The fallout from a rental car accident can make even the simplest tasks feel impossible. You may find yourself struggling to complete daily activities, maintain close relationships, or handle the pile of outstanding bills.
Thankfully, your Myrtle Beach rental car accident lawyer with Shelly Leeke Law Firm has spent more than 10 years helping car accident victims like you get through some of the most emotionally taxing experiences of their lives.
It can be extraordinarily difficult to face the uncertainty of what the future holds after suffering injuries in a rental car accident. But legal advocates are here to help you take the first steps toward rebuilding your life. Schedule a confidential case evaluation with our Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer to learn more about your next steps.
Recover Maximum Compensation for Your Damages After a Rental Car Accident
Recovering compensation could be your best chance at regaining stability in your life. Your Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer with Shelly Leeke Law Firm will work tirelessly to secure the financial recovery you deserve. Some of the most common ways to pursue compensation for your damages include:
File an Insurance Claim
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy. According to the South Carolina Department of Insurance, all drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage, which can help cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
This type of coverage is particularly important when the at-fault driver cannot fully compensate you for your losses.
File a Lawsuit Against the Rental Car Company or Another Third Party
In some cases, filing a lawsuit against the rental car company or another third party may be necessary to recover full compensation for your damages. This may include situations where a rental car company fails to maintain their vehicles or another party’s negligence contributes to the accident. By pursuing legal action, you can seek recovery for both economic and non-economic damages related to the accident.
Rental Car Accidents Can Cause Debilitating Injuries
Rental car accidents can lead to injuries that have a lasting impact on your physical health, emotional well-being, and financial stability. These injuries often require significant medical treatment and can affect every aspect of your life. Some of the most common types of injury cases your Myrtle Beach rental car accident attorney takes on include:
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries are some of the most severe injuries that can result from rental car accidents. These injuries often occur when a driver or passenger strikes their head during a collision, leading to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Victims may experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or changes in personality, which can make everyday life a struggle.
The effects of a traumatic brain injury can also extend to your financial stability. Medical treatment for brain injuries, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, can be incredibly expensive. Your Myrtle Beach rental car accident lawyer can review the specific circumstances of your case to determine the full extent of your damages.
Spinal Cord Damage or Paralysis
Spinal cord injuries are another serious consequence of rental car accidents. Victims often face life-altering changes, including limited mobility, chronic pain, or paralysis. These injuries can result from the impact of the crash, causing damage to the nerves or vertebrae, and include:
- Partial paralysis
- Complete paralysis
- Chronic pain
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury in rental car accidents, particularly in rear-end collisions. This injury occurs when the head and neck are violently thrown forward and backward, straining the muscles and ligaments. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
Exploring Liability in Myrtle Beach Rental Car Accidents
Establishing liability is one of the most important aspects of recovering compensation after a rental car accident. In South Carolina, the burden of proof rests on the injured party to demonstrate liability based on a preponderance of the evidence.
This standard, outlined in S.C. Code Ann. § 15-33-135, requires showing that it is more likely than not that the other party’s negligence caused the accident.
The Rental Car Company
Rental car companies may be held liable for accidents when their negligence contributes to unsafe driving conditions. For example, failing to inspect or maintain their vehicles regularly can result in mechanical issues such as faulty brakes or worn tires. When these issues lead to accidents, the rental car company may be responsible for the resulting damages.
Other Motorists on the Roadways
Other drivers on the road are often the primary cause of rental car accidents. These drivers can be held accountable for their actions when their negligence causes harm to others. Negligent driving behaviors can create hazardous conditions that lead to collisions and might include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to stop or yield
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Following too closely
What Happens if You Share Blame for the Rental Car Accident
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence law, which means your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-38-15, you can still recover damages as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover compensation.
Get Help from a Rental Car Accident Lawyer in Myrtle Beach for Help Today
You may feel unsure about what to do next in the hours and days following your collision. Fortunately, your rental car accident attorney in Myrtle Beach from Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help ease your fears and offer you the support you need when you need it most. We are committed to helping you demand the compensation you deserve and get the support you need during some of the most stressful times in your life.
With more than a decade of trial experience, our team has helped injury victims and accident survivors like you recover compensation for their losses. We will evaluate your case and determine the best course of action to hold the responsible parties accountable. Call us or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation as soon as today.
