You may rent a car and be involved in an auto accident that occurs due to no fault of your own. Or, someone driving a rental car may crash their vehicle into yours. In either of these scenarios, it may be beneficial to seek help from an Andover car accident lawyer who can review your legal options with you.
At DiBella Law Offices, P.C., convenience is key. Our Andover rental car accident lawyer makes it easy to pursue damages from anyone responsible for your crash. To learn more, get in touch with us.
Rental Car Accident Damages
A personal injury lawyer in Andover may encourage their client to ask for economic and non-economic damages following a rental vehicle collision. You may receive economic damages for quantifiable losses. Non-economic damages may be awarded for subjective harm.
For example, a rental vehicle accident may leave you with medical bills and other losses. You may request economic compensation to cover your medical expenses and other quantifiable damages. On top of that, you may seek damages for pain, suffering, and other non-economic losses
You are responsible for showing a judge or jury you deserve the damages you are requesting. An attorney can help you prepare an argument designed to compel a judge or jury to rule in your favor. If you have a strong argument, you may be able to settle your claim without going to court.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
Rental Car Insurance
You may have questions about how rental car insurance works in the aftermath of an accident. This coverage is similar to the one a driver buys for their own car. The insurance offers financial protection against any damage that may occur in a crash.
Rental vehicle insurance terms and conditions vary. A rental vehicle company may require you to purchase additional coverage, even if you already have an insurance policy for your own car. If you do not own a car, you may have to buy insurance to rent a vehicle.
Insurance coverage for a rental vehicle comes in many different forms. Types of rental vehicle insurance include collision damage and personal accident protection. The coverage a driver buys for their rental may offer protection for some or all auto accident losses.
Who Is Responsible for a Rental Car Crash
A rental car accident attorney in Andover, MA, can take a look at the facts surrounding your crash and figure out who is liable. Multiple parties may be accountable for your auto accident. These include:
- Another driver involved in your collision
- Rental car company
- Car manufacturer
- Mechanic
The legal team at DiBella Law Offices, P.C. can explain everything you need to know about car accidents in Massachusetts. Our Andover rental car accident lawyer can help you prove fault and seek the most damages possible. For more information, reach out to us.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Proving Fault in a Rental Car Accident Case
An Andover rental car accident attorney can help you prove a driver was distracted following an accident. On the other hand, if someone else caused your rental vehicle crash for a different reason, your attorney will still be able to assist you. Your lawyer can work with you to prove the following elements of negligence were present at the time of your collision:
- Duty of Care: An at-fault party had a legal obligation to avoid careless and reckless acts that could put you and others in harm’s way.
- Breach of Duty of Care: The party ignored their legal obligation by committing a dangerous act.
- Causation: The party’s actions led to your accident.
- Damages: You incurred economic or non-economic losses due to your crash.
A rental car accident lawyer in Andover can help you gather evidence to support your claim. They may be able to collect accident scene photos and videos, a police report, and other forms of proof. With a strong body of evidence, you may be well-equipped to maximize your damages.
Get in touch with us today to get a free consultation.
Rental Car Crash Claim Statute of Limitations
The general Massachusetts personal injury lawsuit statute of limitations is three years. This means you may have up to three years from the date of your auto crash to seek compensation from any at-fault parties. If you do not submit a claim within this period, you may not be able to pursue damages at a later time.
A rental car accident attorney in Andover can help you file your claim before your window to do so lapses. You may be able to get compensation through an insurance provider. To do so, you can notify your insurer about your crash, and they may work with an at-fault motorist’s insurance provider to cover your losses.
Just because you submit an insurance claim does not guarantee you will get damages. An at-fault motorist’s insurance provider is likely to do everything they can to take care of their client — not you. Therefore, this insurer may commit time and resources to dispute your claim, and your lawyer can help you plan accordingly.
Comparative Negligence in a Rental Car Collision Case
Massachusetts has a comparative negligence statute that applies to rental vehicle accident cases. If you are found to be partly responsible for your collision, the damages you receive may be reduced by your percentage of fault. In addition, if a judge or jury determines you are primarily at fault for your crash, you may not be able to get any damages.
As an example, a judge or jury may say you are 20% at fault for your rental vehicle collision. You may still receive compensation. However, since you are 20% responsible, you may get 80% of the damages you initially requested.
Now, consider what may happen if a judge or jury deems you 51% responsible for your rental vehicle accident. If this occurs, you are more at fault than the defendant in your case. Thus, you may not be awarded any damages, and you may be solely responsible for 100% of your accident-related losses.
Partner with an Andover Rental Car Accident Attorney
At DiBella Law Offices, P.C., we take every injury case personally. Our Andover rental car accident lawyer is available to discuss your case. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today.
We are committed to providing valuable information and resources to assist you.
