Any car accident in Atlanta is stressful, especially if you were not at fault. When the accident involves a rental car, things become more confusing. Thankfully, you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. Our Atlanta rental car accident lawyers are here to help.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ll do what it takes to defend your rights. We can determine who is responsible for your damages. If you did not cause the accident, you could be entitled to full compensation.
There is no charge unless we win your case. Plus, the consultation is 100% FREE. To schedule your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
What to Do After a Rental Car Accident in Atlanta
If you get into an accident with a rental car, remain calm. It’s a stressful situation, but keeping a cool head will help your case. If you can, do the following:
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver.
- Call the police to report the accident.
- If you need emergency medical attention, call 911.
- Get contact information from any witnesses.
- Take pictures of the accident scene and any damages.
If the rental car driver caused the accident, find out the rental company’s name. If the driver is hesitant to call the police, do it anyway. Not reporting the accident could prevent you from having a case.
After you leave the scene, document any evidence of your losses. Also, get a copy of the police accident report. In Atlanta, the Central Records Unit controls accident reports. This report is your proof that the crash occurred.
Also, contact an Atlanta rental car accident lawyer as soon as you can. Your lawyer will confirm the best courses of action to take. They’ll also make sure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you.
Get the strong arm
How Insurance Works with Rental Car Accident Claims
A driver must have auto insurance coverage before they can rent a car. Most of the time, the renter can choose to rely on:
- Their own auto insurance coverage, or
- An insurance policy from the rental car company.
If the rental driver causes an accident, their insurance should cover the costs. However, policy limits vary by the type of coverage. For example, the driver might have minimum coverage for Georgia.
The amount of insurance coverage affects your case. If your damages exceed policy limits, it will be challenging to get what you deserve. You might need to turn to your own insurance or sue the driver.
If you have uninsured driver insurance, your insurer should cover some of the damages. No matter the situation, though, be on the alert when dealing with an insurance company.
Why Rental Car Accidents Happen in Atlanta
Before filing a claim, you’ll need to know why the accident happened. The cause of the crash will determine who’s at fault.
Rental car accidents might happen because of:
- Driver mistakes
- Faulty car parts
- Poor car maintenance
- Road hazards
- Dangerous weather conditions
Most of the time, a driver is responsible for the accident. However, each crash is unique. It’s best to get a rental car accident lawyer who can help you investigate.
Your Rental Car Accident Damages
If you did not cause the accident, you can claim damages. You might have both special and general damages (Georgia Code §51-12-2):
- Special damages are economic losses. They include medical costs, lost wages, and property damage. To recover special damages, you must provide proof.
- General damages are about how the accident has affected you. They include pain and suffering, mental trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. You do not have to prove a dollar amount for general damages to recover them.
Many accident victims do not realize how expensive their crash will be. For example, your injuries might prevent you from working. Since you cannot work, it’s challenging to pay your bills. Besides your necessary living costs, you now have accident-related expenses.
Thankfully, you can seek recovery for your damages through a personal injury claim. Before filing your claim, contact an experienced lawyer. Also, make sure you know your full treatment costs.
John Foy & Associates will handle each step of your insurance claim process. We’ll account for each accident cost, including emotional damages. Plus, there is no charge to you unless we win your case.
To get started with a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Gathering Evidence and Building Your Case
After a rental car accident, the insurance company will spring into action. The insurance adjuster’s job is to reduce costs as much as possible. Unfortunately, that’s frightening news for any accident victim.
Insurance companies have their own attorneys and experts. They’ll start investigating your accident. To level the playing field, you’ll want to gather your own evidence.
After documenting the accident scene, contact a lawyer. Your lawyer will know what you need to build a strong case. They’ll also handle the insurance company for you. If the insurance company offers a lowball settlement, your lawyer will work to negotiate.
Don’t Miss the Deadline for Car Accident Claims
In Georgia, you have up to two years from your accident to file a case. In some cases, you have less time. Don’t miss your chance to seek full compensation. Get started today.
The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better it will be for your case. An experienced rental car accident lawyer can provide insight and advice. Even if you don’t choose to hire them, they’ll let you know your legal options.
Get a Free Consultation with an Atlanta Rental Car Accident Lawyer Today
Rental car accidents are painful, stressful, and confusing. But you do not have to handle the situation alone. At John Foy & Associates, we are here for you.
With 20-plus years of experience, our lawyers know what it takes to win. Our founder is the “Strong Arm” for a reason: we’re not afraid to stand up to the insurance companies. Our goal is to get you a full financial recovery.
To get started with a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
