The practice of borrowing a car from a stranger is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to renting from large rental companies such as Avis or Enterprise. However, peer-to-peer car sharing poses risks for both renters and for the people they are borrowing the cars from. There have been reports of a vehicle fatality involving car sharing, and the incident resulted in a lawsuit over who was financially liable for the accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving car sharing, a personal injury lawyer can help you fight to obtain financial compensation for any injuries or property damage you’ve sustained.
In February 2012, a person driving a car rented from RelayRides, a peer-to-peer car sharing company, was involved in an accident in Boston. The driver died and four other parties were injured. According to the personal injury lawyer for one of the injured passengers, all of the injured parties sued the estate of the driver who caused the accident, the owner of the rented car, and the car-rental company. The case was ultimately settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
Most state and local insurance laws do not address peer-to-peer car rentals because they are a relatively modern phenomenon. For this reason, it may be difficult to determine who is liable for an accident caused by or involving the driver of a car rented from a car sharing company. Both renters and people who rent out their cars should check with their insurance provider before doing so.
Additionally, if you are involved in an accident, you should consult a personal injury lawyer immediately. The Pearce Law Firm attorneys can help you determine who bears responsibility for the accident and whether or not you will be entitled to recover any damages.