If you want help dealing with the aftermath of a rental car crash caused by someone else, partner with an attorney. A St. Andrews rental car accident lawyer prioritizes your best interests. They will look for ways to prove that you deserve compensatory damages.
The team at Shelly Leeke Law Firm has more than a decade of legal experience. Let our St. Andrews car accident lawyer assist you with your case. Contact us today for more information.
What It Takes to Receive Damages After a Rental Car Collision
If you drive your car and are hit by a motorist operating a rental, you could pursue damages. You may be able to get compensation through an insurance claim. Alternatively, you could ask for compensation as part of a lawsuit.
In a situation where you are in an accident while driving a rental, you may still be able to receive damages. You could request compensation via an insurance claim or lawsuit. A St. Andrews personal injury lawyer can help you determine which course of action will work best based on the circumstances of your case.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers legal services and support to drivers and others who incur losses in rental vehicle accidents. Trust our team to help you achieve the optimal case results. Schedule a free case consultation with us.
How Much Time You Have to Seek Damages in a St. Andrews Rental Car Accident Lawsuit
According to the South Carolina Code of Laws Section 15-3-53, you have up to three years from the date you suffer a personal injury to ask a liable party to cover your losses. Following your rental car crash, hire an attorney right away. When you have a proven rental car accident attorney in St. Andrews at your side, you are well-equipped to submit your damages request promptly.
Your attorney gives your request for damages the attention it deserves. They will build an argument designed to resonate with a judge or jury. At the same time, they will account for the defendant’s case against you.
Filing a lawsuit does not guarantee you will be awarded damages. You must provide proof that shows the court that you are not liable for your crash. If you have a compelling case, a judge or jury may have no qualms about awarding full damages.
Types of Damages You Can Recover in Your Lawsuit
A rental car accident attorney in St. Andrews can explain what are compensatory damages and how they relate to your case. They can prepare an argument that leads a judge or jury to offer economic and non-economic damages. There are many reasons why the court could provide you with damages, including:
- Car repair or replacement expenses
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
What you request in damages depends on the facts surrounding your case. Your lawyer will consider your quantifiable and subjective losses carefully. From here, they will craft an argument that could help you secure fair compensation.
Evidence to Prove You Have a Valid Case
Your lawyer can teach you all about the proof needed in a South Carolina personal injury claim. The quality of your evidence and its relevance to your case can determine if your argument is successful. Proof that could be used in your case against an at-fault party includes:
- Videos and photos from the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Police report
- Rental car maintenance and repair records
Your proof can raise doubts about the defendant’s argument. If the defendant is worried that a judge or jury will award 100% of the damages you request, they may offer a settlement. With a settlement proposal, you can review the offer with your lawyer, and they can help you decide whether to approve, reject, or counter it.
The Importance of Negligence in Your Case
Negligence can impact your case compensation. Your rental car accident lawyer can provide a breakdown of negligence laws in South Carolina and how they apply to your case. Ultimately, you will need to prove that the following elements of negligence were present at the time of your accident to recover damages from any at-fault parties:
- Duty of Care: It was reasonable to expect the party involved in your accident to take measures to avoid harming you or others.
- Breach of Duty of Care: The party violated their legal obligation to avoid acts of carelessness or recklessness.
- Causation: The party’s actions contributed to your accident.
- Damages: You are dealing with losses due to your accident.
Your attorney will focus on negligence as they develop your argument. They will consider how the at-fault party will dispute your claims. In the same way, they will account for how the defendant will present their case against you and what can be done to prove to the court that you should not be held responsible for your accident.
How a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Works
It is tragic to lose a family member in an auto accident involving a rental vehicle. Unfortunately, you and your loved ones may have to face this scenario. A St. Andrews wrongful death lawyer can help you and your family during this challenging time in your lives.
A wrongful death attorney can help you ask for damages from anyone responsible for your family member’s fatal rental car accident. They will learn about the incident and determine who is liable. Next, they can put you in a position to secure damages.
Throughout your litigation, your St. Andrews rental car accident lawyer will communicate and collaborate with you and your family. They are empathetic, as they understand the impact that comes with losing a loved one. Your attorney will handle your litigation, provide frequent updates, and make sure that your legal needs are met every step of the way.
Get Legal Assistance with Your Rental Car Crash Case
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm is committed to helping rental car accident victims and their families receive the damages they deserve. We back our legal services and support with a no-win, no-fee guarantee. Request a free case consultation with us.
