Las Vegas is a popular tourist destination, which means there are many rental cars on the roads being driven by people who are unfamiliar with the area, distracted, sleep-deprived, or under the influence – all very common causes of vehicle collisions. If you’ve been in a car accident that was caused by a driver with a rented vehicle, you may be wondering who is liable for your injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Victims of rental car accidents in Nevada may be able to obtain compensation from both the driver and rental car company, depending on the circumstances of the accident. If you are deemed partly at fault for the accident, you may still be able to obtain compensation under Nevada’s law of comparative negligence, which means that drivers can obtain compensation if they are less than 51% responsible for the collision.
If you’ve been injured in an accident with a rental car, contact an experienced Nevada personal injury lawyer right away to discuss your situation and to learn more about your options.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Injured By A Car Accident In Las Vegas?
Get in touch with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and represent you in negotiations with insurance companies. Accidents involving rental cars can be more complex than typical car accidents because the rental companies have corporate lawyers who will work hard to minimize a payout, especially if you are also working with the driver’s insurance company.
If negotiations are unsuccessful, you can file a lawsuit against the liable party. Your Nevada car accident lawyer will need to prove four elements:
- That the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care,
- That the defendant breached this duty,
- That the breach caused the plaintiff’s injury, and
- That the injury resulted in damages
Drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road as part of the responsibility of driving. Common examples of negligence associated with rental car drivers in particular include:
- Distracted driving, a common problem when vehicle renters are unfamiliar with the area
- Intoxication with drugs or alcohol, also common in Las Vegas when drivers have been at a casino or event
- Driving while overly tired
- Speeding
- Texting while driving
It’s important to note that rental car companies can also be negligent, such as when they rent vehicles to underage drivers or fail to properly service their vehicles. These types of negligence can result in additional lawsuits or affect who can be sued for your damages.
What Compensation Can I Receive If I’ve Been Injured By A Rental Car In Las Vegas?
If you’ve been injured by a rental vehicle, you may be able to work with your Las Vegas auto injury attorney to pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills and ongoing medical expenses related to your injuries
- Lost wages, if your injuries prevent you from working
- Loss of future earnings
- Damage to your vehicle and/or property
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Victims may also be able to sue for punitive damages if the accident was intentionally or maliciously caused. People who deliberately contribute to an accident with a rental car can be charged with a crime and face criminal consequences.
Who Can Be Sued After A Rental Car Accident In Nevada?
Exactly who can be sued will depend on the circumstances of the accident. Your lawyer can provide guidance. Parties who can be sued for your accident may include:
- The driver of the rental car
- The rental car company
- The manufacturer of the rental car
- Other drivers who may have been involved in a multiple vehicle crash
What If I Was Partially At Fault For The Crash?
According to Nevada’s law of comparative negligence, drivers can receive damages if they were less than 51% responsible for the accident. Damages will be scaled by the percentage that the driver was liable. To prove liability, your Las Vegas car accident lawyer will gather evidence to support your claim, which may include police reports, witness testimony, weather reports, road condition reports, medical records, BAC testing results, cell phone records, car maintenance and repair records, photos of the scene, video surveillance, and more. All of this evidence will be used to determine who was at fault and maximize your settlement.
Nevada has a two year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits, so don’t delay; if you’ve been injured in a rental car accident in Las Vegas, get in touch with a personal injury attorney firm as soon as possible.
Let Us Guide You Through Your Accident Claims
If you’ve been injured in an accident with a rental car, don’t try to face corporate insurance companies alone! Let the experienced legal team at Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC provide representation and guidance through the process. We are Nevada’s leading personal injury firm, emphasizing a personal approach and client satisfaction in each case. Our method works! Since 2004, we have settled over $215 million for our clients. Contact our office today to schedule your confidential, obligation-free consultation.
Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers
Summerlin Location
11441 Allerton Park Dr #100
Las Vegas, NV 89135
Phone: 702-684-6900
Fax: 702-382-9798
Downtown Location
626 S 10th St
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: 702-382-9797
Fax: 702-382-9798
Henderson Location
9230 S Eastern Ave #155
Las Vegas, NV 89123
Phone: 702-463-2900
Fax: 702-382-9798
Reno Location
1320 E Plumb Lane Ste A
Reno, NV 89502
Phone: 775-600-6000
Fax: 702-382-9798
