Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys, APC helps anyone that’s been hurt in a rental car accident along Highway 1 in Thousand Oaks. This is one of the busiest stretches of road in the city, both for drivers in their own car and visitors or others in rental cars. If you or someone you know has been injured in a rental car accident on Highway 1, contact us today for a free consultation.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
No matter where it happens, you don’t want to be in a car accident. That said, when it does happen to you on Highway 1 and a rental car is involved, it makes things a bit different. Still, you don’t need a lawyer (or probably need to worry about filing a claim) if your accident is minor.
However, serious accidents, which are common on this highway, often require legal help. Our team can help you in this situation by gathering and reviewing medical records and accident reports to build your case. We negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement. If needed, we file lawsuits and represent you in court. If a settlement isn’t possible, we present your case before a judge and jury at trial to get a fair verdict.
What to Do After a Rental Car Accident on Highway 1
Obviously, being in a car accident on Highway 1 is a scary situation. Not only could you be seriously injured, but if you’re driving a rental car (or the other car is a rental car), it’s going to make the situation a bit more complicated. What you need to do, though, is to focus on your health and get as much information as you can. So, if you’re in one of these accidents, here’s what you need to do:
- Get medical attention – Your health should always be your first priority. Check yourself and anyone else with you for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured or if you’re unsure. Let EMTs examine you when they arrive. If possible, move vehicles to a safe location to prevent further accidents.
- Call the police and tell them what happened – Contact the Thousand Oaks Police Department, California Highway Patrol (CHP), or Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, especially if there are injuries or significant damage. They will help manage the scene and gather essential information.
- Exchange pertinent details – Share names, phone numbers, and insurance details with other involved drivers.
- Document the accident scene – Take photos of the vehicles, damage, and any relevant signs or signals nearby.
- Get further medical care – Even if you feel okay, visit a doctor. Some injuries may not have immediate symptoms, and a medical record will link your injuries to the accident.
- Keep evidence and records – Keep all documents such as medical bills and repair estimates. Avoid repairing or replacing damaged items until they are documented for your case.
Remember, these accidents can strike at any time, so it’s important to be prepared. However, if you’re injured, it makes everything more difficult. Still, it’s important to do what you can to get this information for your claim.
What Are Your Claim Options After a Rental Car Accident on Highway 1?
In terms of the legal process, it doesn’t matter whether you’re renting the car yourself or someone else is renting the car and hits you–if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you’re legally able to file an injury claim to recover damages.
It also doesn’t matter where on Highway 1 the accident happens. Your claim options remain the same: you can either file an insurance claim out of court or a personal injury lawsuit inside the court system to recover your damages.
An insurance claim is less formal because it’s not a formal legal action. It can give you quicker access to financial support because it’s totally controlled by the insurance company, but it’s worth remembering that their ultimate goal is to save money and pay you as little as possible.
On the other hand, a lawsuit gives you a better chance at fair damages, but takes more time and effort on your part (with our help.)
Regardless of which option you choose, our team can help you put together a strong case for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income or earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for your vehicle
- Towing or other service charges for a rental car
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses
Remember, in California you only have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. If you miss the statute of limitations, you can’t recover damages.
Who Pays For Your Damages After a Highway 1 Rental Car Accident?
Probably the most confusing thing about a rental car accident on Highway 1 involves liability, or the legal responsibility for paying for your damages. The legal standard doesn’t change–whoever acted with negligence is responsible.
But in real-world application, it’s not always that easy. Basically, many different people or parties can be responsible. It ultimately depends on the circumstances. Generally though, the following are usually responsible:
- Rental car driver – They are liable for not following traffic laws, speeding, driving under the influence, or being distracted while driving.
- Rental car company – The rental company is responsible if the accident is due to a maintenance issue or a problem with the rental process.
- Another driver – Like any other car accident, another driver can be held liable if they cause the accident through their actions.
- Manufacturer – Vehicle or parts makers can be liable if a defect in the rental car or its parts leads to the accident.
- Road maintenance agencies – They can be responsible if the accident is caused by poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage.
- Passengers – Passengers can share liability if their actions, such as distracting the driver, contribute to the accident.
- Yourself -If you are driving the rental car and did not cause the accident, you can still pursue an injury claim. However, under “comparative negligence,” any potential damages might be reduced based on your level of fault.
Highway 1 in Thousand Oaks is busy with both private and rental cars, and certain actions often cause accidents regardless of what the ownership situation is. However, rental cars bring specific risks: drivers may be unfamiliar with the car’s controls, struggle with navigating unfamiliar stretches of the highway, and are prone to distractions. Speeding, fatigue, poor road conditions, and mechanical failures in rental cars also contribute to accidents. Understanding these risks can help you take precautions and help you figure out who’s responsible. And remember, our team will be there to guide and support you.
Contact Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys After a Highway 1 Rental Car Accident
When you think about how many times you find yourself on Highway 1, it’s not far-fetched to be involved in a car accident. But when there’s a rental car involved, it makes the situation more complex. At Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys, our Thousand Oaks rental car accident lawyers can help you. We’ll explain your rights and guide you through the process. Contact us today for a free consultation.