Rental Car Companies Fighting Legislation to Make Rental Cars Safer

Spring break is upon us, and families are getting ready to travel for vacation or to visit relatives while college kids prepare to leave for various destinations for spring break. Many of these holiday travelers plan to drive rental cars and presume the vehicles will be safe and free from defects.

Some unsuspecting travelers may actually be driving vehicles with serious defective parts that have been the subject of a recall by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While dealers may not sell new vehicles once they have been recalled, rental cars are not subject to such recalls. While current proposed legislation called the Safe Rental Car Act would close this dangerous loophole, major rental car companies are fighting back.

If you have been involved in a car accident caused by a defective rental car, you may be entitled to compensation. Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, has been representing those who suffer serious injury or wrongful death in serous auto accidents throughout Georgia for over 39 years. Our experienced Atlanta auto accident lawyers diligently pursue the best interest of our clients as part of our commitment to being known as the best auto accident law firm in Georgia.

We have previously reported in this blog about legislation being proposed to close a loophole that permits rental car companies to continue renting cars despite defects subject to recall. This loophole has meant millions of rental car customers are at risk when they rent vehicles that have been recalled by automakers. New York Sen. Charles Schumer has indicated the need for this legislation based on data revealed by the NHTSA. The study found that many unsuspecting patrons receive rental cars that have a defect that would result in the car being ineligible for sale. The study revealed the following results:

• Enterprise rented 35% of defective rental cars without repair
• Avis/Budget rented 47% of defective vehicles subject to repair
• Hertz rented 68% of defective vehicles subject to repair

Rental car companies are fighting the current legislation designed to prevent car accidents by keeping defective rental cars off the road. The rental car companies contend that the study conducted by the NHTSA is based on data that is not current.

It is important to keep in mind that many motor vehicle defects are related to critical safety issues. The rental car companies challenging the NHTSA study claim that the number of vehicles that are put back on the road without repair is overstated based on current practices. If it is true that defects are being repaired before these vehicles are again leased, there should be no real objection to legislation requiring rental car companies to do what they claim to be doing anyway.

If you have suffered serious injury or wrongful death in a Georgia car accident attorney, you may be able to seek financial compensation. For over 39 years our Georgia auto accident attorneys have fought hard to get thousands of accident victims the compensation they deserve. Montlick and Associates is available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.