers can share liability if their actions, like distracting the driver, contributed to the accident.
  • Car or parts manufacturers – These companies could be responsible if a defect in the rental car or its parts caused the accident.
  • Local or state government – Government entities in charge of maintenance could be responsible if poorly maintained roads or improper signage led to the accident.

Determining liability hinges on proving negligence, which not only impacts your potential claim but also dictates how your case will progress. It’s essential to understand how to access available financial support during this process.

Recovering Damages After a Rental Car Accident

Any car accident can result in physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses collectively known as “legal damages.” To recover these damages, you must file an injury claim, choosing between two main legal options:

  • Insurance claim – Handled out of court, this process provides quicker access to settlement funds but allows the insurance company to control the outcome, regardless of your claim’s strength.

  • Personal injury lawsuit – This formal legal action involves a longer process but offers an objective review by a judge and jury, potentially resulting in a higher financial award.

When filing your claim, you may seek recovery for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Vehicle repair or replacement costs
  • Lost wages or future earnings
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium
  • Wrongful death expenses in case of a fatality

 

Filing an injury claim promptly is crucial. In California, you have a two-year deadline from the date of the accident to file your claim. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering damages. But remember, our team will be there to support you and make sure you have everything you need.

Contact Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys After a Thousand Oaks Rental Car Accident

Dealing with a car accident in Thousand Oaks, especially with a rental car and company involved, can be overwhelming. At Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys, APC, our Thousand Oaks car accident lawyers are here to assist you. With our experience and resources, we ensure you have everything necessary for a strong claim.

Don’t hesitate–if you’ve been in a rental car accident in Thousand Oaks contact us today for a free consultation.

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