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Car accidents can be stressful and overwhelming, but when a crash involves a rental vehicle, it can add an additional layer of complexity. It matters little whether you are the driver of the rental car or the other party involved, as it is important to know how to handle the situation properly if you have injuries.
First and foremost, seek medical attention if you have any injuries. This is critical for both your physical recovery and legal claim. Contact the rental company as soon as possible to inform them of the accident and follow their instructions regarding the necessary steps to take regarding the vehicle.
Then, contact an Augusta car accident attorney near you to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights as an injury victim. The rental vehicle insurance world is full of tricky negotiations—getting the right lawyer on your side can be the difference in your financial future. Consultations are free, so never put off scheduling yours with a local law firm.
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How to Handle Car Accidents Involving Rental Vehicles
Car accidents involving rental vehicles can be more complicated than regular accidents. Additional factors to consider include rental agreements, varied insurance coverage, and liability issues. What’s more, they might happen far away from home, providing an extra layer of stress. Always consult a car accident lawyer who practices where the accident occurred because those are the applicable laws.
Here are the fundamentals to remember when handling a car accident involving a rental vehicle:
- Seek Medical Attention: even if you don’t feel any immediate injuries, getting a medical evaluation after a car accident is essential. Some injuries may not be apparent right away and your medical report also starts a timeline of events. If you wait to get medical care, it can complicate the injury claim process.
- Be Careful With What You Say: When speaking to the authorities, rental companies, insurance companies, or other drivers involved, be very cautious about what you say. Never admit fault or apologize; this can insinuate that you shared blame. Give minimal information, such as your contact information, but leave the rest of the communications to your car accident lawyer.
- Consult a Car Accident Attorney: You should seek legal representation for a car accident involving a rental vehicle. An attorney handling rental vehicle accidents can guide you through the legal process and pursue compensation from the proper sources, which might differ from the usual channels following a car crash.
When Might You Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
A rental car accident claim can be complicated in nature, so it is wise to hire a car accident attorney to represent you. Here are some situations where hiring a rental car accident lawyer is the best choice:
Do You Have Injuries From the Accident?
If you have sustained injuries that require medical treatment and may have long-term effects on your health or ability to work, it is crucial to have legal representation to ensure you receive proper compensation.
Can You Prove The Other Driver Was To Blame?
If you believe another driver’s negligence caused the accident, an attorney can gather evidence to support your claim. You must have sufficient evidence to prove their negligence and liability for your losses.
What Insurance Policy Do You Have?
Understanding insurance coverage for rental vehicles can be complex and vary from situation to situation. A lawyer can review your policy and ensure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to from different sources.
Has Fault Been Wrongly Assigned To You?
If you believe that fault has been wrongly assigned to you in the accident, an attorney can investigate the circumstances and present evidence to prove you deserve compensation.
Have You Incurred and Will You Incur Any Financial Losses?
If the accident has resulted in financial losses, such as medical expenses, property damage, or lost income, a lawyer can seek compensation for these damages.
Did You Receive Any Unfair Rental Company Charges?
If the rental company has charged you for damages that were not your fault or unfairly withheld your deposit, an attorney can dispute these charges and recover your losses.
Has An Insurance Company Denied Your Claim?
If your insurance claim has been denied or undervalued, an attorney can advocate on your behalf to ensure you appeal the denial successfully whenever possible.
Were Your Rental Term Agreements Violated?
If the rental company has violated the terms of the rental agreement or failed to fulfill its responsibilities, an attorney can enforce your rights under the contract.
In any of these situations, seeking the advice of a car accident lawyer can greatly increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation and protecting your rights.
When Duty of Care is Breached
All drivers have a duty of care to others on the road, whether they are driving their own vehicle, a work vehicle, or a rental vehicle. When a driver breaches this duty, their conduct is considered negligent when it leads to a car accident.
If you have been in a car accident with a rental vehicle due to a negligent driver, always consult a car accident lawyer. Here are some common types of car accidents that can occur with rental vehicles due to driver negligence:
- Rear-end Collision: If a rental vehicle driver rear-ended you, it might indicate that they failed to maintain a safe distance or were distracted while driving
- Intersection Accidents: Rental vehicle drivers who fail to yield the right of way at intersections can cause severe accidents and injuries.
- Drunk Driving Accidents: If the rental vehicle driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, it can be a clear breach of their duty of care.
- Speeding Accidents: Rental vehicle drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive at an unsafe speed for the road conditions can cause accidents and injuries.
- Improper Lane Change Accidents: If a rental vehicle driver changes lanes without signaling or checking blind spots, it can lead to collisions with other vehicles.
- Failure To Obey Traffic Laws: Rental vehicle drivers who disregard traffic laws, such as running red lights or stop signs, can cause accidents and injuries.
- Distracted Driving Accidents: Rental vehicle drivers who are distracted by their phones, eating, or engaged in other distracting activities while driving can cause accidents due to their negligence.
If you have suffered an injury in any of these types of accidents, it is essential to consult a car accident lawyer who understands the unique issues of rental vehicle accidents. They can determine if a breach of duty of care occurred and guide you through the legal process.
Hiring a Lawyer Increases Your Chances of Full Compensation
After a rental vehicle accident, hiring a car accident lawyer is imperative to getting the best result when making a claim or filing a lawsuit. Here are some ways a rental car accident attorney will seek maximum compensation for your losses:
Case Evaluation
An attorney will review the details of your case, assess the strength of your claim, and determine the potential compensation you may be entitled to.
Gathering Evidence
A lawyer will gather evidence to support your claim, including accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony if necessary.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may try to undervalue or deny your claim. An attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Establishing Liability
Your attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and establish liability for the accident. This is crucial for proving fault and holding the responsible party accountable.
Calculating Damages
A car accident lawyer will calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Handling Legal Procedures
The legal process can be complicated and time-consuming. An attorney will handle all the legal procedures, paperwork, and deadlines on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Representing You In Court
A car accident attorney will represent you in court and advocate for your rights if necessary. They will present your case and argument to the judge and jury to seek the maximum compensation you deserve.
By hiring a rental car accident lawyer, you can ensure your claim or lawsuit is handled professionally and efficiently, giving you the best chance of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Who Can You Sue After a Rental Vehicle Accident?
In a rental vehicle accident, various parties may be sued depending on the circumstances of the accident. Here are the different parties you can potentially sue in a car accident claim
- Other Drivers: If the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, you may sue that driver for your injuries and damages.
- The Vehicle Rental Company: In certain situations, the rental company may be liable for the accident. This can be the case if the rental vehicle had a mechanical defect, the company failed to properly maintain it, or it rented to an improper party, such as someone with a suspended license.
- Third-Party Maintenance Companies: If a third-party maintenance company was responsible for maintaining the rental vehicle and its negligence contributed to the accident, it may be held liable.
- Government Entities: If the accident was caused by a dangerous road condition, such as potholes or inadequate signage, you may have a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the road.
- Product Manufacturers: If a defective product, such as faulty brakes or tires, contributed to the accident, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Determining the parties who can be sued after a rental vehicle accident requires a thorough investigation of the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident. Consulting a car accident lawyer allows you to determine the responsible parties and identify the path to compensation.
Has a Rental Vehicle Accident Affected You?
After a rental vehicle accident, always take the right steps to protect your rights and ensure a smooth recovery. Here are the steps you should consider following once medical care has been covered:
Gather Documentation
Collect all the relevant documentation related to the accident, including medical records, police reports, and any correspondence with insurance companies or the rental company.
Keep a Record of Expenses
Maintain a record of all expenses incurred as a result of the accident, such as medical bills, property damage repairs, and transportation costs.
Preserve Evidence
Keep any physical evidence related to the accident, such as damaged personal belongings or vehicle parts. It may be valuable evidence for your claim.
Follow Medical Advice
Following all medical advice and attending all necessary follow-up appointments is crucial. Your recovery should be the top priority.
Consult A Car Accident Lawyer
To begin your rental vehicle accident claim, consult an experienced attorney. They will handle the entire legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation your claim deserves. Don’t let rental insurance companies take advantage of you — an innocent driver.
Your recovery is essential, both physically and financially. By consulting a car accident lawyer, you can focus on healing while they handle the legal aspects of your case.
Call a Car Accident Attorney Today
After suffering injuries in a rental vehicle accident, it makes perfect sense to consult a car accident lawyer. Your rights are at stake, so hire the right person to support your claim and pursue the compensation you need.
Contact an attorney near you today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case. Remember, most car accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case. This also means case evaluations are free. Don’t let financial concerns hold you back from seeking the legal help you need.
To take the first steps toward rebuilding your life after a rental vehicle accident, contact a car accident attorney today. They will provide the guidance, support, and legal representation you need to get through this difficult time. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Augusta and let them fight your corner in a stressful, potentially life-changing ordeal.
