Best Rental Car Accident Lawyers in Palm Harbor, FL?

Most people have a general idea about what important steps they should take following a traffic collision. However, many are uncertain about what to do following a rental car accident. 

One of the most important steps is to contact skilled rental car accident lawyers in Palm Harbor, FL. But there are several actions that you should take in the immediate moments after a collision.

Check for Injuries

Regardless of whether a rental car is involved, it is critical to check yourself and others for injuries after a crash. If anyone is hurt, make sure to call 911 and request medical assistance.  

If you are severely injured, do not try to move. If another person is badly hurt, do not attempt to move them. Instead, contact medical responders and wait with the injured person until help arrives.

Move Vehicles Off the Roadway

Provided that it is safe to do so, you should move the vehicles out of the flow of traffic and away from the road. This will help to prevent further accidents or injuries.

Call Law Enforcement

It is vital to report the accident to local law enforcement as soon as possible. In some cases, drivers are legally required to report their accidents. 

For instance, the state of Florida requires motorists to report their collision if: 

• Any person has been injured or killed
• There is property damage of at least $500 

You should also report the collision for the sake of any resulting legal claim. In some cases, insurance providers will require a police accident report before agreeing to validate your claim. 

Whether you were driving the rental car or got hit by another motorist who was, filing a police report is essential. Morgan & Morgan’s accomplished rental car accident lawyers in Palm Harbor, FL, will use this important evidence to build a strong case for you.

Seek a Medical Assessment

This step is particularly important. Many car accident victims do not seek a medical examination in the aftermath of a collision because they feel fine. 

However, some of the most common traffic collision injuries do not result in symptoms right away. For instance, some back injuries do not become apparent until hours, days, or weeks after a crash. 

Even if you believe that you are not injured, you may be wrong. Do not settle for any amount of money without speaking to a medical professional. 

After receiving a reliable diagnosis, you will have a better chance of recovering all of the money you are owed. Knowledgeable rental car accident lawyers in Palm Harbor, FL, will use your medical records to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Understand Your Rental Car Insurance Coverage

This step is vital if you were driving the rental vehicle when the accident occurred. It is very important to fully understand the details of your rental car insurance protection. 

Most renters do not fully grasp the implications of their rental insurance policy. The details of this coverage will help you answer some very important questions, such as:

• What role does your insurance play if you are at fault?
• Do you have supplemental renter’s insurance?
• What types of damages does the policy cover?
• Should you file a claim with the rental agency?
• Should you file a claim through the other motorist’s insurance? 

Understanding the extent and nature of your rental car insurance coverage will help you seek the compensation you deserve. 

Contact an Attorney

It is critical to speak with a legal professional in the aftermath of a rental car collision. The laws surrounding any type of motor vehicle accident can be confusing. 

The statutes, regulations, and procedures are even more complex when a rental car is involved. For this reason, make sure to hire a skilled tort lawyer from a reputable legal firm. 

When you need legal representation that you can trust, look no further than the nation’s largest personal injury firm — Morgan & Morgan. Our dedicated team has more than three decades of experience fighting for accident victims nationwide. 

Morgan & Morgan’s legal specialists in Palm Harbor have a detailed understanding of the laws and regulations that will influence your case. Let us fight for maximum compensation for you.

Even victims who are certain that they have a strong car accident claim may not know how to find reliable legal representation. In fact, most people do not have experience searching for a lawyer until after they have experienced an accident or injury. 

Because there are so many attorneys and firms vying for legitimate claims, it can be difficult to know how to find the lawyer that is right for you. When you are searching for a Palm Harbor attorney, consider the following important steps:

Online Search Engines

One of the most useful tools for finding legal representation is an online search engine. Internet research can help you find a reputable attorney in the Palm Harbor area.

Various websites will provide you with testimonies from the firms’ previous clients. This can give you an idea of what it would be like to work with a particular tort firm. 

It is important to compare testimonials of prior clients from many different websites. The quotes on a firm’s own website will be curated to present the most positive impressions for potential clientele.  

You should never waste time consulting with an attorney or firm with mostly negative reviews. 

Speak With a Legal Specialist

Some car accident victims believe that all lawyers have the same set of skills and knowledge. While all attorneys pass the same exams, there are many different subfields within the legal profession. 

For this reason, it is important to search for a qualified traffic accident attorney following your Palm Harbor rental car collision. Lawyers who are focused on accidents and injuries will be able to help you navigate the legal claims process. 

The premier team at Morgan & Morgan boasts decades of experience successfully recovering compensation for car accident victims. Since the firm’s founding, our accomplished legal specialists have recovered over $20 billion in compensation for the victims of accidents and injuries. 

Schedule a No-Cost Consultation

Most tort law firms provide no-cost case evaluations for prospective clients. If a lawyer or firm requires payment before discussing your case, keep looking. 

The initial consultation is an excellent chance to ask any questions regarding the legal process or your specific claim. It is also an opportunity for the attorney to ask questions regarding your case. 

Some of the questions that car accident victims tend to ask include: 

• How many years of legal experience do you have?
• What is the current success rate for this firm?
• Have you handled car accidents involving rentals?
• What is the next step following this consultation?
• How will the attorneys’ fees from the case be handled?
• What types of damages can I claim?
• Who do you believe is liable in this case?
• What is the value of this car accident claim? 

These are only a few general examples. It can be helpful to make a list of relevant questions and issues before you attend the meeting. 

Also, make sure to bring any documentation or evidence related to the crash. This will help the tort attorney to have a fuller understanding of your situation and your legal prospects.  

The accomplished tort lawyers at the firm of Morgan & Morgan will happily discuss the facts of your case with you. If you have a valid rental car accident claim, we will fight tirelessly to get maximum compensation for you.

Across the country, different states adhere to different laws regarding tort liability. In Florida, the courts follow a “comparative fault” approach. 

This means that any party who is responsible for damage to another can be held accountable for their fair share. This may seem simple, but it can become complex in certain cases.  

There is a federal statute known as the “Graves Amendment.” This piece of legislation protects rental corporations from certain liabilities, including personal injuries that their customers cause.  

This means that, in most cases, rental car companies are not responsible for the injuries that their drivers cause. However, it is important to speak with an attorney to accurately determine liability in your traffic accident case. 

The financial compensation that is recoverable in a traffic collision case will depend on many factors. When you consult with a tort lawyer, they will help you accurately determine the value of your case. 

Compensatory financial damages are intended to make up for the victim’s economic and personal losses. Some of the most common examples of damages in Palm Harbor car accident cases include: 

• Physical pain and suffering
• Vehicular repair and replacement
• Current and future medical costs
• Emotional anguish and turmoil
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Lost wages and missed income from an inability to work
• Long-term loss of earning capacity
• Embarrassment
• Disfigurement and disabilities
• And more 

When the victim of a traffic accident is fatally wounded, their surviving estate holder may be able to file for damages on their behalf. If you have lost someone you love in an automobile crash, contact the wrongful death lawyers at Morgan & Morgan immediately.

Following a rental car accident, it is normal to feel confused and overwhelmed. The claims process following one of these collisions is highly complex. 

That is why it is so important to secure qualified legal representation as soon as possible. The Palm Harbor attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are ready to fight for you. 

Do not let a negligent motorist or their insurance company deny you the compensation that is legally yours. To arrange a no-obligation, free consultation, complete the simple online contact form on the Morgan & Morgan website.