Accidents with rental cars present their own set of complications, whether you are behind the wheel of the rental or the other driver is. There will likely be several insurance policies to sort through, and since no party wants to be the one on the hook for damages, dealing with the companies’ representatives might be frustrating. These complications are on top of the usual unfortunate consequences of an accident–your physical and emotional trauma and financial costs.
A Denny Terrace car accident lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you by taking on all insurance discussions and injury-claim legalities. We practice a “No win, no fee” guarantee, so there is nothing to lose and much to gain by reaching out to a skilled Denny Terrace rental car accident attorney from our team today. We are here to protect your rights and compensate you justly for your losses.
Rental-Car-Accident Insurance Complexities
Rental car accidents have the potential to present more complexities than accidents between privately owned vehicles. Specifically, they may involve multiple insurance companies. This factor makes it even more important to partner with a Denny Terrace personal injury lawyer.
According to the South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI), all drivers must have liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage. Liability policies cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage of those affected in an accident the policyholder causes. Uninsured motorist (UIM) policies cover policyholders hurt in hit-and-run events or accidents with drivers who have not purchased the legally required liability coverage.
Insurance for Rental Cars
Most car rental companies apply the same mandatory insurance coverage to their renters. They also offer additional policies. If your accident is with the driver of a rental car, your Denny Terrace rental car accident lawyer can handle communication with all potential insurance carriers and hold them to their policies.
If you are the driver of the rental car and hurt by another driver, the same applies. Your attorney will examine the driver’s personal policy and rental policy. If the other did not have insurance, your attorney can help you secure coverage from your UIM policy and look into other sources of compensation.
What to Do and Not Do After a Car Accident
There are steps to take to protect yourself and your potential accident claim, as well as missteps to avoid in the aftermath of a car accident. The safety of all involved is paramount, so only move if you can do so without further harming yourself. If it is okay to move, check on others. Even if no one needs emergency medical assistance, call law enforcement to the scene to make an official accident report.
Be sure to get contact and insurance details from the other parties involved. Even if the other driver’s car is a rental, you still need to get their insurance information and the rental car company’s details. Take pictures of the position and damage to each vehicle and of the accident scene overall, and get contact information from witnesses.
Do not say anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault–even a polite “I’m so sorry we are in this situation!” can be used against you. Keep your comments brief, and do not minimize or discuss your injuries other than to say you will be seeing a doctor. Following our 9 steps to take immediately after an accident can help keep you safe and your accident claim on the right track.
How a Denny Terrace Rental Car Accident Attorney Helps Your Case
Securing representation allows you to focus on your recovery while knowing your car accident claim is in good hands. To collect a settlement or trial award, you need to prove the at-fault party’s negligence caused the accident that cost you damages and adhere to South Carolina’s injury laws. Getting that proof while working within those laws is part of what a personal injury lawyer can do for a car accident claim.
Our team has the experience and insight needed to conduct a thorough accident investigation to reveal the cause of the accident and the at-fault party. Your rental car accident lawyer in Denny Terrace will also compile evidence to show the at-fault party is truly to blame for the incident–not you.
By connecting with your attorney quickly after the incident, you allow time for this investigation and for your rental car accident lawyer to file within South Carolina’s three-year statute of limitations, established in the South Carolina Code of Laws 15-3-530.
Your attorney will also value your losses accurately, factoring in the financial costs and future expenses incurred by the accident, your injuries, and your emotional and quality-of-life-related losses. Our goal is to maximize your compensation so you see true financial justice. You can see examples of car accident settlements our team has negotiated, but also count on us to take your case to court if fighting at trial is in your best interests.
South Carolina’s Comparative Negligence Laws and Your Compensation
Under South Carolina Code 15-38-15, you can only file an injury claim if you are less than 50% culpable. You can expect other parties involved to work hard to put the blame on you or inflate your level of fault to avoid or reduce their payout. Even if you meet the under 50% standard, your compensation will be decreased by whatever percentage of fault you bear.
Your attorney will not let accusations of fault go unchallenged. We will also present convincing evidence and arguments to support your claim. With over a decade of experience, our team knows how to manage any challenges your case might present.
We Are Here to Help You Move Forward
After an accident, victims often feel stuck in their losses and not sure of how to find their way out. Shelly Leeke Law Firm knows the way and is ready to lead your case through the legal process and to the best resolution available.
We are here to help you move on from the accident and into a more hopeful, financially stable future.
