Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation, offering convenience and accessibility. However, accidents involving rideshare vehicles happen, and knowing the right steps to take immediately after an accident can significantly affect your ability to receive fair compensation. So, what to do if you’re injured on a rideshare trip or in a car accident?
What to Do if You’re Injured on a Rideshare Trip
One of the first things you need to realise is that such incidents are more common than you think. However, getting the desired outcome for such cases depends on how well you understand and deal with the legalities of the situation.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on exactly what to do if you’re injured in a rideshare accident.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The first and most critical step after a rideshare accident is to seek medical attention immediately, even if visible injuries aren’t immediately apparent. Adrenaline and shock can mask symptoms initially, but injuries like neck injuries, concussions, and internal trauma can surface later.
Prompt medical attention ensures your injuries are documented, creating essential medical records necessary for any personal injury claim.
Step 2: Report the Accident and Document the Scene
After ensuring your safety and medical care, report the accident immediately to the police. A detailed police report is crucial as it officially documents the accident scene, vehicle details, accident location, driver status (whether actively engaged in a ride request or logged into the rideshare app), and other relevant details.
If possible, personally document the accident scene by taking photographs and videos. Capture the rideshare vehicle, vehicles involved, visible injuries, traffic conditions, and other relevant details. Also, gather contact information and statements from any witnesses and involved drivers.
Step 3: Gather Insurance Information
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple parties, making insurance claims more complicated than typical car accidents. You’ll need to gather insurance details from several sources:
Rideshare Driver:
Obtain the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance policy information. For instance, getting information from a rideshare driver in Colorado might be challenging, but the right legal steps can aid the process.
Rideshare Company:
Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time the accident occurred. Insurance coverage significantly increases if the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or actively engaged in a ride.
Other Involved Drivers:
Collect the at-fault driver’s insurance details if another vehicle caused the accident.
Step 4: Understand Rideshare Insurance Policies
Rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, affecting insurance coverage. Typically, personal auto insurance policies exclude coverage when drivers use their vehicles for commercial purposes like ridesharing. However, Uber and Lyft have policies covering different driver statuses:
- Driver Logged Off: The driver’s personal insurance covers the accident.
- Driver Logged In, Awaiting Ride Request: Limited liability coverage by rideshare companies applies.
- Driver En Route or During Active Ride: Rideshare company’s insurance provides significant coverage, typically up to $1 million in liability coverage.
Understanding these distinctions is essential in navigating your rideshare accident claim.
Step 5: Filing Your Insurance Claim
When filing your insurance claim, provide comprehensive details, including the police report, medical records, vehicle details, and witness statements. Clearly state the rideshare driver’s status during the accident to ensure correct insurance coverage applies.
Be prepared for insurance companies—both the rideshare company’s insurance and the driver’s insurance—to attempt to minimize payouts. Accurate documentation and legal representation can help counter these tactics.
Step 6: Consulting an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating the complexities of rideshare accident claims often requires experienced legal representation. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney familiar with rideshare accidents significantly increases your chances of securing fair compensation.
Personal injury lawyers will assist by:
Reviewing Your Case: Evaluating all accident and medical reports.
Establishing Liability: Clearly identifying responsible parties and their insurance coverage
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Aggressively negotiating to counter low initial offers.
Managing Legal Proceedings: Handling all necessary legal paperwork, deadlines, and representing you in court if necessary.
Step 7: Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit
If insurance companies refuse fair compensation, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. An experienced rideshare injury lawyer will guide you through this process by preparing legal documents, managing court filings, and advocating on your behalf to obtain compensation covering medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Types of Compensation Available
In rideshare accident claims, compensation typically covers:
- Medical Expenses: Current and future medical bills related to your accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages covering physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property Damage: Coverage for damaged personal items.
Common Injuries from Rideshare Accidents
Passengers injured in rideshare accidents commonly experience:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries and concussions
- Internal injuries
- Psychological trauma and emotional distress
Legal Considerations in Rideshare Accident Cases
Understanding your legal options and considerations is vital for success. Considerations include:
- Statute of Limitations: Deadlines for filing personal injury claims.
- Multiple Parties Involved: Complex liability issues due to multiple involved drivers and insurance policies.
- Driver Status: Clearly identifying the rideshare driver’s status affects liability and insurance coverage.
Examples of Rideshare Accident Scenarios
Consider a scenario where you’re injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle. Suppose the accident involved multiple parties. In that case, you may need to file claims against the rideshare driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, and potentially the insurance of another at-fault driver.
Alternatively, if you’re hit by a rideshare vehicle while walking, the rideshare company’s insurance policies and driver status at the time of the accident become crucial in your claim.
Why Hiring an Attorney is Essential
Given the complexity of rideshare accident claims, having an experienced personal injury lawyer is essential. Attorneys experienced in rideshare accidents understand how to:
- Thoroughly Investigate Your Case: They gather all necessary evidence, including detailed accident reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Accurately Value Your Claim: They evaluate your claim comprehensively to secure maximum compensation.
- Handle Insurance Negotiations: Lawyers understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts and effectively negotiate on your behalf.
- Provide Legal Representation in Court: They confidently represent you in legal proceedings, if necessary, to ensure your rights are protected.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, securing experienced legal representation is crucial. At Bourassa Law Group, our experienced personal injury attorneys specialize in handling complex rideshare accident claims.
We’re dedicated to helping accident victims like you receive the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
Take Action Now with Bourassa Law Group
Our rideshare accident lawyers offer a free consultation to review your situation, discuss your legal options, and clearly explain the next steps. Contact Bourassa Law Group today, and let us help you through every step of your rideshare accident claim.
1-800-870-8910