UK tourists sue Aussie car rental firm

www.fraserisland4wd.com.au

Three backpackers from the UK, on holiday in Australia, who were seriously injured when their rental 4WD rolled on Fraser Island, are suing a Queensland-based tour operator.

Two men and one woman, all in their early 20s, were in their rental Toyota Landcruiser last September when it rolled at Eastern Beach on the popular tourist island.

According to the passengers, rental operator Aussie Trax breached the terms and conditions of the rental contract. Michael Dwyer, of Aussie Trax, is claiming that the fault lies with the tourists that rented the vehicle.

The claimants allege that a faulty steering wheel was responsible for the crash, after the rental company told them it was only a minor problem.

“Soon after reporting this problem, my clients were in what could so easily have resulted in a tragic fatal accident,” the lawyer representing the claimants said.

The three tourists have also alleged that they were intimidated by the tour operator into paying significantly more excess for the damage to the damaged rental vehicle.

According to Dwyer, the driver was convicted of dangerous driving in the incident, voiding any insurance claim.

Dwyer said: “He actually owes me about $26,000,” and added: “I wish they’d appear in court and pay their bills. We have a signed agreement from the driver saying he would pay me the money.”

Thanks to www.news.com.au for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.

www.fraserisland4wd.com.au