Being in an accident is nerve-racking enough, especially if you sustain an injury. It can get even more stressful and confusing if you are injured in a rental car.
If that’s the situation you face, you might be wondering, who covers the costs? The state of Florida has laws that address this very question. On top of that, your rental agreement adds another layer of complexity.
Keep reading to learn more about who is responsible for covering the costs of an accident involving a rental car.
What Florida Law Says About Rental Car Accidents
Florida law requires the injured party to prove negligence on the part of the rental company in order to file a suit against them. A rental car company may be negligent if they:
- Fail to properly train or supervise their employees
- Fail to maintain the rental vehicle properly
- Rent a car to a driver they shouldn’t have
Of course, negligence must be proven for a rental company to be held responsible for the victim’s injuries and other damages.
If you’re injured in a rental car accident, and you’re unsure if negligence is a factor, contact an experienced rental car attorney from Demand the Limits who can review your situation and advise you of your best course of action.
Rental Car Legal Stipulations
When you rent a vehicle, the rental company requires you to sign their agreement that includes several stipulations that limit their risk of liability. For example, the contract usually contains language that requires the person who rented the car to take specified steps if an accident occurs. If the car renter does not follow the steps as prescribed, the agreement states that the person cannot hold the rental company liable.
Other stipulations are often required as well. The rental agreement may require you to report the accident in a specific manner, to a specific person or department, and within a stated time deadline. No one likes reading documents with a lot of legal jargon but doing so could save you headaches down the line.
Even if the company is not protected against claims made by the person who rented their vehicle, their lease agreement usually includes language designed to limit their liability for damages sustained by their customers.
Hire Demand the Limits to Help You Seek Compensation
Despite the efforts of rental car companies to protect themselves from liability claims, they can and should be held accountable when their negligence leads to injuries suffered by those who rent their vehicles.
Brain trauma, spinal injuries, broken bones, disfigurement, and many other injuries require long-term recovery. Accident victims may face the financial burden of mounting medical bills, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. Victims may also be dealing with non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Demand the Limits represents rental car accident victims and helps them get the fair compensation they deserve for their damages. Our experienced Boca Raton car accident lawyers understand the complexities of Florida rental car laws and rental agreements.
Let us help you starting right now. Call Demand the Limits today at (561) 600-3555 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
