If you are involved in a car accident in or with a rental car, you might be unsure of how to proceed to seek compensation. Whether you were the one driving a rental car or were in your own vehicle, a Whiteville rental car accident lawyer can help you through the legal aftermath.
At Christina Rivenbark & Associates, we fiercely and proudly represent Whiteville residents after they’ve been involved in car accidents. Since 1987, we have stood up for those injured in car crashes, and we know how to smoothly handle complex scenarios like those involving rental cars. From complications with insurance companies to fighting accusations of negligence, our car accident lawyers can fight for you.
After you are involved in a car accident, you may file a personal injury claim that details the extent of your injuries and their costs. In North Carolina, if you were involved in an accident on the road that was not at all your fault, you are entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. Compensation is awarded based on the following damages:
If you are in an accident involving a rental car, the most important thing to do is call 911. You should seek medical help immediately. If you are physically able to, collect information about the scene, including the names and contact information of the other drivers, their license plates, and any relevant contextual factors, such as a broken stop light that might have played a role in what happened. Be honest with the Whiteville police about the facts of the accident, but do not admit fault.
After you are safe, it is in your interest to contact a car accident attorney who can represent you in the legal processes to follow. They can contact an insurance company and file a claim. In the event that your claim is denied, your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and fight for a positive outcome. You could also benefit from filing a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your damages. This claim will require evidence, like your medical records and police reports.
Hiring an attorney after a car accident can help ensure you have constant professional support while navigating the North Carolina legal system. The processes of filing your claim and collecting evidence to illustrate your damages and fault are immensely difficult for a layperson. Your attorney can help guide you through all of the required steps and stand up for you in the event that your personal injury claim is denied or you are accused of being at fault.
In Whiteville, North Carolina, it is the responsibility of the at-fault driver to pay for the damages. After you alert your auto insurance company about the accident and the driver of the other car does the same, the insurance companies will determine who was at fault. If one person is completely responsible, they will pay for the damages even if they were driving a rental car. Some types of insurance that can be purchased when you rent a car might help you cover part of the costs.
While it is not legally required to have car insurance to rent a car in North Carolina, you might consider purchasing insurance plans that the rental car company offers. This insurance could help cover your financial responsibility in the event that you are found at fault for an accident that occurs while you are driving the vehicle.
Whether or not your insurance policy covers rental cars will depend on the auto insurance policy you have. If your auto insurance policy does not cover your rental car or you are uninsured, you can purchase a rental insurance policy specific to your rental vehicle at the time that you fill out your paperwork.
Every car accident is different, and you may be confused about the implications of your unique situation. Your lawyer can help by carefully reviewing all of the facts of your case and gathering the relevant evidence necessary for obtaining compensation on your behalf.
At Christina Rivenbark & Associates, we can provide informed legal advice tailored to your needs and help make sure that you understand your legal options. Christina Rivenbark started her career working for an insurance company, so she knows the intricacies of the system and understands how to stand up for clients in the face of these for-profit companies. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help you pursue compensation while you recover.