A rental car accident can leave you facing serious injuries and significant financial burdens. Whether you suffered a broken leg, a traumatic brain injury, or other injuries leaving you with exorbitant medical expenses, your recovery may feel like an uphill battle.
Our South Carolina rental car accident lawyers has recovered more than $6 million in damages for car accident survivors like you, and our firm is here to fight for you.
We are committed to helping you pursue just compensation for your damages and suffering. From negotiating with insurance companies to demanding justice in court, we are ready to fight for your rights.
Request your 100% free consultation with your South Carolina car accident lawyer to take the first step toward rebuilding your life.
Common Causes of Rental Car Accidents
Rental car accidents can occur for many reasons, often resulting in serious injuries and costly damages. Understanding the causes of these accidents is crucial if our rental car accident lawyers are going to identify who is responsible and how you can pursue compensation for your losses.
Here are some of the most common factors that lead to rental car accidents and who may be held accountable:
Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents that our South Carolina personal injury lawyers see. Activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting a GPS while driving take a driver’s attention away from the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to devastating collisions that result in significant injuries.
When a distracted driver violates South Carolina’s distracted driving laws under S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3890 and causes an accident, they should be held accountable for the damages they caused.
Rental car drivers who are unfamiliar with the area may be more prone to distractions, such as looking at local attractions or focusing more on their GPS than their driving.
Our South Carolina distracted driving accident lawyer can help you gather compelling supporting evidence to prove the driver’s negligence and seek the compensation you deserve.
Defective Rental Cars
Rental car accidents may also occur due to defects in the vehicle or a lack of proper maintenance. Worn-out brakes and tires or malfunctioning parts can all lead to dangerous situations on the road.
When companies prioritize their profits over providing safe vehicles for their customers, they should be held responsible, along with anyone else who might share the blame for your accident, including:
- Rental car companies
- Manufacturers
- Maintenance providers
- Third-party part suppliers
- Vehicle design flaws
Road Safety Hazards
Poor road conditions can also contribute to rental car accidents, especially when drivers are unfamiliar with an area. Hazards such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or inadequate signage can make it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.
Construction zones without proper warnings or barriers can also lead to dangerous accidents.
How to Maximize Your Award After a Rental Car Accident in South Carolina
Recovering fair compensation after a rental car accident requires understanding your options and the steps you can take to protect your claim.
Your South Carolina rental car accident attorney from Shelly Leeke Law Firm will help you identify the best ways to strengthen your case. By taking advantage of every opportunity for legal recourse, you can pursue the financial support you need to pick up the pieces of your life.
Insurance Claim Filings
South Carolina follows fault insurance laws, which means the liable party’s insurer is obligated to cover specific damages. According to S.C. Code Ann. § 38-77-140, drivers are required to carry liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage.
Filing an insurance claim allows you to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses that the liable party’s insurance policy may cover.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
Filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary if an insurance settlement does not fully cover your damages. This option allows you to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, and any other losses the insurance company refuses to compensate you for.
Your South Carolina rental car accident lawyer can help you evaluate whether pursuing a lawsuit is the best course of action for your situation.
You Have the Right to Compensation for Every Loss
If someone else is responsible for causing your injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation for every single loss you have endured. Compensation is designed to help you recover both economic and non–economic losses, providing the support you need to move forward.
Some of the most common losses that may be awarded after a rental car accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Future healthcare costs
- Loss of employee benefits
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish
- Disfigurement and skin scarring
- Reduced quality of life
Punitive damages may also be awarded if the defendant’s conduct was grossly negligent or intentional, but are only awarded at the court’s discretion and should not be expected as part of your general compensation.
These damages are specifically designed to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-32-530, punitive damages are subject to specific limits based on the circumstances of your case.
Consult a Rental Car Accident Lawyer in South Carolina for Help Today
After everything you have been through, you might feel uncertain about how to pursue maximum compensation for your damages.
At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we understand how to secure the financial recovery you deserve. Your rental car accident attorney in South Carolina with our law firm is ready to hold the at-fault parties accountable.
With our knowledge and experience, we will carefully assess your case to determine how your injuries have impacted your life. From intense insurance negotiations to advocating for your right to maximum compensation at trial, our rental car accident lawyers are committed to helping you get through these trying times.
Call us or complete our convenient contact form to schedule your free consultation as soon as today.