Getting into a car accident is stressful under any circumstances, but when it happens in a rental car, the situation can quickly become stressful. Suddenly, you are dealing with injuries, confusing rental agreements, and a maze of insurance policies that may leave you wondering what is covered and what is not. The good news is that lawyers from the Morris Bart Law Firm can help you navigate this complex process and fight for every dollar you are entitled to recover. This article breaks down the main categories of losses you can claim after a rental car accident so you know exactly what to expect and how to protect your rights.
1. Medical Expenses
Whether your injuries are minor or severe, you should not have to pay out of pocket for treatment caused by someone else’s negligence. Your claim can include:
- Emergency care costs like ambulance rides, ER visits, and initial medical assessments.
- Hospitalization and surgery costs for overnight stays, operations, and intensive care.
- Doctors’ visits and follow-ups cost, including appointments for ongoing care and specialist consultations.
- Rehabilitation expenses for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation.
- Medications and medical equipment costs for prescription drugs, crutches, and braces.
- Future medical expenses: Projected costs can also be included if your injuries require ongoing or future treatment.
Be sure to keep all medical records, bills, and receipts. Thorough documentation is key to maximizing your compensation.
2. Property Damage and Related Costs
Rental car accidents often involve more than just the vehicle itself. As such, you can also recover:
- Rental car repairs or replacement: The cost to repair or replace the rental vehicle is covered by insurance, but if the rental company charges you, you can seek reimbursement.
- Personal belongings: If your personal property, including a laptop or phone, was damaged in the crash, you can include these losses in your claim.
- Loss of use: If you needed a replacement rental car while yours was being repaired or incurred extra transportation costs, you can claim those expenses. Rental companies may also claim “loss of use” damages when their vehicle is out of service.
- Towing and storage fees: Expenses for towing the damaged vehicle and storage while being assessed or repaired are mostly recoverable.
- Administrative and miscellaneous fees: Any extra fees charged by the rental company or incurred due to the accident may also be included.
3. Lost Income and Non-Economic Damages
Accidents can disrupt your life in ways far beyond the immediate physical damage. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Lost wages: If your injuries kept you from working, you can claim the income you lost during your recovery period.
- Loss of future earning capacity: If your injuries are severe enough to impact your ability to work, you can also seek compensation for that loss.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and a reduced quality of life are all considered non-economic damages. These are often significant and should not be overlooked.
- Other related expenses: This can include insurance deductibles, diminished value of the rental car, or any other out-of-pocket costs directly related to the accident.
Navigating these categories can be challenging, especially with multiple insurance policies. This is why having an experienced attorney can make all the difference in ensuring you do not leave money on the table.
Conclusion
A rental car accident can leave you facing many unexpected expenses and uncertainty about your next steps. From medical bills and property damage to lost income and pain and suffering, you can seek compensation for all the losses you have endured. Remember, lawyers from the Morris Bart Law Firm can help you sort through the complexities, handle the insurance companies, and fight for the full recovery you deserve. Do not let confusion or stress stand in your way, get the support you need and focus on your recovery.
