QUESTION
I had a rental car in NC & live in AZ. I was hit by another car & injured & taken to nearest hospital. Airbags never deployed rental causing injurie.
Asked on Nov 02nd, 2025 on Automobile Accidents - North Carolina
More details to this question:
I flew to East Coast to purchase property and picked up a Jeep Grand Cherokee from Enterprise Rental Car. Was on Hwy 16 in Lincoln County, NC (left lane) moving well with traffic when another driver in the right lane just whipped out in front of me. His lane was backed up by trucks ( 18 wheelers) hardly moving. I had no time to stop, slow down however there was a turn off space ahead of me on the left so I tried to turn there but couldn’t reach it in time before the impact. He hit me square on to the left side of my vehicle and spun me out. Airbags did not deploy causing me to impact my chest and head forward into the steering wheel and then my head sideways to the driver’s side glass knocking me unconscious. My left leg became jammed between the seat and the driver’s side door and my left arm and hand were severed down to the tendons. I was then transported to the nearest hospital. I was stitched up very badly and still have no feeling in parts of my hand. I need help.
1 ANSWER
1 Award
You should speak with a North Carolina personal injury attorney immediately. You may have multiple claims here — one against the at-fault driver for causing the crash and another potential product liability claim if the airbags failed to deploy properly in the rental vehicle. Both claims could involve complex insurance and jurisdictional issues, especially since you live in Arizona and the accident occurred in North Carolina.
Start by getting copies of the police report, hospital records, and rental agreement. An attorney can help you:
Investigate why the airbags didn’t deploy and whether there’s a mechanical or manufacturing defect.
Identify all available insurance coverage — including the other driver’s policy, Enterprise’s coverage, and possibly your own.
Handle communications with insurers so you don’t say anything that could harm your claim.
Document your medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering for a full recovery.
Time limits apply under North Carolina’s statute of limitations (usually three years for injury claims), so it’s important to act quickly. A local attorney can coordinate care and handle everything while you recover, even if you’ve already returned to Arizona.
If you’re unsure where to start, search for North Carolina personal injury attorneys experienced in rental car or product defect cases. Most offer free consultations and can begin investigating right away.
Answered on Nov 05th, 2025 at 12:48 AM