Rideshare Accidents: What You Need to Know
In days gone by, people took taxi cabs to get where they needed to go. Today, cabs have been replaced, for the most part, by rideshares. Rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber provide customers with fast, efficient transportation services. Online apps make it easy to quickly secure a ride. Rideshares are available in all our major cities.
While there has been an increase in availability and use, there is also an increase in the number of accidents with rideshare providers. If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, you may be owed money for your damages. An experienced personal injury attorney will help you with the situation and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
Is the Driver or the Rideshare Company Responsible?
The negligent driver in an accident is liable for damages. Rideshare companies provide insurance for their drivers while they are on duty and working. A driver must have his or her own vehicle insurance policy to cover them when they are not working. Typically, a rideshare company, such as Uber, must carry commercial insurance. When you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, typically, the rideshare company’s insurance is in place if you are hurt in an accident. However, it is important to note that after review, the rideshare company’s insurance may deny a claim. In that case, the claim becomes more complex.
What if the Claim is Denied?
An insurance company may deny a claim for a number of reasons. The first step is to determine why they denied the claim. It may be necessary to take the matter to court for a legal resolution. You will need to prove that the rideshare driver was entirely to blame for the accident and prove your injuries and other damages. In some instances, you may need to go through the driver’s personal vehicle insurance policy. These issues can be complicated, and you will likely want to consult with a knowledgeable attorney for guidance.
What to Do After an Accident in a Rideshare
As a passenger, if you are hurt as a result of a rideshare accident, there are some steps you should take. You want to make sure that your medical expenses and any other damages are paid by the negligent driver. At the scene of the accident, make sure that the police are called to the scene. A police report is critical in proving that there was an accident and how it happened. Take photos of the damage when it is safe to do so.
You will also want to report the accident directly to the rideshare company. This is necessary because there are times when a driver fails to report an incident because it could harm their ability to work. Get medical treatment as soon as possible. If you wait to get care, it will be more difficult to prove that your injuries were a result of the accident. Keep copies of all the information related to the accident. Talk to an attorney for assistance to ensure that you obtain the compensation you deserve.
If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, we can help. Call us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 for an initial consultation to discuss the details of your case.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarazeffgeber/2019/06/20/ride-sharing-rocks-for-all-ages/
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