If you've been involved in a car accident, one of the biggest concerns can be how to get around while your car is being repaired. Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation for a rental car during this period. The driver or at-fault party who caused your collision should be responsible for any rental car costs you incur while your vehicle is being repaired. Rental car compensation is just one aspect of the broader scope of compensation you may be entitled to following a collision.
An experienced Owings Mills car accident lawyer can help you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings, and other expenses, as well as intangible losses like pain and suffering. Schedule a free consultation to explore damages and settlement potential. You shouldn't have to absorb these costs, especially when the accident wasn't even your fault.
Using Personal Insurance Coverage to Pay for a Rental Car After an Accident
Your policy may include rental car insurance that covers the cost of a rental car after an accident. Many policies include this coverage to help you immediately pay for a rental car while your vehicle is in the service shop. An attorney can carefully review your insurance policy to determine coverage, including the limits on the daily rental rate or the total number of days covered.
If you have rental reimbursement coverage, your lawyer can help submit your rental car expenses to your insurance company. The at-fault driver's insurance company is ultimately responsible for paying for your rental car, and your car insurer will recover these costs through subrogation. That means those expenses will be reimbursed to your insurance company from your final settlement check, as they are included in your total compensation.
Compensation You May Pursue After a Motor Vehicle Accident
When evaluating the actual damages after a motor vehicle accident, car accident lawyers consider both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the tangible financial losses you may have incurred due to the accident. These can be proven with receipts, invoices, and other financial documentation. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are intangible losses. These are more challenging to quantify because they do not come with a receipt. Depending on the severity of injuries, length of treatment, and other factors, lawyers will evaluate the following damages:
- Medical Expenses: Injuries sustained in a car accident can lead to mounting medical bills. Compensation for healthcare expenses can cover ambulance fees, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other necessary medical treatments related to your accident injuries.
- Property Damages: When your vehicle is damaged or totaled in a car accident, you can seek compensation to repair or replace your vehicle. These can include the cost of repairs, the value of your vehicle if it is deemed a total loss, and any other property damage caused by the accident.
- Transportation Costs: Your transportation costs may be recovered while your vehicle is being repaired or when shopping for a new one. These expenses include rental cars, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, taxis, and public transportation.
- Lost Earnings: If your injuries from the accident prevent you from working, you may be eligible for compensation for lost income. Lost earnings can include the income you would have earned during the recovery period and any future lost earning capacity due to long-term injuries or disabilities.
- Pain and Suffering: Car accidents can cause physical pain and emotional suffering. Compensation for these damages aims to provide financial support for the physical discomfort, mental anguish, and emotional trauma experienced due to the accident and its aftermath.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injuries from the accident significantly impact your relationship with your spouse, you may be eligible for compensation for those intangible relationship losses. Loss of consortium includes the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy with your spouse.
- Wrongful Death: In cases where a car accident results in the loss of a loved one, certain family members may be able to seek compensation for wrongful death. Wrongful death benefits can include compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages related to the loss of a loved one.
You'll want an attorney to value the damages in your claim. To maximize compensation, car accident lawyers collaborate with medical professionals and financial experts to accurately calculate the financial impact of your injuries and the long-term effects they may have on your life. Car accident victims should keep receipts for rental car reimbursement, as well as all other financial losses incurred after a collision.
Why You Need an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
When you've been involved in a car accident, especially a multi-car accident or one with severe injuries, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Dealing with insurance companies, medical appointments, missing work, and property damage can add stress to an already traumatic experience. That's why having an experienced attorney by your side is essential to navigate the insurance claims and legal processes and seek the compensation you deserve. The benefits of having a car accident lawyer represent your case are as follows:
Free Consultations
Many car accident attorneys offer free consultations, allowing you to discuss your case without financial commitment. During your initial meeting, the attorney will evaluate the details of your accident, provide legal advice, and explain your rights and options. These consultations allow you to gauge the attorney's knowledge, case experience, and successes to determine if they're the right fit for your case needs.
Comprehensive Case Investigations
A skilled car accident attorney will thoroughly investigate your case, gathering evidence and establishing fault in your multi-car accident. This investigation includes reviewing police reports, collecting eyewitness statements, obtaining video footage or photographs from the scene, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts—when necessary. A detailed investigation is necessary for building a strong case that maximizes your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your claim.
Negotiations with Insurers
Dealing with insurance companies can be incredibly challenging, especially when multiple parties are involved in the accident. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize their liability and offer severely inadequate settlements. An attorney will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies on your behalf. They have the knowledge, confidence, and negotiation skills to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you're entitled to.
Litigation Support
Sometimes, reaching a fair settlement with the insurance companies may not be possible. If negotiations fail, your attorney should be prepared to take your case to court. They will guide you through the litigation process, gather additional evidence, collaborate with expert witnesses, and present a compelling case to the judge and jury. Having a skilled litigator represent you increases your chances of securing a favorable outcome in court.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Affordable Car Accident Lawyer
If you've suffered an injury in a car accident, you'll want to understand your legal rights and options to seek compensation for rental car costs and other damages. Scheduling a free consultation with an experienced and affordable Owings Mills personal injury lawyer can be a vital first step. Don't wait—your recovery and peace of mind are worth the conversation.