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Rental Car Accidents in El Centro

Anyone who has ever gotten behind the wheel of a rental vehicle knows how different the experience can be from operating a personal vehicle near where you live. However, regardless of how unfamiliar your car or the roads around you are, you still have a legal duty of care to act lawfully and responsibly at all times while driving. Anyone who causes a wreck by breaching that duty can be held financially accountable for the crash’s consequences.

That said, taking effective legal action over rental car accidents in El Centro can be tricky in numerous ways—especially if you have little or no past experience with auto accident claims. If you want a fair shot at getting compensation after this sort of crash, you will almost certainly need help from an experienced auto collision attorney.

Holding the Right People Liable for Rental Car Wrecks

Rental car companies are not usually civilly liable for accidents people cause while operating one of their rental vehicles around El Centro, unless handing over the keys to that renter was egregiously negligent. For example, if the renter was visibly intoxicated when they came to pick up their car. However, an individual rental car operator can be held personally liable for their actions behind the wheel of their rented vehicle and the actions of anyone whom they allow to operate that vehicle while it is rented out in their name.

It is also worth noting that various parties besides an individual rental car driver may be at fault for a wreck involving a rental car, such as:

  • Negligent mechanics
  • Vehicle manufacturers
  • Another driver on the road whose misconduct forced a rental car driver into an unavoidable crash

Determining who is to blame for a particular incident and taking proactive legal action against them is one of many things a seasoned attorney could provide invaluable assistance with.

What Filing Deadlines Apply to Car Crash Claims?

Legal counsel can also play a key role in building a strong civil claim over a rental car wreck in El Centro within the time limit set by California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Under this statute of limitations, someone who waits longer than two years to file suit after initially sustaining an injury through someone else’s misconduct may be time-barred from ever obtaining compensation for that particular injury.

While there are not such strict legally enforced deadlines on insurance claims after rental car collisions, individual policies often require claimants to report accidents within a few weeks or even a few days of the accident’s occurrence. Once again, a skilled legal representative could help build a strong claim for compensation while abiding by all applicable time limits.

Talk to an El Centro Attorney About a Rental Car Accident Lawsuit

Getting into a crash while driving a rental car or with someone operating their own rental car can be both personally aggravating and physically devastating. Fortunately, you have support available with obtaining the restitution you need after a wreck like this from tenacious legal professionals with a track record of success on behalf of people much like you.

After a rental car accident in El Centro, contacting a capable auto accident lawyer at Walter Clark Legal Group could be a key first step to getting the comprehensive compensation you need and deserve. Call today to schedule a free consultation.

Walter Clark Legal Group

Walter Clark Legal Group
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