You may believe a rental car accident is not a big deal. If you got hurt in an accident due to no fault of your own, you could get damages from the liable party. To pursue compensation, partner with a Lafayette rental car accident lawyer.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we transform the lives of car accident victims and many others. To date, we have recovered over $1 billion in damages for our clients. Get in touch with us today to discuss your case with our Lafayette car accident lawyer.
What to Do After a Rental Car Accident
A rental car accident can leave you feeling frustrated and annoyed. On top of that, you may be dealing with an injury. In the moments after your accident, here are things you can do to avoid putting yourself in further danger:
- Call 911.
- Let medical professionals treat your injury.
- Go to a hospital or emergency room for further evaluation.
- Discuss your accident with the police.
- Take photos and videos at the accident scene.
Days after your accident, connect with a rental car accident lawyer in Lafayette, LA. The team at Lourdes Earles Injury Lawyers will learn about your case and go over your legal options with you. Reach out to us to let our Lafayette personal injury lawyer review your case.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientProving Fault
Saying the other driver or another party is liable for your accident is not enough to get damages. You must provide a sufficient amount of proof to support your case. If you do not, the liable party or their insurance company could raise doubts about the severity of your accident and injury, putting your claim in danger.
A rental car accident lawyer in Lafayette will help you gather evidence. They will explain how to get a car accident report in Lafayette and other forms of proof. Your body of evidence may be enough to compel a judge or jury to award full damages.
There are times when your proof accelerates your settlement negotiations. For example, you have an abundance of evidence that prompts the defendant in your case to propose a settlement. If the offer is fair and reasonable, you can accept it and close your case without the need for a trial.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientGetting Compensation in a Lafayette Rental Car Accident Lawsuit
You can file a lawsuit against an at-fault party. This may allow you to get compensation from the liable party or their insurance company. In your lawsuit, you can request economic and non-economic damages for many reasons, such as:
- Emotional trauma
- Hospital bills
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
A law firm in Lafayette, LA, will help you calculate your losses. You can work with a rental car accident attorney in Lafayette, LA, who prioritizes your case. With assistance from your lawyer, you will be able to maximize your damages.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientHow to Submit a Claim
You can notify your rental car company and your auto insurer about your accident. The rental car provider may require you to complete paperwork relating to the incident. You can file a claim with your insurance company, which will work with the liable party’s insurer to conduct an investigation.
A Lafayette rental car accident attorney will walk you through the claims process. In the best-case scenario, you receive damages through your insurance claim. However, the at-fault party or their insurance company is likely to dispute your claim, requiring you to take additional steps to secure compensation.
When you have our attorneys at your side, there is no need to stress. Your attorney is your legal advocate and will ensure your claim is filed in accordance with Louisiana’s laws. Throughout your litigation, your lawyer protects your legal rights, helping you get damages as quickly as possible.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientHow Much Time You Have to File a Lawsuit
According to Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) 23:1209, you have up to two years from the date of your accident to ask for damages. In all likelihood, if you do not file your claim within this window, you will not be able to do so at a later time. At this point, you will be 100% liable for your accident-related losses.
Avoid missing the deadline for submitting your claim by meeting with a rental car accident attorney in Lafayette right away. Consult with a lawyer in the first few days following your accident to file your claim immediately. Then, you and your attorney can work together to build your case.
During your litigation, the at-fault party or their insurer has the opportunity to offer to settle your claim outside the courtroom. You can evaluate a settlement offer with your lawyer. Consider all of your options regarding the proposal so you can make a decision that will serve you well long into the future.
Partial Fault in a Rental Car Accident
Comparative fault applies to personal injury cases. A judge or jury can find you are partially liable for your accident. In this scenario, what you get in damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
With comparative fault, you can be 99% liable for your accident but still be able to get damages. If this occurs, a judge or jury will award you 1% of the damages you request. This means you will have to cover most of your accident-related losses on your own.
Your attorney will consider ways to present your case to a judge or jury. They want to prove you should not be held accountable for your losses. To achieve their goal, they will work with you to craft an argument that resonates with the court.
Get Help from a Lafayette Rental Car Accident Lawyer
You may have no idea what to do after a rental car accident. If you work with a lawyer, you can seek damages from the party responsible for your accident. Your attorney will help you build a case that shows you deserve compensation from the at-fault party.
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers has received over 1,000 five-star Google reviews across our locations. We are here to help you win or settle your case. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.