Myrtle Beach Rental Car Accident Lawyer

Myrtle Beach Rental Car Accident Attorney

Being involved in a crash in a rental car can be a terrifying and uncertain experience. In these cases, it can prove essential to hire a Myrtle Beach rental car accident lawyer who can sort out the complicated issues of liability and insurance coverage often involved in rental car accidents. Rental car companies can have complicated coverage, and it is vital to have an attorney on your side who can protect your right to compensation.

At Axelrod & Associates, P.A., our team of attorneys has over 100 years of shared experience and is ready to ensure your rights to compensation from a negligent party in a rental car accident. The rental car company’s insurance coverage will likely try to offer you a lowball settlement, hoping you will take it out of desperation. Don’t let them bully you. Take legal action and ensure you secure the personal injury compensation you deserve.

Damages in a Rental Car Accident in Myrtle Beach

While it is difficult to offer you an exact number as to how much your damages may be worth in a rental car accident in Myrtle Beach, we can investigate your case to determine what kind of damages you may be entitled to. Every rental car accident is different, and each individual involved in these accidents suffers unique injuries.

The most common damages won in rental car accident claims include the following:

• Any medical expenses related to the accident and your injuries, including transportation to and from the hospital or doctor’s office, medical treatments, surgeries, medical devices or equipment needed, and diagnostic testing costs.
• Any income you lose if you miss work while recovering from your injuries.
• Potential disability benefits if you are no longer able to work because of your injuries.
• Costs related to long-term care if your injuries leave you needing daily assistance for personal care or medical treatment.
• Intangible damages, or damages that are not easily assigned a monetary value, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, the loss of the enjoyment of life, or disfigurement.
• Wrongful death damages if you lose a loved one due to a rental car accident. These damages typically cover the lost wages of your deceased loved one, any related medical bills incurred prior to their death, and funeral or burial costs.
• Punitive damages, or damages that are awarded to punish the liable party for behavior deemed particularly egregious or grossly negligent. These damages are rarely awarded, but when they are, they can add significant value to your claim.

Proving Liability in a Rental Car Accident

Proving liability in a rental car accident in Myrtle Beach can be a difficult task, which is why only a qualified attorney should be trusted to handle it. The elements of liability for a rental car accident are essentially the same as those for any other kind of collision. The elements of proving liability include the following:

Duty of Care

Proving liability first requires showing that the at-fault party owed you a certain duty of care. For example, if you were struck by another driver, they owed you a duty of care to operate their vehicle in a safe and legal manner. If the accident was due to an issue with the rental car, the rental car company owed you a duty of care to ensure their vehicles are safe and properly maintained.

Breach of Duty

The second element of proving liability is showing that the duty of care was breached through recklessness or negligence. A driver might breach their duty by driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A rental car company may breach the duty by ignoring maintenance issues with their vehicles and renting them out to consumers anyway.

Causation

You and your attorney must prove that the breach of duty caused the accident that resulted in your harm and injury. This could be a complex task, which is why it is vital that you look to an attorney who can help you gather evidence to prove causation, such as photos or videos of the accident scene, maintenance reports from the rental company, or field sobriety tests if the driver was driving drunk.

Damages

You and your attorney must demonstrate that you suffered measurable damages from the rental car accident. In most cases, sustaining physical injuries will meet this requirement.

FAQs About Myrtle Beach, SC Rental Car Accident Laws

What Kind of Insurance Coverage Applies to a Rental Car Accident in South Carolina?

There are several kinds of insurance that may come into play in a rental car accident. These include the driver’s personal car insurance and the supplement coverage from the rental car company. If you find yourself renting a vehicle, it is vital that you carefully look over your own insurance policy.

What Evidence Can Help Prove Damages in a Rental Car Accident?

There are several forms of evidence that can help you prove damages in a rental car accident claim. These forms of evidence can include photos or videos from the scene of the accident, eyewitness statements from people who saw the accident take place, pay stubs showing lost wages, medical bills, records, and doctor visit summaries.

What Injuries Are Common in a Car Accident?

The victim of a car accident can suffer several different kinds of injuries, all ranging in degree of severity. The nature and severity of your injury will most likely impact the value of your claim. These injuries can include broken bones, road rash, internal organ damage, nerve damage, internal bleeding, muscle strains or sprains, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

How Much Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Charge in South Carolina?

It can prove difficult to offer an exact number as to how much a lawyer might charge for their services in South Carolina, as each case is different and so is the way each lawyer will structure their fees. However, there are some common factors that can impact the fees of all cases, including the complexity and duration of the case and the experience of your attorney.

Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer in Myrtle Beach Today

If you have suffered in a rental car accident in Myrtle Beach, you are entitled to seek compensation. Reach out to the offices of Axelrod & Associates, P.A. today to schedule your initial consultation with our team and learn about how we might be of service to you.