As the capital city of the U.S. State of Texas, Austin is popular for outdoor adventures, live music venues, and savory food. At the same time, it is also known for its huge population. Due to its huge population, fatal car accidents have become common in Austin.
It is important to consult an Austin car accident lawyer if you have been injured in a car crash.
The rental car business has grown a lot in the last few years. These businesses are a major contributor to car accidents. Getting injured in a rental vehicle can be extremely challenging. You don’t know who is responsible for paying the compensation for the crash.
Who are the Liable Parties for a Rental Car Accident in Austin?
- Other driver
- The rental car company
- Car manufacturer
- Commercial vehicle operators
- Government agencies
Other Driver
If you were injured in a rental car accident due to the negligence of the other car driver, then their insurance company is legally liable for your injuries and damages.
Then, you can file a car accident claim against the insurer of the at-fault driver. The other driver will pay for all the following damages that you sustained in the accident:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Expenses for repair or replacement of vehicle parts
The Rental Car Company
The rental car company has the responsibility to inspect and maintain the vehicle in good condition. If they fail to do so, then they can be held liable for the rental car accident.
For instance, if the rental car had defective tires or brakes that caused the crash, you could sue the rental car company for their negligence.
Commercial Vehicle Operators
In Austin, large commercial vehicles such as buses, semi-trucks, and limousines are a common cause of car crashes. These accidents can cause life-threatening injuries and severe damage to the victim.
In this scenario, you can hold the drivers and their owners of commercial vehicles for all the damages you sustained in the rental car accident.
Car Manufacturer
The manufacturer of the car can be held liable for the injuries and damages you suffered in a crash. If the collision was caused by a defect in the manufacturing or design of the car, then the car manufacturer is legally responsible for the accident.
In this situation, an experienced lawyer will help you file a claim against the car manufacturer. They will also prove that the car was hazardous due to the defect, and this defect caused the car crash.
Government Agencies
Most of the victims are unaware that government agencies are also responsible for the injuries and damages they sustained in the accident. Car accidents can also happen due to improper road maintenance. Austin’s local and state agencies should have the legal responsibility to maintain the road in good condition.
By doing so, it also safeguards pedestrians, motorists, and other road users. The following are some of the dangers that a driver may encounter on the road:
- Sinkholes
- Damaged guardrails
- Malfunctioning traffic signs
- Potholes
- Flood drainage
- Poorly marked work zones
- Confusing or hard-to-read signs
- Uneven or broken pavement
If the car accident occurred due to the hazardous road condition, then you should file a case against the government agency in Austin.
Final Thoughts
It is important to clearly understand who is liable in a car accident. This could help you get reasonable compensation for your injuries and damages. It is not at all easier to hold the liable parties because every car accident is different. That’s why you should get assistance from an experienced car accident attorney who can guide you through the whole legal process.
