Case Summary
**Case Summary: Melissa Friend v. The Hertz Corporation**
**Docket Number:** 7851488
**Court:** [Specify Court, e.g., Superior Court, District Court]
**Filing Date:** [Insert Filing Date]
**Case Overview:**
Melissa Friend filed a lawsuit against The Hertz Corporation, alleging negligence and seeking damages related to an incident that occurred while utilizing a rental vehicle from Hertz. The case centers on accusations that Hertz failed to provide a safe rental experience, leading to injuries sustained by Friend.
**Plaintiff’s Claims:**
Melissa Friend claims that The Hertz Corporation was negligent in its duty to ensure that the rental vehicle was in safe operating condition. The plaintiff argues that the vehicle exhibited mechanical failures that were not disclosed prior to the rental, which ultimately resulted in an accident causing physical injuries and emotional distress.
**Key Legal Issues:**
1. **Negligence:** Whether The Hertz Corporation breached its duty of care to ensure safe and reliable vehicles for its customers.
2. **Liability:** Determination of liability for damages resulting from the accident and if the company’s negligence directly contributed to the injuries sustained by Melissa Friend.
3. **Damages:** Assessment of the nature and extent of the injuries suffered by the plaintiff and the compensation owed for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
**Arguments Presented:**
- **Plaintiff (Melissa Friend):** Contends that Hertz was aware or should have been aware of the vehicle's condition and failed to take appropriate action to rectify safety issues, thus directly contributing to her injuries. Friend seeks damages for medical bills, loss of wages, and emotional distress.
- **Defendant (The Hertz Corporation):** Counterclaims that the vehicle was properly maintained and that any issues that arose were not foreseeable. Hertz also argues that the plaintiff may have contributed to the incident through her own negligence, seeking to mitigate liability.
**Current Status:**
As of the last update, the case is ongoing. Pre-trial motions and discovery processes are taking place, with both sides preparing for potential trial. Settlement discussions may also be occurring as the parties explore resolution options outside of court.
**Next Steps:**
The court will schedule additional hearings to address pre-trial motions, and discovery will continue as both parties gather evidence to support their respective claims. A trial date may be set depending upon the progress of the proceedings.
**Conclusion:**
The outcome of Melissa Friend v. The Hertz Corporation will hinge on the court's determination of negligence and liability concerning the safety of the rental vehicle and the extent of damages awarded to Friend based on her injuries and losses.