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Using the Internet to contact a stranger to drive you to another location seemed like a completely outrageous notion just a few short years ago, but now, it’s becoming the norm. Ridesharing is the process of using a smartphone and the Internet to arrange a ride in a privately owned vehicle for a fee.
Getting into a car that someone else is driving always comes with risks, and ridesharing is no different. Your driver might get into an accident along the way that leaves you injured.
Unfortunately, filing a claim under ridesharing circumstances will be complicated. The right rideshare accident lawyer will know how to help you get the compensation you need to move forward despite the complex situation. Learn more about ridesharing accidents, how to handle them, and how our lawyers can help you below.
Key Considerations When Involved in a Rideshare Accident
Recent statistics reveal that more than one in three Americans has utilized ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft. In recent years, the number of people utilizing ridesharing has increased.
While that’s great for businesses and freelancers alike, it has led to some legal questions when it comes to accidents, injuries, and lawsuits. That’s because a ridesharing accident will get treated differently than a traditional car accident since you were utilizing a company’s services when the accident occurred.
For that reason, you’ll need to consider many factors like whether you were in the middle of your rideshare journey, whether your driver was logged into the app, how injured you were, who caused the crash, and whether the ridesharing company might also potentially be held responsible.
Unlike more traditional driving services, like taxi services, all ridesharing drivers are considered independent contractors who aren’t employed by the companies that facilitate the rides. This will complicate your ability to file for compensation if your injuries are substantial.
Since your claim will inevitably be more complex than a regular accident case, you might opt to get in touch with rideshare accident lawyers with the right experience to help you navigate your situation.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
Immediately following your crash, encourage the rideshare driver to stop, evaluate everyone for injuries, and contact the police. Some rideshare drivers might want to avoid reporting the accident saying that they’ll pay for their losses, but don’t agree to this. Instead, call the police yourself if you can. The police will come out to the crash scene and file an official report, which will be very important proof in the event you later find out you have significant injuries. When the police are done with the initial investigation, make sure to get a physical checkup to figure out the extent of your injuries.
Essential Actions Post-Accident for Lyft and Uber Passengers
If you’re in the middle of a rideshare when the accident happens, you’ll want to notify Uber and Lyft about the situation. You can log into the app and report the crash directly to the app. If possible, submit photos of the accident and provide as many details as possible.
Navigating Liability and Compensation in Rideshare Accidents
The next steps of your claim will involve attempting to determine who might be liable for the losses associated with the crash. Since you were in a rideshare accident, multiple parties could be potentially responsible including the rideshare driver, another driver, a car maintenance company who performed a faulty repair, Uber or Lyft’s insurance company, or even the car manufacturer.
To get a better idea of how to navigate liability issues, contact an experienced rideshare attorney who can go over the specifics of your case.
Determining Responsibility in Rideshare Accidents
Fault will be determined based on an initial investigation by the police and any evidence gathered by both parties. In general, courts will assign responsibility to the party that was at fault for the accident.
Dealing with Rideshare Insurance: Claims and Denials
Insurance claims can get very complicated with rideshare incidents. Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, which means they are supposed to carry their insurance policies on their vehicles. They should have to rely on this insurance policy to cover your losses after an accident. Uber and Lyft do not actually employ their drivers, but they might still be held responsible for the incident depending on the specific circumstances of your accident. If you file a claim with the wrong party, then you’ll likely get denied. Make sure to consult with a lawyer before initiating any claims to ensure you have the best possible outcome.
What to Do When Insurance Coverage is Insufficient
Many independent contractors who use Uber and Lyft to earn a freelancing income don’t carry sufficient insurance policies. When an accident does happen, they may not be able to properly compensate you for everything you need. In these cases, you must reach out to a rideshare accident attorney to learn more. You might be able to pursue compensation from Uber, Lyft, or the company that facilitated the ride.
Your Rights to Compensation in Rideshare Accidents
When you get into an accident that was someone else’s fault, you typically have a right to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. In a rideshare accident, you have the right to seek out damages from your injuries like medical bills, lost wages, or even pain and suffering. If you’d like to further expand on your rights and options, contact a rideshare lawyer.
Why Choose Kermani LLP For Your Rideshare Accident Case
The right rideshare accident law firm for your case should have extensive experience representing clients who were involved in similar accidents. Our firm has been representing rideshare accident clients since 2011. The ridesharing car accident lawyers here at Kermani LLP are ready to help you build the strongest possible case, in the beginning, to ensure that your claim is as seamless and as fast as possible.
Kermani LLP’s Commitment to Rideshare Accident Victims
If you’ve recently been involved in a rideshare accident that led to substantial injuries, then you may be experiencing a windfall of losses. From incurring significant medical bills to missing out on being able to work, you might need to consider your legal options for financial recovery.
Since you were in a rideshare interaction at the time of the crash, any claim will be complicated. For that reason, it’s best to consult with a rideshare accident lawyer. Together, you’ll go over the specific details of your accident, the level of your losses, and who might be responsible for your crash.
Schedule a meeting with our firm now to get started on building the best possible claim.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is a rideshare accident case different from other vehicle accident cases?
A rideshare accident case is often more complicated than a traditional vehicle accident claim. For one, there are more potentially liable parties. The rideshare driver, the rideshare company’s insurance policy, a third-party driver, or other parties could potentially be liable. What’s more, it will make a difference whether the rideshare driver was on the clock when they were involved in the crash. Even more so, the insurance policies could also cause complications. If the rideshare driver didn’t have the right policy to be doing the work that they do, then you could run into problems and have your claim initially denied.
What types of compensation can I seek if I’m involved in a rideshare accident?
After a rideshare crash, you can seek compensation that reimburses you for any losses you experience as a result of the crash. If the accident led to an injury, then you can recover compensation for your medical bills. If your injury kept you out of work, then you can file for lost wages. You can also seek out additional compensation if you endured emotional distress or suffered other losses.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a rideshare accident claim?
You’ll have two years from the date of the rideshare accident to file an accident claim.
Can I still file a claim if I was a passenger in the rideshare vehicle?
Yes. If you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and were injured in an accident, then you can still file a claim. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may need to file with the driver’s insurance policy, the rideshare company’s insurance, or another driver’s policy.
How are injuries and damages assessed in rideshare accidents?
After a rideshare accident, you’ll assess the extent of your injuries by getting a full physical checkup with a doctor. Your doctor will give you a clear diagnosis. From that point, the damages associated with that injury and the accident will be assessed based on the evidence you produce. If you’re missing out on work, then you’ll want to collect wage statements from an employer. If you’re paying for therapy, then produce records showing how much you’re paying for sessions.
What if the rideshare driver was off-duty or not logged into the app at the time of the accident?
If the rideshare driver was off-duty or for some reason not logged into the app when you crashed, then your situation will be even more complicated. You can still seek a claim with the driver’s insurance policy, but if they don’t have the right coverage, then you may not be able to seek compensation from the ridesharing company. Instead, your options may be limited to filing a lawsuit against the driver.
How can a rideshare accident attorney help me with my case?
A rideshare attorney will be your best legal advocate as you seek compensation. At Kermani LLP you’ll get solid advice you can rely on, we’ll help you identify who might be liable, collect evidence, negotiate with the other party, and ensure that the settlement you agree to is fair and just.
Every case is unique, so we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
