Wilmington Rental Car Accident Lawyer

Wilmington Rental Car Accident Attorney

A car accident can be nerve-wracking, especially if the car you’re driving is not yours. If you are in a car accident involving a rental car, it is important to understand your legal options. The financial impact of this event will depend on a variety of factors, including who was at fault and what your rental car insurance looks like. Reaching out to a Wilmington rental car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal aftermath of the collision and confront any challenges along the way.

At Christina Rivenbark & Associates, we have extensive experience with motor vehicle accidents. Whether you were hit by another car while driving a rental or are facing accusations of fault, we can represent you. With our legal counsel specifically tailored to your case, you can receive the clarity and peace of mind you need.

What Happens After a Rental Car Accident?

If you were involved in a rental car accident, it is vital that you call the police. A law enforcement officer will come to the scene and write a report. You should also get medical attention as soon as possible to make sure that you have no serious injuries. In addition to calling 911, you should also call the rental car company and tell them exactly what happened.

When you contact the company from which you rented the car, a representative should tell you how to proceed. For instance, if you are in need of a replacement vehicle, they can describe how to get one. You will also need to contact your insurance provider to alert them of the incident.

Some renters choose to acquire a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which protects them from paying damages to their rental vehicle, so it is important to contact that provider if you have a CDW in addition to your personal auto insurance.

Who Pays for Damages After a Rental Car Accident in North Carolina?

If you are in any sort of vehicle accident in Wilmington, North Carolina, the person who pays for the damages is the person who was at fault. It is vital that you alert your insurance provider of the accident, as the involved parties’ insurance companies are responsible for investigating the evidence and determining who was at fault.

Sometimes, both parties are partially responsible for the accident. In this case, you might have trouble receiving compensation for your accident. Fault can be complicated, though, and in some cases, you might find yourself being falsely accused of having partial responsibility for the accident. When these circumstances arise, your lawyer can defend against accusations that could impact your ability to receive compensation.

Why Do You Need a Rental Car Accident Lawyer?

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is never easy, and it is in your interest to hire a legal professional to advocate for you during this time. With the right attorney on your side, you can have informed advice as you navigate each step. They can communicate and negotiate with insurance companies and help you file a personal injury claim.

FAQs About Wilmington Rental Car Accident, NC

Is North Carolina a No-Fault State or an At-Fault State?

North Carolina is an at-fault state for car accidents. This means that the insurance companies of the drivers involved in a car accident will investigate who was at fault. If one driver is completely at fault and another is not at all, the former will be responsible for paying damages. North Carolina also uses the contributory negligence doctrine, meaning if you bear a portion of the fault, you might not be able to receive compensation from the other driver.

What Are the Rental Car Accident Laws in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, rental car accidents follow the same laws as those involving cars that are not rented. The driver who is to blame for the accident will be held responsible for paying the damages.

Both drivers are held to contributory negligence, which means that if they were responsible in part for what happened, they might not be able to secure compensation. If you were in a rental car accident, you should call the police, file a claim with your insurance, and contact a rental car accident lawyer.

What Happens if You Dent a Rental Car?

If you are driving a rental car and it is dented, you will likely have to pay a fee to the rental car company. However, this might depend on whether you have Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance as well as the extent of the damage to the vehicle. Consulting with the rental car company about the damage can help you better understand the consequences of this incident.

What Is Collision Damage Waiver Insurance?

Collision Damage Waiver insurance is an insurance policy that you can take out when you drive a rental car. This policy can offer you some financial protection, as it covers the cost of damage to the vehicle during a collision, as well as other protections like theft. It is important to note that this protection does not cover everything, such as medical bills.

What Happens if the Person at Fault in an Accident Has No Insurance in NC?

If you are driving your own vehicle in North Carolina, you are legally required to have insurance. This is not the case if you are driving a rental car. If you are hurt in an accident, and the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you can file what is called an uninsured motorist coverage claim with your insurance. This can help you ensure you still receive compensation for your damages.

A Reliable Wilmington Rental Car Accident Attorney

If you are in need of a rental car accident lawyer in Wilmington, get in touch with Christina Rivenbark & Associates. With over three decades of experience standing up for North Carolinians in rental car crash cases, you can rest assured you are in capable hands. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help you navigate your case.