If a rental car driver crashes their vehicle into yours and you suffer an injury, seek legal help. Alternatively, if you are driving in a rental and another driver slams their car into yours and you get hurt, request legal assistance. In either of these situations, partner with a Goose Creek rental car accident lawyer who can determine if you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm has more than 10 years of experience handling personal injury cases. A Goose Creek car accident lawyer from our team can review your case and explain your legal options. Contact us today to get started.
Who Can Be Liable for a Rental Car Crash
A motorist is often responsible for a rental car collision. For example, you are driving your rental when a motorist runs a red light and causes a crash. The other driver broke the law, and they can be held accountable for your accident.
There are instances when a rental car company or another party can be at fault for an accident. If you are unsure of who is to blame for your crash, consult with a Goose Creek personal injury lawyer. From here, your lawyer can provide details about what to do after a rear-end collision or any other type of rental vehicle accident.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm backs our legal services with a no-win, no-fee guarantee. We will not charge you anything unless we win or settle your personal injury case. Schedule a free case consultation with us.
When to File a Goose Creek Rental Car Accident Lawsuit
The time frame for filing your lawsuit is limited. Based on the South Carolina Code of Laws Section 15-3-53, the statute of limitations is three years. After this window closes, you may be ineligible to request damages from anyone responsible for your rental car crash.
A rental car accident lawyer in Goose Creek can submit your damages request in accordance with South Carolina law. If you proceed with a lawsuit, your attorney can represent you at each stage of your litigation. Or, if you try to get compensation through an insurance claim, your attorney can handle communications with an insurer.
Ultimately, every driver must have automobile insurance in South Carolina. A liable party’s insurer could cover your accident-related losses, but this company is more likely to put its client’s best interests above yours. Fortunately, an attorney can negotiate with an insurance company for you and put you in a strong position to secure adequate damages.
What You Can Get in Damages in a Rental Car Crash Case
A rental car accident attorney in Goose Creek can teach you about economic and non-economic damages and how they relate to your case. You could recover one or both types of damages. Reasons why a judge or jury may order the defendant in your case to compensate you for your losses include:
- Auto repair expenses
- Medical costs
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
Your lawyer can prepare an argument designed to show a judge or jury that you are not liable for your accident. If your case is compelling, it becomes difficult for the defendant to disprove it. Thus, your attorney could help you achieve your desired case results.
Building a Body of Evidence to Support Your Case
In terms of the proof needed in a South Carolina personal injury claim, there is a lot to consider. Your lawyer will help you gather evidence that will resonate with a judge or jury. Examples of proof used in rental car collision cases include:
- Accident scene videos and photos
- Medical records
- Police report
- Rental car agreement
- Witness statements
Saying you want damages is insufficient. Thankfully, your attorney understands the burden of proof in a personal injury case. They will work diligently to argue your case and collect proof that makes it tough for the defendant to contest your case against them.
Proving That a Liable Party Was Negligent
Negligence is a tricky topic relative to personal injury cases. Your Goose Creek rental car accident attorney can provide a breakdown of negligence laws in South Carolina and what it takes to prove that a liable party should be required to pay damages. They can discuss the elements of negligence with you and answer any questions you have about them.
To prove negligence, you must show that a liable party had a duty of care, i.e., a legal obligation to act responsibly. This party violated their legal obligation and caused your rental car accident. Along with these things, because of the party’s actions, you are dealing with quantifiable or subjective losses.
How your lawyer gets ready for your trial has far-flung effects on your case results. They may allocate time and resources to gather a wealth of evidence and craft an argument that will be challenging to contest. If the defendant has concerns about your case, they may be inclined to offer a fair settlement.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Sadly, a family member can die in an accident involving a rental car. The incident is devastating to you and your loved ones. At this point, you and your family members may have doubts about your finances.
Hiring a Goose Creek wrongful death lawyer is probably not a consideration as you cope with the loss of your loved one. However, it can be beneficial to connect with an attorney. When you do, you can find out if you can sue a liable party for the accident that led to your family member’s death.
Your lawyer can explain what a wrongful death lawsuit entails. No matter what happens during your litigation, your attorney prioritizes your best interests. Your lawyer can take care of your legal matters and provide you and your loved ones with the reassurance that they are doing everything in their power to help you recover damages.
Hire a Rental Car Crash Lawyer
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm will protect your legal rights as you go through the legal process. Our team is available to evaluate your rental car collision case. Request a free case consultation with us today.
