Rental cars are a great way to get around when you are on vacation or if your personal vehicle is in the shop. However, if you get in an accident while driving a rental car or get hit by someone else driving a rental car, determining liability and dealing with insurance companies can be a headache.
To streamline the process, make it less confusing, and get results, it is vital to hire a Forest Acres rental car accident lawyer right after an accident. Shelly Leeke Law Firm strives to reduce your confusion and help you navigate the legal process after a rental car accident.
With more than a decade of experience, we cut through the barriers standing in your way so you can receive the compensation needed to cover your losses. When you work with a compassionate and empathetic Forest Acres car accident lawyer, you will receive exceptional service designed to get you results and justice.
Rental Car Accidents and Recovering Your Losses
While the process of gathering evidence and filing an accident claim is similar to what you would do for a personal vehicle, it can be significantly more challenging to resolve. As a result, it is essential to hire a Forest Acres personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the legal intricacies to determine liability and receive compensation for your injuries. More than one party or insurance company may be involved with providing coverage and/or processing a potential claim.
It is also important to understand how car accident settlements are paid, as it can influence what options are open to you regarding your course of action. To resolve the case and recover damages for your losses, you have the right to file a claim with the insurance company, settle the case out of court with the liable party, or proceed with a civil suit against the other driver.
When recovering damages, you may be compensated for multiple types of losses. The value of your financial losses may be covered, as well as monetary restitution to cover the pain and suffering you have been subjected to due to the accident. Your rental car accident lawyer in Forest Acres will be able to shed light on what damages are applicable to your specific situation.
Who is Liable in a Rental Car Accident
Most generally, the driver of a rental car is liable for causing the accident and paying for the damages. While the rental company is typically not at fault, they could be held liable if they failed to maintain the vehicle in question properly. Add various types of insurance into the mix, and a claim can quickly become confusing and convoluted.
Types of Rental Car Insurance
The type of insurance coverage you have can make a big difference in your claim, what you may be required to pay for, and what compensation you may be able to receive. In most instances, your personal auto policy coverage should be sufficient to cover losses from an accident. However, if you need additional coverage or want to avoid potentially filing a claim with your own insurance, then read on to learn more about the four types of rental car insurance explained:
- Collision damage waiver: Waives your liability in the event that the rental car is in an accident or is stolen. Typically offered by a rental car company, a deductible may be applied.
- Supplemental liability insurance: Used to pay for damage and medical expenses if you are at fault for an accident. States dictate minimum liability limits drivers must have.
- Personal accident insurance: Used to pay for damages and medical expenses you or your passengers sustain if you are hit by another vehicle. This coverage may already be included in your auto or home policy.
- Personal effects coverage: Covers the value of your belongings if the vehicle is broken into and your items are stolen. This coverage may already be part of your home or renters insurance coverage.
The policy in place during the time of an accident will influence coverage, liability, and who pays for what. With so many variables at play, it is important to talk with your rental car accident attorney in Forest Acres before proceeding with a claim or settlement offer. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we can review your situation, discuss your options and rights, and advise on what actions you should take.
Legal Considerations in a Rental Car Accident Case
It is important to understand the breakdown of negligence laws in South Carolina and be aware of the ramifications they may have on your claim. When a determination of fault is made in an accident, each party involved is evaluated to see how much they contributed to the accident and are assigned a percentage — which can reflect anything from no fault up to 100% fault. Subsequently, each party’s compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault, except for those who caused 51% or more of the accident and are barred entirely from receiving compensation.
Additionally, the injured party is responsible for demonstrating negligence and linking their injuries back to the offending party’s actions. As such, your rental car accident lawyer will establish that the other driver failed in their reasonable obligation to keep you from harm and was the cause of your injuries. The other driver, or their insurance company, is then responsible for providing restitution.
It is also in your best interest to file your claim as soon as possible. According to South Carolina Civil Remedies and Procedures §15-3-530, individuals are allowed a three-year window in which to pursue legal action. Once expired, any further claim will be barred from consideration.
A Forest Acres Rental Car Accident Attorney Fights for Your Wellbeing
Your rights, future, and well-being are priorities at Shelly Leeke Law Firm, and we fight to get you the outcome you deserve. Our team will provide you with sound counsel and the reassurance and support needed to navigate the legal system.
Contact us today for your free consultation and learn how we can help resolve your rental car accident case.
