Experiencing a car crash is overwhelming. It is even more stressful when one of the vehicles is rented from a separate entity. Various factors, such as the state where the collision occurred, the insurance companies involved, the extent of damage, and the possibility of multiple liable parties, can complicate rental car accident cases.
You need a dedicated team of car accident attorneys who know the intricacies of state laws and insurance policies. At Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, we are committed to protecting your rights and helping you achieve the best outcome possible when you are hurt in a rental car accident in Columbia.
At-Fault Parties in a Rental Car Crash
Multiple parties can be at fault in a rental car collision. This can include the following:
- The rental car company
- The at-fault driver
- Insurance companies
- Car owners
- Property owners (If the accident occurred on neglected premises)
- The government
- Credit card companies (If the rental car driver elected for credit card coverage)
Liability can be complicated and involve multiple parties. Determining factors can include your and the other driver’s percentage of fault, as well as the role of the rental company. Talking to an informed Columbia attorney could help determine the parties responsible for your rental car wreck.
Navigating a Rental Car Accident Case
Injured parties can take differing courses of legal action. The first is settling with the other motorist’s insurance company. It is crucial to keep in mind that insurance companies often try to lowball individuals without an attorney, offering settlements that are far below what they deserve.
If the parties cannot settle, the other option is to go to court. Hiring legal representation is best when your case appears before a judge and jury. It is essential to have a well-crafted strategy because even the smallest details can sway a jury. A tenacious lawyer could investigate your case, collect evidence, and interview witnesses.
The Concept of Negligence
In a personal injury case, negligence is one of the most important elements to prove. Drivers have a duty to others on the road, and when they breach that standard of care and cause injury to others, they can be held liable. Hiring a reliable Columbia attorney who could hold the correct parties liable for your rental car crash is strongly advised.
Winning Compensation for Damages
The compensation a plaintiff can obtain for their injuries depends on the factors specific to their car collision, including the state and percentage of fault.
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence model. This means a party can recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault. In other words, plaintiffs cannot recover damages if they are more than 50% liable for the wreck that caused their injuries. Depending upon a jury’s determination, a plaintiff’s total financial compensation can be reduced based on their level of contribution to the accident, so long as it is below 50%.
Types of Damages
Typically, monetary damages can be economic or non-economic. Examples of economic damages include:
- The cost of car repairs
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
There are also more subjective forms of compensation called non-economic damages, which can include:
- Loss of future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional damage
- Funeral costs
If the at-fault driver engaged in particularly egregious conduct, such as road rage, the plaintiff may be entitled to punitive damages, intended to punish and deter the driver’s future conduct. Connecting with a seasoned Columbia attorney who handles rental car crash cases could make all the difference in the damages you receive.
Reach Out to Our Attorneys Today
If you have been involved in a rental car accident in Columbia, you do not have to navigate the legal complexities alone. Your recovery is essential, and you deserve to have a legal professional on your side to help you obtain financial compensation.
Calling our knowledgeable attorneys could make all the difference. We are here to help you every step of the way. Contact Whetstone Perkins & Fulda today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
