A Colorado woman has been awarded $3.25 million compensation for injuries in an accident with a rental car after a hearing at the Denver District Court.
Angela Rogers claimed compensation for injuries in an accident with a rental car after being rear-ended by a vehicle owned by the Hertz car hire company on I-15 just outside Monument in Colorado. Angela had slowed the speed of her own car as she approached stationary traffic, and had almost stopped when she was hit from behind by the rental car traveling at approximately 60mph.
Angela sustained a serious back injury in the accident that forced her to give up work. She claimed compensation for injuries in an accident with a rental car against Hertz as the car that had crashed into hers and caused $20,000 of damage had been driven by one of the company´s employees. The rental car was totaled as a result of the accident.
Despite acknowledging that it had entrusted one of its vehicles to a negligent employee, Hertz contested the claim for compensation for an accident with a rental car. The company argued that, although it was one of their vehicles driven by one of their employees, it was not liable for Angela´s injuries. Hertz made an offer of compensation amounting to just $6,000. The offer was rejected and the case went to Denver´s District Court.
At the hearing to determine liability, Hertz again acknowledged responsibility for the accident, but denied liability for Angela´s injuries. However, the jury found in Angela´s favor and awarded her $3.25 million compensation for injuries in an accident with a rental car – $75,000 for her past and future pain and suffering, and $2.5 million for her economic loss.
Speaking after the award of compensation for injuries in an accident with a rental car, Angela´s lawyer said: “We are so grateful that the jury understood the truth and awarded appropriate and just compensation to Ms. Rogers. This case was about accountability and, fortunately, Hertz has now been held accountable for its conduct and Ms. Rogers’ claims have been validated.”