At Patterson Law Group, we understand that rental car accidents can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you are far from home or dealing with unfamiliar legal processes.
As your trusted San Antonio rental car accident attorney, we are here to guide you through every step, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Rental Car Accidents in San Antonio
Rental car accidents are more complex than standard car accidents due to the involvement of rental companies, insurance policies, and additional parties like the at-fault driver. Our team of skilled attorneys has years of experience navigating these complexities to protect our client’s rights and secure the best outcomes.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, over 15,000 car accidents occurred in San Antonio in 2023 alone. Many of these incidents involved rental vehicles, highlighting the importance of having an experienced rental car accident lawyer represent you.
Understanding your legal rights and options after a rental car accident is crucial whether you are a resident or a visitor.
Common Causes of Rental Car Accidents
Several factors contribute to rental car accidents in San Antonio, including:
- Driver unfamiliarity with local roads: Visitors may not be familiar with Texas traffic laws or road layouts, leading to higher risks of accidents.
- Vehicle maintenance issues: Rental companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles, but sometimes, they fail to do so adequately.
- Driver negligence: Distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence are common causes of rental car accidents, just as they are with any vehicle.
As car accident lawyers in San Antonio, we have handled many cases. Our priority is always to hold negligent parties accountable and obtain the compensation our clients deserve.
Your Rights After a Rental Car Accident
Knowing your rights is essential if you have been involved in a rental car accident. Texas follows a “fault” system regarding car accidents, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for compensating the victim for damages. This can include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
As a San Antonio injury attorney, we will work to identify the liable party—whether it’s another driver, the rental company, or even the manufacturer of the rental vehicle. Our comprehensive approach ensures no stone is left unturned when building a strong case for you.
Who is Liable in a Rental Car Accident?
Liability in a rental car accident can vary based on several factors:
- The Other Driver: If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, their insurance would be responsible for covering your damages. We will aggressively pursue claims against the at-fault party to secure maximum compensation.
- The Rental Company: Rental car companies are legally required to maintain their vehicles in a safe, roadworthy condition. The rental company may be liable if a maintenance issue or vehicle defect contributed to your accident.
- The Renter (if not you): If someone else rented the vehicle and caused the accident while you were a passenger, they may be held responsible, particularly if they violated rental agreement terms or engaged in reckless driving behavior.
Our role as your top-rated car accident lawyer in San Antonio is to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident and determine who should be held accountable.
Insurance Coverage for Rental Car Accidents
Understanding insurance policies is crucial when dealing with rental car accidents. In Texas, liability insurance is required, but the coverage offered by rental car companies and your personal auto insurance policy can vary significantly.
- Rental Company Insurance: Most rental car companies offer optional insurance coverage to renters, such as collision damage waivers and liability coverage. If you opt for these, they may cover some or all of your expenses after an accident.
- Personal Auto Insurance: Depending on your policy terms, your personal auto insurance may provide coverage for rental car accidents. It’s essential to check whether your insurance extends to rental vehicles.
- Credit Card Insurance: Some credit cards offer insurance benefits when you rent a vehicle using their card. This can include damage coverage and liability protection.
We understand that navigating these options can be confusing. As your San Antonio rental car accident attorney, we will review all available policies to maximize your compensation.
Texas Laws and Rental Car Accidents
Texas law imposes specific requirements and regulations on rental car companies to ensure the safety of their vehicles and customers. For instance:
- Insurance Requirements: Texas Transportation Code §601.072 mandates that all drivers have minimum liability insurance coverage. This requirement extends to rental car companies when they provide vehicles to renters.
- Negligent Entrustment: Texas law also allows victims to sue rental companies under the legal doctrine of “negligent entrustment” if they knowingly rented a vehicle to an unfit driver (e.g., someone with a suspended license or a history of DUIs). We can pursue this claim if it applies to your case.
What to Do After a Rental Car Accident in San Antonio
Your actions immediately following a rental car accident can significantly impact your claim. Here’s what we recommend:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, medical evaluation is essential as some injuries may not present symptoms immediately.
- Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, damage, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the crash.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Filing a police report is crucial. It is an official accident record and can be invaluable evidence in your case.
- Notify the Rental Company: Inform the rental car company about the accident immediately. Follow their procedures, but be cautious about admitting fault or accepting blame.
- Contact a car accident lawyer in San Antonio: We can provide immediate guidance and protect your rights. The earlier we get involved, the stronger your case will be.
Our role as your San Antonio injury attorney is to manage all legal aspects of your case so you can focus on recovery.
Why Choose Patterson Law Group?
Choosing a car accident lawyer near me is a big decision. At Patterson Law Group, we pride ourselves on being a top-rated law firm in San Antonio, dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate legal services.
Our approach includes:
- Free Consultations: We offer initial consultations at no cost so that we can understand your situation and explain how we can help.
- No Win, No Fee Guarantee: You don’t pay us unless we win your case. This ensures that you receive the highest level of service and dedication from our team.
- Proven Results: Our track record of successful rental car accident cases speaks for itself. We know what it takes to secure favorable outcomes for our clients.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
In a rental car accident case, you may be eligible for various types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: From emergency room visits to ongoing physical therapy, we seek compensation for all your medical costs.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, we fight for compensation for lost wages, including future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Beyond financial losses, we also pursue damages for emotional distress and physical pain.
We are committed to ensuring that our clients receive full and fair compensation. As your rental car accident lawyer in San Antonio, we’ll stand by your side, advocating for your best interests at every step.
Contact Patterson Law Group Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rental car accident in San Antonio, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. The sooner you reach out to us, the better we can protect your rights and build a strong case on your behalf.
Call us today for a free consultation with a San Antonio rental car accident attorney. Let us show you why we are the top-rated car accident lawyers in San Antonio and how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.