Being involved in a rental car accident can turn a vacation, business trip, or daily errand into a confusing and stressful experience. You may be dealing with injuries and vehicle damage, and it can be difficult to determine who is responsible when a rental agreement and multiple insurance policies are involved. A lawyer who handles rental car accidents in Nashville can help you get the coverage and compensation that you deserve.
Navigating these cases without the right legal guidance can be overwhelming. An experienced car wreck attorney can help you identify the liable parties, communicate with insurance adjusters, and review complicated contracts. If you are visiting from out of town, it is especially important to work with a local firm familiar with rental car policies and relevant laws. Ponce Law is proud to serve our clients with a personal, committed approach.
One of the most important aspects of any auto accident case is determining who is legally at fault. That becomes especially complex when a rental car is involved. Liability may fall on the rental car driver, the other driver, the rental company, or even a third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer or a maintenance contractor. A lawyer handling Nashville rental car accidents can help negotiate with insurance companies and the rental company to determine liability and seek compensation from the appropriate sources.
As outlined in Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-11-103, the state follows a modified comparative fault system. That means you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50 percent responsible for the accident, though the court will reduce your compensation in proportion to your share of the fault. This is another reason to have someone in your corner who understands how to present evidence and argue for your best possible outcome.
Another layer of complexity in rental car crashes is insurance coverage. Most rental companies offer basic insurance options, but these often include limited liability and may not protect you from out-of-pocket costs. You might also have coverage through your personal auto policy or a credit card benefit, but those policies do not always apply.
A Nashville rental car crash attorney can examine every insurance policy connected to the accident—including the rental agreement—to determine how you should layer your coverage. If an insurance company denies your claim or makes a low offer, your lawyer can step in to advocate on your behalf. They may also utilize local resources, such as RoadProof, which accesses Tennessee Department of Transportation camera footage, to help establish what happened in the crash.
Rental car accidents are different because the vehicle involved may be unfamiliar to the driver. Features, braking sensitivity, and even visibility can vary, especially if someone just picked up the car and is not yet used to driving it. Tourists unfamiliar with Nashville’s roads, signage, or traffic patterns may be more likely to make mistakes that result in a rental car collision.
Rental companies have a legal duty to maintain their vehicles. If poor maintenance contributed to the crash, they may be partially liable. An attorney with experience in these cases can investigate maintenance records, rental company practices, and related factors to identify any potential negligence.
If you were involved in a rental car accident, you do not have to figure everything out on your own. Whether you were the renter, another driver, or a passenger, Ponce Law can help you understand your rights. A lawyer who handles rental car accidents in Nashville can help you deal with insurance companies, establish fault, and recover damages for your injuries, lost wages, and other losses.
At Ponce Law, we know the local roads, the laws, and how to fight for people. Our firm has received the Torch Award from the Better Business Bureau for our ethical practices and was voted one of Nashville’s Best Law Firms by the Tennessean’s Best of Music City Awards. Call us today to schedule a free case review.
