Rental Car Accidents on Highway 101 in Thousand Oaks

Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys, APC helps rental car accident victims in Thousand Oaks. With so many people traveling in and around Thousand Oaks, there’s bound to be car accidents. But, they’re more common in certain spots, none more so than Highway 101 that runs straight through the heart of Thousand Oaks. If you or someone you know has been hurt in a rental car accident on Highway 101, contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Would You Need a Lawyer?

Given the heavy traffic along Highway 101 in Thousand Oaks, car accidents are rather frequent. But this doesn’t necessarily mean you need a lawyer.

If your accident is minor, you might not need a lawyer. However, serious accidents, which are common on this stretch of highway, is the main reason why you’d need a lawyer. Here’s how we can help:

  • Collect and review evidence – We gather and examine medical records and accident reports.
  • Negotiate settlements – We work with the other party’s insurance company to secure a fair settlement for you.
  • File lawsuits – If necessary, we file a lawsuit against the responsible party and represent you in court.
  • Proceed to trial – If a settlement isn’t possible, we take your case to trial.

With extensive experience in car accident claims, our team is dedicated to helping Thousand Oaks drivers and passengers. We want to make the process as smooth as possible for you so you can focus on getting better.

Why Do Rental Car Accidents Happen on Highway 101?

Not surprisingly, Highway 101 is full of drivers in their own car and in rentals. In terms of the underlying causes of these accidents, it doesn’t really matter if you’re in your own car or driving a rental–certain actions are going to cause them. At the same time, certain scenarios are also present when a rental car is in play:

  • Unfamiliarity with the car – Drivers may not be used to the controls, size, or handling of the rental car.
  • Unfamiliarity with Thousand Oaks – Navigating unfamiliar stretches of Highway 101 in Thousand Oaks can lead to mistakes or missed signs.
  • Distracted driving – Drivers might be adjusting the GPS, using their phone, or dealing with other distractions.
  • Speeding – Rushing to reach a destination can result in driving too fast for the conditions.
  • Fatigue – Travelers, especially those on long trips, might be tired and less attentive.
  • Road conditions – Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, and obstacles can contribute to accidents.
  • Mechanical failures – Issues with the rental car itself, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, can lead to accidents.

Understanding these factors can help drivers take precautions to avoid accidents when using a rental car or sharing the road with them on Highway 101. But remember, while it’s always best to do what you can to avoid an accident, being in one is going to require you to do certain things to protect a potential claim.

What Should You Do After a Rental Car Accident on Highway 101?

The steps you need to take after being in a rental car accident on Highway 101 isn’t all that different from being in one anywhere else. You need to prioritize your health and safety first, then do what you can to gather as much evidence and information as possible. Specifically, though, here’s what you should do:

  • Check for injuries – Your health is always the top priority. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt or if you’re unsure, call 911 right away. Let EMTs examine you when they arrive. Also, try to move vehicles out of traffic to prevent further accidents.

  • Call the police – 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’ll come and clear the scene and help you get information.

  • Exchange information – Share names, phone numbers, and insurance details with other drivers involved.

  • Document the scene – Take photos of the vehicles, damage, and any relevant signs or signals nearby.

  • See a doctor – Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and this also creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.

  • Keep all the evidence you have – Keep documents like medical bills and repair estimates. Don’t repair or replace damaged items until they can be documented for your case.

Being in a car accident on Highway 101 can be scary and make these steps hard to manage, especially if you’re seriously hurt. Our team is here to assist you, and this includes figuring out who’s responsible for the accident itself.

Who’s Liable For a Rental Car Accident on Highway 101?

Even if it happens on Highway 101, a rental car accident is legally the same as any other car accident. This makes things a bit easier in terms of establishing “liability”, or the legal responsibility for taking care of your injuries and other losses. Basically, liability hinges on negligence, or the breach of duty to keep you and others safe.

In reality, though, it’s not always straightforward when there’s a rental car accident. It depends on what happens. Here are the main scenarios when a rental car is involved:

  • Driver of the rental car – If the driver was speeding, distracted, or under the influence, they are typically at fault.

  • Rental car company – Since they own the vehicle, the rental company can be liable if the accident was due to maintenance issues or procedural errors.

  • Some other driver – If another driver caused the accident, they would be responsible for damages.

  • Passengers – Passengers who contribute to the accident, such as by distracting the driver, may share liability.

  • Vehicle manufacturers – Manufacturers could be responsible if a defect in the rental car or its parts caused the accident.

  • Government agencies – Whoever is in charge of road maintenance or signage along Highway 101 may be liable if their negligence contributed to the accident. This usually falls on the local or state government.

If you were driving the rental car and didn’t cause the accident, you still have the right to file an injury claim under “comparative negligence.” This means your potential compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Understanding negligence is crucial for determining liability and pursuing financial support for your claim. Any car accident is going to leave you facing some type of loss, whether it’s:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
  • Vehicle repair or replacement costs

These are the crux of your legal “damages” that are made available to you in the legal process. Whether you decide to file an insurance claim out of court or a personal injury lawsuit, our team can guide you through your claim and make sure you get a fair settlement or verdict.

Free Consultations Rental Car Accident Victims in Thousand Oaks

Going through a rental car accident on Highway 101 in Thousand Oaks can be life-changing, but you don’t have to handle it alone. At Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys, APC our rental car accident lawyers are here to guide you through the claims process.

We make sure you have a strong claim and the necessary resources for recovery. Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation if you’ve been in one of these accidents.