Can I Get Reimbursed for My Rental Car After a Car Accident?
A South Carolina car accident can leave people with injuries and inconveniences, especially if their vehicle needs repairs. Many individuals rent cars while their vehicles get fixed. But rental fees add up quickly, averaging around $81 per day in a recent year. You shouldn’t be left to pay that cost if someone else hits you. South Carolina law generally holds the at-fault driver or their insurance company responsible for your rental car expenses.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident in SC
Taking immediate and appropriate steps is crucial to protect your right to compensation after a collision. Here’s what to do after a motor vehicle accident in South Carolina:
- Contact the police.
- Document the crash scene with photos and videos.
- Gather insurance information from the other driver(s).
- Collect the names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Consult a car accident lawyer right away for help notifying your insurance company of the crash.
When another driver is responsible for a collision, their insurer must compensate you for the loss of use of your vehicle, usually by providing a rental car until it is repaired or replaced.
Who is at Fault for a Car Accident?
Fault for a car crash in South Carolina is based on negligence. In a nutshell, a driver acts negligently when they fail to take reasonable precautions to prevent a collision. Police and insurance companies will use evidence from the crash scene, the drivers’ accounts, and other evidence to determine who is at fault for the accident. An attorney can investigate the crash on your behalf to ensure the insurer treats you fairly.
Who Pays for the Rental Car After an Accident?
Ultimately, the at-fault driver or their insurance company pays for damage to a car after an accident, including rental car fees. However, it may take some time before you receive reimbursement for the rental. In the meantime, your insurance company might pay for a rental, depending on the terms of your policy. If your insurer doesn’t cover rentals after an accident, check with your credit card company. Many credit cards offer rental car insurance as a perk. This is usually secondary insurance that kicks in after other forms of insurance have been exhausted.
Call Wilson Law Group, LLC for Help After a Car Accident
Negligent drivers can be held liable for all damages they cause in an accident, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. If you need legal assistance after an auto accident in South Carolina, our car accident attorneys can help. Call Wilson Law Group, LLC today or reach out online for a free consultation.