Baton Rouge, LA asked in Car Accidents for Louisiana

Q: How is fault determined in a parking lot fender bender? Minimal damage, other driver left before police was called.

Police wrote it up a a hit and run. Other car was a rental and now the rental company is trying to get me to pay over $1800 and is threatening to turn me over to a collections agency if I do not pay. I have an accident report that the rental company now wants to see. Should I oblige?

Related Topics:
3 Lawyer Answers
Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Houston, TX

A: The accident report is public record and if it supports your position then it should absolutely been sent to the company. Good luck.

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Marksville, LA
  • Licensed in Louisiana

A: The rental company cannot turn this over to a collections agency without a finding that you were at fault. In this case, they would have to secure a judgment against you, since an accident was involved. If you were injured, you should seek the advice of an attorney.

Ellen Cronin Badeaux
Ellen Cronin Badeaux
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Covington, LA
  • Licensed in Louisiana

A: Absolutely give the rental car company a copy of the police report. Also tell them if they try to collect from you for their lessee's being at fault in the accident, you will seek attorney fees, court costs and damages for malicious prosecution.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.