A car accident, no matter how minor, can be a source of significant physical, emotional, and financial stress. When you add the stress of a third-party owner of a rental car, this can be worse. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, our Columbia rental car accident lawyer is here to help manage your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Finding a firm you can trust in your personal injury case can feel daunting and overwhelming, especially while you may be out of work and facing a constantly growing stack of medical bills.
Our firm has been a staple in South Carolina communities for over a decade and, along with our Columbia car accident lawyer, has recovered millions of dollars for families. Our commitment to our community and those within us is one of the things that make us your best choice.
Benefits of a Columbia Rental Car Accident Attorney
You may be worried about hiring a Columbia rental car accident attorney right away, but there are many ways an attorney can help. The first consideration is that the insurance company of the other driver and the rental agency likely have an attorney available to them. When you seek the same services, you level the playing field in addition to obtaining countless other benefits:
- Investigating your accident
- Our attorney acts as the point of contact for information related to the case
- A thorough understanding of the legal process, assisting in the timely completion and filing of paperwork
- Negotiations with the insurance company
- Experience valuing your losses
- Representation in depositions or court
In addition to the above, an attorney may guide you on how to avoid accidentally damaging your case. This can include advising you to stay off social media and minimize discussions about your case with anyone who is not your attorney, as well as waiting to speak with your Columbia personal injury lawyer before you sign documents. When you work with Shelly Leeke Law Firm, you can rest a little bit easier knowing you have someone handling the details of your case so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Columbia Rental Cars
As one of South Carolina’s major cities, Columbia sees plenty of traffic and visitors. Columbia has several destinations and trip ideas for those out of state, as well as a few fun options for locals to be tourists in their own town. Any of these can be a reason to get a rental car, including:
- Date night with a luxury or sports car
- Renting a larger vehicle for friends or family coming into town
- Using a vehicle rental while your car is in the shop
- Using a rental car while shopping for a new car after a total loss accident
Any of these are valid reasons someone may choose to utilize rental car services, and while rental cars are not inherently more dangerous, there are some unique risk factors for accidents. The primary consideration for accidents in rental cars is lack of familiarity. For example, a driver unfamiliar with how quickly a car accelerates or stops may be likelier to misjudge a left turn or stopping distance. Similarly, a driver unfamiliar with the roads or city design may find themselves trying to merge over the last minute, causing an accident.
Protecting Your Columbia Rental Car Accident Case
The immediate aftermath of a car accident presents many opportunities to gather evidence and strengthen your case. The priority should always be safety, but there are a few steps to take immediately after an accident. Some of the things that a rental car accident lawyer in Columbia may advise:
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles (including the rental car), and your injuries
- Take the information of the responding officer to get the police report from the Columbia PD records unit. This includes the case number
- Get names and contact information for witnesses who may be willing to help
- Try to avoid saying anything at the scene (or after) that may accept fault for the accident. This may include an apology to the other driver
- Minimize how much you talk to others about your accident
- Avoid posting about your accident on social media (or sometimes at all)
The insurance provider has one goal, and that is to minimize their losses. In doing this, they will take anything you say to them or post publicly and use it to invalidate your claims or discredit you. No matter how friendly they seem, you may benefit from having a conversation with your lawyer about what you should say to the other driver after a car accident.
Columbia Rental Car Accident Injuries
People experience a variety of injuries when they have an accident. This can depend on countless factors, including speed, seatbelt use, and type of collision. Some of the injuries that we often see in those we represent include:
- Facial injuries
- Head trauma
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
Many times, even if your car’s safety features perform precisely as they should, you may still end up with injuries. Though something like a broken collar bone from a seatbelt may be preferred to ejection from the car, it can still have devastating consequences on your life. We will stand by you to fight for the compensation you deserve while you recover from your injuries.
Compensation for a Rental Car Accident
Recovering from rental car accident injuries can take time, money, and emotional bandwidth that you may not have. Even questions like ‘Who pays for my rental car after an accident?’ may bring additional stress to your situation. However, these costs are considered when you work with your attorney to calculate damages such as:
- Car repair costs
- Rental car costs
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
In addition to some of the more tangible losses that come with receipts and bills, you may also choose to pursue damages for your pain and suffering. This may include the mental and emotional stress resulting from the rental car accident and the cost of the general impact on your life. If you have questions about your compensation, you can speak with your attorney.
Call a Rental Car Accident Attorney in Columbia for the Support You Need
No one should have to pay the costs of someone else’s negligence. Unfortunately, that is often the case if you have been injured in a rental car accident. However, Shelly Leeke Law is committed to fighting for your rights to compensation for the injuries someone else caused.
Healing from injuries can take a toll on every aspect of your life. If you are not working with an experienced rental car accident attorney in Columbia, you may miss out on the compensation you are owed. Call us today to schedule a free case consultation and discuss which of our services are right for you.
