Crashes with rental cars happen more frequently in busy hubs and urban centers across California. As the U.S. state with the highest population, more people are renting vehicles for both business and leisure. These extra vehicles add to traffic jams in crowded intersections, dense neighborhoods, and transportation centers like airports. In these tense situations, consulting with a knowledgeable rental car accident lawyer can be the key to holding the responsible party accountable and recovering the compensation you deserve. Deldar Legal is here to help you do that, so let’s take a closer look.

Popularity of Rental Cars

For people to need a rental car accident lawyer, the roadways need to have rental cars on them. According to industry experts, the worldwide car rental market in 2025 is expected to reach sales over $108 billion. That number is projected to grow even more between 2025 and 2029. California needs to keep an eye on this trend as more people will be renting vehicles. For example, let’s take a closer look at California’s largest city, Los Angeles. The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) alone has over 20 different car rental options. This doesn’t even include the area’s other airports:

The above airports represent just one metropolitan area in Southern California. We also have to consider major transportation hubs like San Diego, Fresno and Bakersfield in the Central Valley, and the Bay Area in Northern California. With this many rental cars traveling throughout the state, the chances of getting into an accident with one is likely. Rental car companies operate everywhere so businesspeople, companies, and tourists can rent vehicles.

Rental Car Company Operations

With the convenience of online reservations and access to a wide range of vehicle options, millions of people rely on rental cars for short-term transportation needs. Many of the rental car companies have established themselves as vendors in California. In 2024, J.D. Power put together its North American Rental Car Satisfaction Study that ranks the best car rental companies. The list ranks the top 13 companies as follows:

  1. National
  2. Enterprise
  3. Sixt
  4. Advantage
  5. Alamo
  6. Hertz
  7. Ace
  8. Payless
  9. Avis
  10. Fox
  11. Thrifty
  12. Budget
  13. Dollar

Many of the companies on this list offer exclusive deals and benefits to make renting their vehicles more affordable and convenient. National, the number one company on the list, has the Emerald Club. The Emerald Club is their free loyalty program designed to streamline the rental experience for frequent travelers. Members can bypass the counter at participating locations, select any midsize or larger vehicle from the Emerald Aisle, and pay only the midsize rate. A program like this increases the number of rental vehicles on the road with enticing offers and benefits.

Rental Car Accident Case

When you break it down, it’s very simple. A rental car accident means a collision where a rental vehicle is part of the crash. It may affect drivers, passengers, or even pedestrians. These incidents can happen for various reasons, including driver negligence, mechanical failure, or hazardous road conditions. Accidents can occur in all sorts of ways. At Deldar, we mostly see these types of cases:

  • Accidents caused by the rental car driver.
  • Accidents caused by another driver while you were operating a rental vehicle.
  • Defective or poorly maintained rental vehicles.
  • Crash with out-of-state drivers or tourists.

As you can see, multiple parties could be responsible. You have the driver of the rental vehicle, the rental car company, and car manufacturers, all of which can be the cause of the accident depending on the situation. These types of cases demand thorough investigation and legal leg work. A rental car accident lawyer has the ability to step in and take over that process.

Common Causes of Rental Car Accidents

Rental car accidents can happen for many of the same reasons as regular vehicle accidents, but unique factors can also come into play. Common causes include:

  • Inexperienced drivers and tourists
  • Driver negligence
  • Mechanical failure
  • Poor road conditions

Modern technology adds more factors to the equation. Self-driving modes in electric vehicles can create confusion for drivers who aren’t familiar with automated features. Lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking systems can behave differently in each model. Rental drivers may struggle to control or deactivate these technologies during sudden situations.

Why You Need a Rental Car Accident Lawyer

Hiring a rental car accident lawyer provides essential protection against being exploited by insurance companies or rental car agencies. An experienced attorney can thoroughly investigate your case, gathering evidence to establish who is at fault. They handle communication with insurance adjusters, making sure you don’t say anything that could harm your claim. Lawyers review the terms of your rental agreement, identify key clauses that may impact your case, and accurately calculate your damages. his includes medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional toll of the accident.

With legal support, you don’t have to face complicated negotiations alone. Your lawyer can speak for you in settlement discussions, pushing for fair compensation based on the facts of your case. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable amount, your attorney can take your case to court. Their goal is to protect your rights and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Insurance companies operate under three simple guidelines:

  • Delay: Insurance will use delay tactics to wear down claimants, hoping they will accept a lower settlement out of frustration. They may take their time investigating claims, request unnecessary documents, or avoid responding promptly to inquiries.
  • Deny: Insurers frequently deny claims outright, even when the policyholder or victim is clearly entitled to compensation. They may argue that the policy doesn’t cover the incident, dispute liability, or blame the victim for the accident.
  • Defend: When claimants push back or file lawsuits, insurance companies aggressively defend themselves. They use their legal teams to challenge evidence, question injuries, or attempt to shift blame to avoid paying a fair settlement.

Many accident victims settle for less than they should because they don’t understand their legal options, but an attorney helps you make informed decisions. Without legal guidance, you risk accepting a lowball offer or missing important deadlines that could jeopardize your claim. Deldar Legal knows all of this and takes good care of clients who need help after a car rental accident.

Dial Deldar Today

Rental cars have become a popular choice for travelers, business professionals, and families exploring new destinations. With the convenience of online reservations and access to a wide range of vehicle options, millions of people rely on rental cars for short-term transportation needs. However, this widespread usage also means a higher likelihood of accidents. Deldar offers free consultations with no fees unless we win your case. Contact us today at (844) 335-3271 to speak with someone.

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