A rental car accident could have a profound impact on your life. If your injuries are severe or permanently disabling, you may even need around-the-clock home healthcare. When you turn to a Moncks Corner rental car accident lawyer with Shelly Leeke Law Firm, you can take advantage of our no-win, no-fee guarantee to help you focus on recuperating without the added stress of legal fees.
We recognize how overwhelming the claims process can be. Let us help you demand the compensation that is rightfully yours. Schedule your free consultation with a reputable Moncks Corner car accident lawyer from our firm today to discuss the claims process, how much you could be awarded, and what to expect next.
These South Carolina Laws Could Impact Your Payout
South Carolina’s personal injury laws may affect the outcome of your civil case. These laws determine how much time you have to file a claim, what damages you can pursue, and how compensation is calculated.
Your Moncks Corner personal injury lawyer with Shelly Leeke Law Firm will ensure you understand how these laws apply to your case.
The Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is a critical factor in personal injury claims. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530, you have just three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Failing to file within this timeframe may result in losing your right to recover compensation.
Contingency Fees
Contingency fee arrangements allow you to retain legal representation without paying upfront costs. As described by South Carolina Judicial Branch Rule 1.5: Fees, these agreements ensure that your rental car accident lawyer is paid only if we win your case. This payment structure provides access to legal support for anyone who may not have the financial resources to pay hourly legal fees.
Rental Car Accidents Come with Unique Challenges
Rental car accidents often involve complex situations that are different from typical car accidents. You may need to address issues such as shared liability, multiple insurance policies, and disputes over who is at fault for your damages. Working with a Moncks Corner rental car accident attorney can help you prepare for these challenges and prevent them from impacting the amount of compensation you recover.
Fatal Rental Car Accidents
When a rental car accident results in a fatality, the loss is devastating for surviving family members. In South Carolina, wrongful death claims allow families to seek compensation for their losses, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of their loved one’s passing. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-51-10, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate.
If the accident was caused by another driver, a rental car company, or a defective vehicle, the at-fault parties may be held accountable. Evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, and expert testimony can play a critical role in proving negligence. Our Moncks Corner wrongful death lawyer will evaluate the individual details of your case and help you take the appropriate legal action.
No One Wants to Pay
After a rental car accident, you may encounter resistance from multiple parties when trying to recover compensation. Rental car companies, insurers, and at-fault drivers often deny responsibility, even when evidence points to their negligence. These tactics are designed to minimize their financial liability, leaving you to deal with the consequences.
For example, a rental car company may argue that you violated the terms of your rental agreement, voiding their responsibility for damages. Similarly, an insurance company may claim that the other party is liable or that your injuries are not as severe as reported. These disputes can delay your ability to recover compensation and add unnecessary stress to your recovery process.
Shared Fault Accusations
In South Carolina, shared fault accusations can impact the compensation you are entitled to receive. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-38-15, the state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows you to recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How to Build a Powerful Claim Against the Liable Party
Proving liability in a rental car accident claim requires meeting the burden of proof, which is based on a preponderance of the evidence. This standard means showing that it is more likely than not that the at-fault party caused your injuries. Consequently, the evidence we are able to obtain could have a profound impact on the outcome of your case.
Collect Compelling Supporting Evidence
Strong evidence is the foundation of any successful rental car accident claim. Examples include photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible and verifiable injuries. These images provide a clear visual record of the crash and its immediate aftermath.
Rental agreements and maintenance records can also serve as crucial evidence in your case. These documents may reveal whether the rental car company failed to perform necessary maintenance or disclose known defects. Combining these records with police reports and witness statements can help establish liability.
Keep a Detailed Journal
Maintaining a journal of your experiences after the accident can provide valuable insight into how your injuries have affected your daily life. This record helps paint a clear picture of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face as a result of the crash. Some of the challenges you should document could include:
- Pain levels
- Your emotional trauma
- The impact on your daily life
- The financial strain
Turn to a Trusted Rental Car Accident Lawyer in Moncks Corner When You Need Help
If your rental car accident injuries have left you feeling unsure of how to move forward, you may require the legal guidance and support of a compassionate legal advocate. Your rental car accident attorney in Moncks Corner from Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you figure out how to access the financial support you need when you need it most.
Call our office or submit our online contact form to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward rebuilding your life today.
