Given the number of visitors Bakersfield receives each year, it should come as no surprise that many rental cars are on the road. While accidents can happen to anyone, people from out of town are more likely to be involved in a collision due to being unfamiliar with the area.
If you suffered injuries in a rental car accident in Bakersfield, you could have a case for compensation. However, these claims can be more complicated than typical car accidents due to the involvement of a rental vehicle and multiple potential sources of liability or insurance coverage. A skilled attorney from Valero Law Group can help you navigate these complexities and explore your legal options. Call today to learn more.
Who Pays For a Rental Car Accident?
One of the complicating factors in rental car accident cases in Bakersfield is that it may not be immediately obvious who is on the hook for the cost of a crash. While it is always possible to pursue an injury case against the at-fault driver, the involvement of a rental car can complicate things.
In most cases, auto insurance will cover these expenses—at least in part. However, determining which policy is responsible is one of the most complicated issues after a crash. In general, the liability coverage of the at-fault party will be responsible for paying for these damages up to the limits on the policy.
Insurance policies paid for by other parties might also cover these expenses. This starts with a policy provided by the rental company. Usually, different insurance options are available for renters. An injured driver might also be able to file a claim with their own carrier if they have the right type of insurance. Full coverage will not only protect someone from claims made by other drivers but also pay for that person’s own losses.
When insurance coverage is not an option, a lawsuit against the negligent driver is still available. However, these individuals frequently lack the personal assets needed to cover the cost of a crash. An attorney can provide insight into the best potential sources for compensation.
Damages in a Rental Accident Lawsuit
No matter who ultimately pays, the same types of damages are available in these cases. That does not mean recovering an award is easy. There are many complications that go into a Bakersfield rental car accident claim that will determine the types and amount of damages.
Typically, compensation comes in two categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damages cover a person’s financial losses, like their medical bills, lost wages, or the cost of repairing their vehicle. A successful civil suit can provide someone with the resources they need to return to the financial position they were in immediately before the collision.
Non-economic damages have nothing to do with out-of-pocket financial losses. Instead, they compensate an injury victim for the subjective losses they experienced following a collision. The most common example of these damages is pain and suffering. While there is no way to prove exactly what a person’s pain is worth, an attorney can show how it has impacted their quality of life. Call to learn more about valuing a claim.
Talk to a lawyer in Bakersfield About Filing a Rental Car Accident Claim
If you suffered injuries in a rental car accident in Bakersfield, now is the right time to seek legal help. An attorney can assist you with evaluating the strength of your case and making the strongest argument for negligence. Reach out right away to discuss your legal options during a confidential consultation.
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