Belville Rental Car Accident Lawyer

Belville Rental Car Accident Attorney

Experiencing a rental car collision in Belville, NC, becomes complicated as one navigates through multiple insurance policies and liability disagreements. Seek the services of a Belville rental car accident lawyer today to protect your rights after sustaining injuries in a rental car accident from Christina Rivenbark & Associates.

Identifying who is at fault becomes critical to claim compensation, whether you rented the car, were just a passenger, or another driver in the car. The at-fault insurance laws in North Carolina mandate that responsible parties pay for damages, but rental contracts alongside personal insurance and credit card policies make filing claims more challenging.

People who suffer injuries in rental car accidents can claim compensation for their medical bills as well as lost income and pain and suffering. Knowing your legal choices helps greatly improve your recovery process in such car accidents.

Common Causes of Rental Car Accidents in Belville

Rental car accidents occur due to multiple factors, such as driver negligence, unfamiliar vehicle operation, and poor maintenance of rental cars. Rental car accidents occur frequently along U.S. Highway 17 and NC-133 in Brunswick County due to visitors who misinterpret traffic near Wilmington International Airport.

Visitors and drivers from outside the area frequently make incorrect assessments of local road conditions and traffic patterns, which results in traffic accidents.

Mechanical faults like bad brakes or worn tires can be hidden dangers in rental cars that raise the risk of accidents. Crashes happen because drivers engage in distracted driving while speeding and acting recklessly. Identifying who is at fault among the rental company, driver, or another party is essential for compensation claims when an accident happens. Injured victims who understand the causes of common accidents can build stronger legal cases to protect their rights.

Who Is Liable in a Rental Car Accident in North Carolina?

The determination of liability in a rental car accident relies on specific situational factors. The at-fault insurance system in North Carolina requires the person who caused the crash to cover all damages. Responsibility for a rental car accident can extend to the driver of the rental vehicle as well as other drivers, rental agencies, and vehicle makers when a defect leads to the collision.

Rental companies could face responsibility if they neglect proper vehicle maintenance. The renter’s insurance policy or the rental company’s, along with the credit card provider’s policies, can contribute to covering damages. A successful compensation claim requires a thorough understanding of these factors.

Does Rental Car Insurance Cover Accident Damages?

The coverage available for rental car insurance depends on rental agreements as well as personal auto insurance policies and credit card benefits. A Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) purchased from rental companies protects renters against vehicle repair costs but excludes personal injury protection.

The extent of personal auto insurance coverage varies based on the specific terms of each policy. Additional coverage from certain credit cards assists with remaining expenses after primary insurance coverage has been used.

North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule bars recovery for renters who share responsibility for an accident. Renters need to understand rental car insurance to establish liability and receive appropriate compensation following an accident.

Steps to Take After a Rental Car Accident in Belville

Correct actions following a rental car accident in Belville can help safeguard your health and legal rights. Make sure to obtain medical attention at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center in Bolivia or New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, both of which serve accident victims in the Belville area. Contact 911 to report the accident so they can provide you with a police report.

Collect details from everyone involved in the accident, including the rental company. Document the car accident location and capture images of vehicle damage and any injuries sustained. Contact your insurance company and the rental agency without saying you’re responsible for the accident.

To effectively manage insurance claims and establish responsibility after an accident involving a rental car, seek advice from an accident lawyer. A rapid response increases your chances of getting the deserved compensation.

Reportable traffic crashes in North Carolina grew by 3.8% in 2023 when compared to 2022 data. The fatality count dropped by 5.5% within the same time frame. Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits reduce traffic accident statistics by enforcing accountability for negligent behavior. Legal action results in better traffic regulations which help reduce future accidents and fatalities.

Compensation Available After a Rental Car Accident

Those injured in rental car accidents can receive reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages in addition to vehicle repairs and pain and suffering damages. The auto insurance of the driver responsible for causing the accident should handle damage payments. The rental company can be held liable if their negligence through poor maintenance or failure to warn of defects played any role in causing the crash.

Passengers who suffered injuries have the right to file claims against the party at fault. Victims who suffer severe injuries may pursue claims for long-term disability benefits and punitive damages. A rental car accident lawyer can help identify all possible compensation and help clients get fair financial restitution.

FAQs

Q: What Should I Do If I’m in a Rental Car Accident Near Belville’s U.S. Highway 17?

A: Anyone involved in a rental car accident near U.S. Highway 17 or NC-133 in Belville should contact local law enforcement agencies, including the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office or Belville Police Department. Receive medical care at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center and report the incident to your rental company while seeking legal advice to explore your options.

Q: Can the Rental Car Company Be Held Liable for an Accident?

A: A rental car company can be held accountable if negligent actions lead to the crash. The company might face liability for damages if it neglects to perform inspections, maintenance, or repairs on the vehicle. The rental company could face liability if the accident was caused by faulty brakes, worn tires, or a recalled car. Examining maintenance records and vehicle conditions allows investigators to assess the rental company’s responsibility for the accident.

Q: What If I Was Driving a Rental Car for Business When the Accident Happened?

A: Your employer’s insurance might cover you if you have an accident while using a rental car for work purposes. Commercial vehicle accidents auto insurance from businesses often covers employees when they use rental vehicles for work-related tasks.

When you rent a car personally and use it for work purposes, your personal or rental insurance coverage may apply. Establishing responsibility for work-related car rental collisions becomes complicated when multiple insurance policies are involved.

Q: What Happens If I Declined Rental Car Insurance and Got Into an Accident?

A: Even if you rejected the rental company’s insurance, you can still get coverage from your personal auto insurance or credit card benefits. While personal auto insurance policies cover rental vehicles, coverage limits, and deductible amounts differ from one policy to another.

Rental car coverage provided by some credit cards functions as secondary insurance because it becomes applicable only after other primary insurance policies have been used. You’ll need to pay for damages yourself if none of your insurance policies apply.

Contact a Belville Rental Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a rental car accident in Belville, NC, understanding your legal rights is crucial. Christina Rivenbark & Associates can help you navigate insurance complexities and secure compensation. Contact us today for a consultation.