College Park Rental Car Accident Lawyer

Rental Car Accident Attorney in College Park, GA

A College Park rental car accident lawyer can help you or a loved one if you’ve been injured in a crash with a rental car near Camp Creek Parkway or along the many roads near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Rental car crashes present unique and often complex insurance issues when drivers are from out of state or when layered commercial insurance policies are in play. 

Hall & Lampros, LLP advocates for the rights of injury victims who face expensive medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty after a serious crash. One of the first steps in protecting your rights after a car accident is understanding how liability and insurance coverage are determined in rental car accidents.

Hire a Rental Car Accident Lawyer

The attorneys at Hall & Lampros, LLP, have more than 60 years of collective experience representing the rights of injury victims in Georgia. Rental car crashes can be especially complex cases to pursue. They involve multiple layers of insurance, commercial liability policies, and drivers from outside of the state. Determining who is at fault, which insurance policies may cover the loss, and the limits of those policies is only the first step.

We can represent you in College Park and throughout the state if you or a loved one were hurt by a negligent driver who caused a crash while driving either a rental or personally-owned vehicle. We can investigate the incident, thoroughly review all available insurance policies, and stand ready to file a legal claim, if necessary, in order to help you pursue the full amount you deserve under Georgia law.

How Liability Is Determined in Rental Car Accidents

Negligence law determines who is at fault for a car accident involving a rental car in Georgia. All motorists have a duty to operate with reasonable care, and they may be responsible for another’s financial losses when they do not. 

Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. In other words, an injured person can recover some amount of compensation unless they are 50% or more at fault. An injured person’s recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault.

The renter, the authorized driver, or a negligent motorist may be responsible for a collision involving a rental vehicle. An analysis of the rental contract, crash report, and witness evidence may be necessary to determine what percentage of fault should be allocated to the defendants.

Insurance Coverage in Rental Vehicle Collisions

Insurance coverage in rental car crashes can be complex. Georgia law requires motorists to carry minimum liability insurance coverage under the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act. Rental car accidents can involve two or more overlapping policies: the renter’s personal auto insurance policy, optional rental protection plans, and credit card insurance. 

Deciding which insurance policy takes precedence typically hinges on a careful examination of the contract terms and any applicable exclusions. Rental vehicles are often driven by out-of-state visitors who rent near Hartsfield-Jackson, so serious crashes often involve coverage disputes over priority and limits.

Accidents Near Hartsfield-Jackson and High-Traffic Areas in College Park

College Park is a popular drop-off and pick-up location for rental cars since it is close to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world. Over 104 million passengers passed through Hartsfield-Jackson in 2023, contributing to a high volume of vehicles around airport roadways.

A higher number of vehicles along I-85, I-285, and Camp Creek Parkway means a greater chance of a collision with drivers who aren’t familiar with the roads. Out-of-state drivers may be using high-volume roadways and be more likely to suddenly change lanes, take wrong exits, or be distracted behind the wheel.

Injuries and Damages in Rental Car Crash Claims

Accidents involving rental cars can cause catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, and multiple fractures. In 2023, Georgia reported 1,615 traffic fatalities in the state, underscoring the high risk of death or serious injury in motor vehicle crashes. Early reports indicate 422 motor vehicle traffic fatalities in 2024.

While not all crashes result in fatalities, high-impact collisions often result in long-term medical complications and disability. The evaluation of damages involves the review of medical records, treatment plans, and future care projections so that financial recovery reflects both immediate losses and anticipated future harm.

FAQs

Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Rental Car Accident in Georgia?

Medical bills after a rental car accident in Georgia are usually paid through the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. Payment isn’t always immediate. Initially, your health insurance might cover your care, and this can create reimbursement complications after a settlement.

If there are multiple policies in play, there may be more than one insurer determining who’s responsible. Understanding how payment and reimbursement work is important when medical expenses begin accumulating.

Can I File a Claim If I Was a Passenger in a Rental Car?

Passengers hurt in a rental car can make a claim against the driver who caused the accident, even if that driver was operating the rental vehicle or another car. Passengers are rarely at fault and may be eligible to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. The owner of the vehicle does not change the fact that an injured passenger may have a claim.

Does It Matter If the Rental Driver Was From Another State?

The rental driver’s home state is irrelevant in a rental car accident claim. For the most part, Georgia courts have jurisdiction over accidents that take place in Georgia, even if the at-fault driver is a resident of another state. Insurance policies that are issued in other states can still apply to a crash in College Park. This determination is made based on jurisdiction as well as the terms of the driver’s coverage, including residency.

What If the Rental Car Company Refuses to Provide Information?

After a rental car accident, if the rental company is not providing pertinent information, you may need to consider legal processes to secure the necessary documentation. The rental agreement, driver authorization form, and insurance information can be crucial documents in determining liability and coverage. When facing resistance, formal discovery requests or court orders may be necessary to obtain the records required for an accurate evaluation of the claim.

Contact a College Park Rental Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents involving rental vehicles are sometimes different from standard car accidents, particularly when it comes to liability and insurance coverage. If you have been injured in a College Park rental car accident, hire a rental car accident lawyer from Hall & Lampros, LLP. Schedule a consultation today.