Almost every one of us has used a rideshare service at least once. Platforms like Uber and Lyft are super convenient. All you have to do is download the app and hail a cab from your phone. But have you ever considered what happens if you are involved in a rideshare accident?
Will you be compensated for your damages? If so, by whom? Is it the driver? The rideshare company? While it’s always a good idea to consult an experienced and reputed attorney like John Yannone for detailed guidance and legal insights, this article aims to provide answers to these questions and more.
Understanding Rideshare Accident Compensation
As per the law, rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft must maintain $1 million in liability coverage to compensate accident victims. But this does not automatically mean you will get paid for all the damages you sustain in the event of a crash.
The amount of compensation, if any, will hinge on several factors, such as whether the driver was on or off duty and whether the ride was ongoing at the time of the accident. So, let’s dive into the details of the legal procedure of seeking compensation after being in a ridesharing accident.
What Happens After a Rideshare Accident?
If you are involved in a rideshare accident, your first action should be to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is important for two primary reasons. To begin with, it’s crucial for your overall well-being.
Some injuries may take time to manifest, either due to the high adrenaline in your system or their underlying nature. Secondly, seeking medical attention also establishes an official medical record that can be used as evidence to support your claim.
But before heading over to the ER or waiting for emergency response services, there is always time to help your cause. You can collect evidence at the scene of the incident – ask for the driver’s details and address, and take pictures of your injury, damage to the vehicle, and any other cars, if present.
Evidence of the surrounding area during the crash and any property damage should also be captured. With all this information comes the tricky part: handling the insurance agents. Most rideshare companies will direct you to their insurer when seeking compensation for an accident.
The insurance company uses a three-part system that depends on the driver’s status during the incident. Here are the three points that determine the trajectory of your claim:
- If the driver was off duty, the coverage is minimal
- If the ride was yet to begin at the time of the incident, the coverage is minimal
- Coverage is extensive if the driver was on the way to pick up the passenger or the accident happened during a trip
These factors play a vital role in seeking compensation. However, if the driver of the vehicle is found to be at fault beyond a shred of doubt, victims may also have grounds to pursue compensation from them or their insurance providers directly, even if the rideshare company is not liable.
The Need for an Attorney
Even though our explanation makes it seem like compensation is a straightforward process, it is far from it. Insurance companies rarely compensate victims willingly. They may delay the settlement by arguing which policy applies, while some may dispute the severity of your injuries, claiming they stemmed from other factors or pre-existing conditions.
For these reasons, hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer offers the best chances for ensuring adequate compensation and the upholding of justice. You should choose an attorney who has handled such cases before.
Look for someone who has successfully negotiated with rideshare companies or their insurance providers and won a fair settlement for their clients.
A good attorney is thoroughly familiar with and understands the underhanded techniques that insurance companies use to get victims to settle for less than what they are owed or abandon the suit altogether.
Their experience allows them to counter these devious strategies with skill and advocate for fair compensation on your behalf.
