A rental car accident can quickly become complicated, especially when multiple insurance companies get involved. Your New Orleans rental car accident lawyer from Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers will take on the legal fight so you can focus on your recovery.
With over $100 million recovered for injury victims, our New Orleans car accident lawyer is ready to help when you contact us today to request your free consultation.
Exploring Liability in a Rental Car Accident
Liability in a rental car accident depends on several factors, including who was driving, who owned the vehicle, and whether negligence played a role. In some cases, the driver may be responsible, while in others, the rental company or a third party could be held accountable.
A New Orleans personal injury lawyer with Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers can assess the details of your crash and identify all liable parties.
When the Rental Car Company May Be Responsible
Rental car companies have a legal duty to ensure that the vehicles they provide are safe for use. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:220, rental companies may be held liable if they knowingly rent out a vehicle with mechanical defects or fail to perform necessary maintenance. If a crash occurs due to brake failure, engine malfunctions, or tire defects, the rental company may be responsible for damages.
Liability can also arise if the rental company fails to properly vet drivers before renting out a vehicle. If an unqualified or unlicensed driver causes an accident while operating a rental car, the company may share responsibility for the crash. Reviewing rental agreements and maintenance records can help determine whether the rental company’s negligence contributed to the accident.
When Another Driver Is Liable for the Crash
Not all rental car accidents are caused by the driver of the rented vehicle. If another motorist was speeding, driving distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may be at fault for the crash. Even though the accident involved a rental car, the negligent driver’s insurance company may be responsible for covering damages.
Determining liability in these cases requires gathering police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. If the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, recovering full compensation may be more challenging. In these situations, rental car insurance policies or personal uninsured motorist coverage may help cover losses.
When a Vehicle Manufacturer or Repair Shop May Be Liable
Some rental car accidents occur due to defective vehicle parts or improper repairs. If a manufacturer produces a faulty braking system, steering component, or airbag, they may be liable for the crash. Holding manufacturers accountable requires proving that the defect existed when the vehicle left the factory and directly contributed to the accident.
Similarly, if a repair shop fails to properly service a rental car, liability may fall on the business responsible for maintenance. Faulty repairs, improperly installed parts, or skipped safety checks can lead to preventable mechanical failures. Investigating service records and mechanical reports can help establish whether maintenance issues played a role in the crash.
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504-500-1111Insurance Complications in Rental Car Accidents
Rental car accidents can involve multiple insurance policies, making the claims process more complex. Liability may fall under the rental company’s policy, as well as the driver’s personal auto insurance or third-party liability coverage. The following insurance factors can affect how compensation is handled:
- Rental company policies – Some rental agreements include liability coverage, but exclusions and coverage limits may apply.
- Personal insurance – Many personal auto insurance policies extend coverage to rental cars, but the extent of protection depends on the policy terms.
- Third-party liability – If another driver caused the crash, their insurance company may be responsible for damages, but coverage disputes can delay compensation.
Sorting through multiple insurance policies can create challenges when seeking compensation for medical expenses and vehicle damage. Rental car agreements often contain fine print that limits liability coverage, leaving drivers with unexpected financial responsibility. Understanding how different insurance policies interact can help determine the best way to pursue compensation.
Common Causes of Rental Car Accidents in New Orleans
New Orleans’ busy streets, frequent tourism, and unpredictable traffic patterns create conditions where rental car accidents are common. Tourists unfamiliar with local roads may make sudden turns or fail to follow traffic laws, increasing the risk of crashes.
Your New Orleans rental car accident attorney can investigate whether driver error, poor road conditions, or mechanical failure played a role in the accident.
Rental Cars and Increased Risk of Mechanical Failures
Rental cars experience frequent use, often being driven by multiple people in a short period. Without proper maintenance, rental vehicles can develop mechanical issues that lead to accidents. Your New Orleans catastrophic injury lawyer can help determine whether mechanical failure contributed to your crash.
Common mechanical failures in rental cars include brake malfunctions, worn tires, and electrical system failures. If a rental company fails to inspect and repair vehicles between uses, drivers may be put at risk without realizing the car is unsafe. Investigating maintenance records and vehicle history reports can reveal whether rental car negligence played a role in the accident.
Unfamiliarity with Rental Vehicles and Safety Risks
Many rental car accidents occur because drivers are unfamiliar with the vehicle they are operating. Rental cars often have different blind spots, braking systems, and safety features than the driver’s personal vehicle. Adjusting to an unfamiliar car while navigating busy streets can increase the risk of collisions.
Tourist-Related Rental Car Accidents
New Orleans attracts millions of visitors each year, many of whom rent vehicles while exploring the city. Tourists unfamiliar with local traffic laws, road layouts, and common driving hazards are more likely to make errors behind the wheel. This can lead to sudden stops, wrong-way driving, or confusion at intersections, increasing the risk of accidents.
Tourist-related accidents may involve rental car companies, personal insurance providers, or out-of-state policies. Liability can become complicated when drivers from different states or countries are involved in a crash. Your rental car accident attorney in New Orleans can investigate driver history, rental agreements, and insurance policies, which is essential to determining fault and securing compensation.
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504-500-1111Get Legal Help From a Rental Car Accident Lawyer in New Orleans
If you were injured in a rental car accident, you need a legal team that understands the complexities of these claims. Our firm will fight for maximum compensation and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Call now or submit our convenient contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with your rental car accident lawyer in New Orleans with Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers.
