Atlanta Rental Car Accident Lawyer

Globally, the car rental market was valued at $122.3 billion in 2022, with more than 49% of that market share being distributed throughout North America.

Rental cars provide a valuable service, but it can also lead to a lot of complications if you wind up experiencing a car accident in a rental. If you’ve been involved in a rental car crash here in Georgia, then it might be in your best interest to contact an Atlanta rental car accident lawyer for more information on how to best handle your situation. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, it might be possible to file for financial compensation for the expenses you’ve incurred.

Since every car accident situation is unique, a lawyer will need to examine the details of your specific accident to determine your options. Find out more about the process of handling a rental car accident in Atlanta and how our firm can help you below.

Key Steps to Take After a Rental Car Accident in Atlanta

Despite your reasonable confusion after a rental car accident, the steps you take immediately after experiencing the crash are paramount to ensuring that you uphold your rights. Below, we’ll go over exactly what key steps you need to take to be sure that you can file for compensation later.

Assess Your Injuries

In the initial minutes after your accident, your body will be in shock. While you might assume that serious injuries would be immediately obvious, this is usually not the case. Car collisions are traumatic, and they cause chemicals like adrenaline to rush through your body. These chemicals can mask pain. That said, check yourself and your passengers thoroughly to determine how serious the situation is.

Call the Police and File a Report

If your injuries are substantial, then don’t wait to reach out to 911. If your injuries are less serious, then you can call the non-emergency police line for assistance. The authorities will come out to the scene of the accident and help anyone who needs immediate medical care. The police will start an initial investigation into what happened and file an official report to document what happened. This report is valuable evidence if you file a claim later, so always involve the police if you think you’re hurt.

Exchange Information with the Other Driver(s)

While you wait for the police to arrive, consider exchanging contact information with the other driver(s) involved in the rental car accident. If there are any witnesses that stopped to check on everyone, then ask them if they are also willing to provide their contact information and a statement to the police.

Take Pictures and Videos of the Damage and Scene

Next, take photographs or video evidence that shows the scene of the crash. If there are any disputes about what caused the collision, then these photographs or videos can help investigators identify what happened based on things like skid marks, the positioning of the vehicles, and more. You should also ask any nearby witnesses or involved parties if they caught the incident on a dash cam. If you’re in a bigger city, then there might also be a chance that nearby businesses caught the street crash on camera.

Contact Your Insurance Company and Rental Car Company

Next, you’ll want to report the accident to your insurance company and the rental car company. During this initial call, simply inform the different parties about what happened. Do not go into detail about what happened, and do not comment on the extent of your injuries. Everything you say could potentially be used against you if you later file a claim. Your statements could also be used to minimize a settlement that you’re entitled to receive.

Typically, your best move is to alert the parties about the accident and let them know that you’ll provide them with more details after you consult with an attorney.

Seek Medical Attention if Necessary

Once you’ve handled the immediate aftermath of the rental car accident, you need to take care of your physical health. Visit the hospital as soon as possible to establish a care plan and diagnose any injuries. Delaying your healthcare can not only make your injuries worse, but it can also derail your ability to file a claim for compensation, too.

Make Sure to Contact an Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Attorney

Are your losses adding up? Do you believe your rental car accident was caused by someone else? Is the rental company or the other driver attempting to falsely attribute fault onto you? If any of those are true, then your next step should be to contact an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney. The right lawyer will listen to the facts surrounding your accident and the severity of your injuries. From there, they’ll help you identify who could potentially be at fault for the accident and how to go about filing a claim.

Understanding Insurance Related Issues

In Georgia, the at-fault party’s insurance company is considered to be liable for paying for the losses associated with an accident. In a rental car accident situation, there are multiple parties and insurance policies that could be held liable including the driver’s policy, the rental car company’s policy, or another third-party’s insurance.

Personal Auto insurance

If the driver of the rental car is considered to be at fault for the accident, then their personal auto insurance policy will be responsible for paying for the losses associated with the crash. You could be considered at fault if you violated a traffic law, were driving recklessly, or made an error that caused the crash.

Rental Car Company Insurance

Sometimes, the rental car company’s insurance policy will cover the losses associated with an accident. This will only happen when the rental car company was somehow at fault for the accident, though. For instance, if the car was poorly maintained and a lack of maintenance is what caused the accident, then the rental car company could be held liable.

Third-Party Insurance

Finally, a third-party driver could be potentially considered liable for your accident. If a defective part, another driver, or something else caused the accident, then their insurance policy might be held responsible for the losses.

Understanding Fault and Liability

Are you unsure about what caused your accident or who may be liable? Some accidents are straightforward, but it can be difficult to identify a cause when issues like defective parts or a lack of car maintenance played a role. When you hire a lawyer, they’ll be sure to investigate the crash to properly identify who was at fault and should bear legal liability. Courts will establish liability after reviewing all the evidence presented throughout your case.

How our Atlanta Rental Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

When you hire an Atlanta rental car accident lawyer, they’ll provide you with solid legal counsel that you can rely on. For one, they’ll empower you with the knowledge you need to determine how to move on from your losses. If you have a legal claim, then an attorney will help you pursue it. They’ll help you value your losses, build a strong case, and file your claim.

Investigate the Accident and Determine Fault

Our team of attorneys can help you determine who was at fault by thoroughly investigating what happened. You can lean on our experience and expertise to help identify potentially liable parties and then produce the evidence necessary to prove your claims.

Negotiate with Insurance Companies

Our team of lawyers will also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They’ll ensure that you don’t accept a low ball offer.

File a Lawsuit if Necessary

If insurance companies aren’t treating you fairly or you need to pursue a lawsuit for other reasons, then our team is prepared to file your claim. We’ll gather up all the necessary paperwork, compile the right evidence, and strengthen your claim as much as possible before presenting it to the other party.

Represent You in Court

If your claim does go to trial, then our team is prepared to represent you in court every step of the way.

Request a Free Consultation

Get in touch with our Atlanta rental car accident lawyer about your recent accident. Here at Singleton Law Firm, our team of attorneys can help you unpack what happened, assist you in determining your options, and work with you to formulate a plan moving forward.

Related: Georgia Car Seat Laws You Must Know Now

FAQs

Do you have more questions about your rental car accident? Check out our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.

What is the Timeline to Settle Car Accident Claims in Georgia?

Car accident claims in Georgia can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to resolve. In general, the more complex your claim is, the longer it will take to settle. When you have extensive injuries or multiple parties are involved, you can expect the claim to take longer.

Who Pays for a Rental Car After an Accident in Atlanta?

The at-fault party will be held responsible for any losses associated with an Atlanta rental car accident. Potentially liable parties include the rental car driver, the rental car company, a part manufacturer, or a third-party driver.

Are Rental Car Companies Liable for Accidents?

It depends. There are some situations when a rental car company will be held responsible for an accident. Rental car companies are responsible for their car’s upkeep and maintenance. If they fail to uphold their duty of care in taking reasonable steps to ensure their customer’s safety, then they can be held liable for an accident.

What Damages Can Victims Get from a Rental Car Accident Claim in Atlanta, Georgia?

After a rental car accident, an injured individual with a valid claim can seek compensation for losses they experience including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage if it applies in their situation, and more. To learn more about exactly what damages you’re eligible for, consider consulting with an attorney.