Atlanta Enterprise Truck Accident Lawyer

2022 was a great year for Enterprise, as the company was able to open at least one branch every week for 60 consecutive weeks! By the end of the year, they reached a milestone of over 500 branches operating across the county.

More Enterprise rental trucks are meeting customer demand, which is a good thing, but they’re also leading to more Enterprise truck accidents, too. Whether you plan on renting an Enterprise truck or you’ve recently experienced an Enterprise truck accident, it’s good to get informed about how to handle these types of incidents. Learn more about how Enterprise truck accident claims work and how our firm can help you navigate a claim below.

How an Enterprise Truck Accident Claim Works

Enterprise truck accident claims are usually pretty complex due to how many parties are involved. First, you’ll rent the truck out from Enterprise itself. Then, if you get involved in a crash, other drivers might also be involved. When an accident happens, the best thing you can do first is call the authorities out to the scene. It’s always a good idea to do this when you’ve rented out your vehicle from someone else.

The police will arrive and help anyone who is injured get the medical care they need. From there, the police will begin investigating what caused the accident. They’ll document any initial evidence they find, they’ll question nearby witnesses, and they’ll clear the roadway to help make it safe for other drivers moving forward.

Once your physical injuries are tended to and you’re safe, you’ll want to start on the claims process. We’ll go over how to do that below.

Filing an Enterprise Claim

According to the Enterprise rental contract, you should always file a claim if you get into an accident in one of their cars. You should still follow the outline above by calling the police first and taking care of any personal injuries you have. Once you’re safe, you can start the Enterprise file a claim process. Call Enterprise’s Roadside Assistance number 1-800-307-6666 to get started. This line is available 24/7.

The agent who receives your call will start the claims process by filing a damage report. They will ask you how damaged the car is to determine if tow truck services are necessary and whether the car is drivable or not.

During this initial call, you do not have to answer questions regarding fault or injuries. Focus specifically on the rental car’s damages. If you feel uneasy about answering any questions, then consider speaking to a lawyer before talking to the agent.

Proving the Other Driver’s Fault

One of the most significant factors that influence how Enterprise truck accidents and the claims that follow get processed is who was considered at fault for the accident. This single factor is crucial because Georgia’s courtrooms and most insurance policies operate on an at-fault basis. In general, the party that’s considered at fault for the accident will also be held financially responsible for the losses associated with the crash.

When you suspect another driver was at fault for your accident, you need to make that clear at the scene of the crash. That way, the information will be documented in the police report. If you’re able to, it’s also advised that you start to collect evidence that could prove the other driver’s fault while you’re still at the scene of the accident. Evidence could include statements from nearby witnesses, dash cam footage from nearby vehicles, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, or photographs of the crash.

If you need additional help securing evidence or learning how to prove fault, then it might be best to talk to a lawyer.

It also makes a big difference who you rented your truck from because every company has its own unique rental agreements. With Enterprise, you’re not obligated to purchase insurance. Other companies may have different contracts, though, so be sure to hire a lawyer with specific experience with the company you rented from. If you worked with UHaul, for instance, then look for a UHaul truck accident lawyer to work with.

Examples of Driver Negligence

Do you believe your Enterprise truck crash was the result of another driver’s negligence? Here are just a few driving behaviors that would be considered negligent driving:

• Texting or talking on the phone while driving
• Using your GPS system and taking your eyes off the road
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Watching YouTube or using a streaming service while driving
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Aggressive driving or road rage behaviors
• Failure to adhere to traffic laws

In Georgia, negligent driving leads to legal liability. In other words, the negligent party will be considered at fault for the accident and thereby financially responsible for the losses associated with that crash.

Insurance Coverage for Enterprise Truck Crashes

Enterprise insurance claims are usually very complicated due to the contract you signed, the coverage provided, and more. For one, it’s important to know that your traditional car insurance coverage likely won’t cover the Enterprise rental vehicle. If you didn’t purchase optional insurance through Enterprise, then you may not have any insurance coverage at all.

When insurance coverage is purchased, Enterprise truck accident claims are a bit easier to file. That’s because you should get coverage so long as you followed the contract you signed. If you get any pushback, then hire a lawyer with extensive experience working with the rental company. If you worked with a company other than Enterprise, then look for a lawyer with experience with that company. For instance, if you signed a contract with Budget, then your best bet is to find a Budget truck accident lawyer to help with your claim.

Other Parties Who Could Be At Fault for an Enterprise Truck Accident

Other drivers aren’t the only cause of Enterprise truck accidents. There are several other parties that could be held liable. Below, we’ll go over a few parties that could be held liable for an Enterprise crash:

Enterprise is Sometimes At Fault for an Accident

As we discussed above, if you purchased optional car insurance through Enterprise and an accident happens, then Enterprise and their insurance company could be one party liable for some of your losses. Enterprise might also be held responsible for an accident if they didn’t ensure their truck was safe to operate on the road or they otherwise failed to warn you about a known danger regarding the truck.

Truck Defects Sometimes Cause Accidents

Truck defects can also cause an accident if the parts fail. When that happens, the part manufacturer, designer, or distributor could be held responsible for the accident. As you can imagine, it can be very complicated to prove that a truck defect caused your accident. There will likely need to be a lengthy investigation into the accident and the part itself. You’ll need to show that the part on your Enterprise truck was defective in some way. The most common types of defective parts include wheels, tires, brakes, wires, and more.

Were You Negligent?

Enterprise accident claims also take into consideration your own negligence as the driver of the truck. Many Enterprise truck accidents are caused by inexperienced drivers or negligent driving on the part of the person who rented the truck. Since Georgia’s laws operate on a fault system, your own negligence will play a role in your ability to file a claim. If you were fully at fault for the crash, then you may not have any recourse.

Georgia’s Partial Fault Standard and How it Might Impact Your Claim

Enterprise truck accident claims aren’t always straightforward. If you were partially at fault but you believe another party was also partially at fault, then you might still be able to seek out compensation. You will be barred from filing a claim if you were more than 50% at fault for the accident, though. If another party, like a tow truck driver who hauled away the truck, also contributed to the damages, then it might be best to hire a tow truck accident lawyer or similar legal representative for help.

How Our Atlanta Attorneys Prove Negligence

Since Enterprise truck accident claims are so complicated, it’s usually best to hire an Atlanta trucking accident lawyer to help when your losses are stacking up. Our attorneys will help you prove negligence by reviewing the contract you signed, investigating what happened, collecting the right evidence, and strengthening your claim before submitting it to the appropriate party.

Talk to an Atlanta Enterprise Truck Accident Lawyer for Free Today

Enterprise truck accidents can be devastating and lead to a lifetime of losses. For one, these types of accidents can cause fatal injuries. Even when injuries aren’t fatal, the size and weight of rental trucks can lead to permanent, life-altering injuries. What’s more, these rental trucks are often carrying very sentimental loads. A crash can easily destroy property that’s been held onto by a family for generations.

When losses are substantial, it only makes sense to consider your options for recovery.

The right Enterprise truck accident lawyer will help you review your legal options. Depending on the situation, you could get coverage from an insurance policy, Enterprise the company, another driver’s insurance policy, or through a personal injury claim. If your accident happened in Atlanta or a nearby area and you’re ready to talk to a lawyer, then leave your contact information on our online form to schedule a free consultation with our lawyers.