Driver Liability
The driver of a rental car is liable if they:
• Caused the accident through negligence
• Violated traffic laws
• Drove under the influence
• Were using the car for unauthorized purposes
• Let an unauthorized driver operate the vehicle
• Caused the accident through negligence
• Violated traffic laws
• Drove under the influence
• Were using the car for unauthorized purposes
• Let an unauthorized driver operate the vehicle
Rental Company Liability
Rental companies may be liable if:
• The vehicle was defective and they knew or should have known
• They failed to properly maintain the vehicle
• They rented to an obviously unfit driver
• They failed to perform required safety recalls
Note: Federal law (Graves Amendment) generally protects rental companies from vicarious liability for renter negligence.
• The vehicle was defective and they knew or should have known
• They failed to properly maintain the vehicle
• They rented to an obviously unfit driver
• They failed to perform required safety recalls
Note: Federal law (Graves Amendment) generally protects rental companies from vicarious liability for renter negligence.
Third-Party Liability
Other parties may be liable:
• Vehicle manufacturer for defects
• Mechanic for negligent repairs
• Other drivers for causing the accident
• Road maintenance entities for dangerous conditions
• Vehicle manufacturer for defects
• Mechanic for negligent repairs
• Other drivers for causing the accident
• Road maintenance entities for dangerous conditions