Uber and Lyft Accidents

Have you recently been involved in a rideshare accident? Do you fear that you won’t be able to get the compensation that you deserve for the damages and injuries you sustained? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about Uber and Lyft accidents. 

Doing so can help you understand what happens after the accident, who might be at fault, and what you can do to get compensation. You are entitled to reimbursement for medical bills, car repairs, and all other accrued expenses caused by the crash. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident with Uber or Lyft.

About Uber and Lyft Accidents

Uber and Lyft accidents can range from a variety of scenarios. Whether you were the driver of another car and hit by an Uber or you were the passenger in a Lyft, you have legal rights and could be eligible for compensation.

Rideshare refers to any business that gets clients in touch with freelance drivers who use their personal vehicles to transport passengers. Because drivers are using their personal vehicles, and not company cars, the entire process can get really complicated after a car accident. 

Each accident will vary. Sometimes, the driver’s personal car insurance won’t compensate the damages. This is because the driver was technically using the vehicle for business purposes during the crash. Other times, Uber or Lyft will cover the repair and medical costs with the company’s auto insurance. 

Then, there are times when neither insurance plan will take responsibility for the accident claim. Where do you turn to for help? Who will cover the damages that you’ve taken on due to the recklessness of a rideshare driver? 

If you can prove that the driver was at fault, then the rideshare company is held liable for damages. However, that process will be difficult. Insurers will attempt to settle for as little as possible or reject the claim altogether. When this happens, take legal action. 

Should I Sue?

Before making drastic decisions, explore your options. Before filing a lawsuit, you can file a personal injury claim and try to recoup your damages that way. If a settlement is not reached, the case is escalated and goes to litigation. Emotions run high after an accident. As a result, many immediately resort to filing a lawsuit. However, there are alternative ways to get the compensation you’re entitled to without having to sue anyone.

First, start by filing a claim with the rideshare company’s insurance provider. Again, insurance adjusters have one goal, which is to get you to settle for as little as possible. Therefore, you’ll need an experienced Uber and Lyft accident attorney on your side. When you file a claim, you’ll have to prove that the rideshare driver was at fault beyond a reasonable doubt. The provider will want to see proof of:

• In what way was the rideshare driver negligent
• How the driver put you in danger
• What injuries/damages you suffered
• How those injuries/damages impacted your life

As far as when you should file a claim, the answer is “right away”. However, be sure to have an experienced rideshare accident attorney help you before doing so. Lawyering up will show the insurance companies that you’re serious about carrying your case out to the fullest extent.

What Are the Benefits an Uber and Lyft Lawyer Provides?

Your rideshare accident attorney can help you through the legal process, so you can make a more informed decision on how to proceed with your claim. The main benefits of hiring a lawyer for your case include the following.

Fights for Maximized Compensation

The compensation varies for every case.  Contrary to what the insurance provider would have you believe, it’s more than you think. There are many different things to consider when you add up the total amount of compensation that you should pursue. Such factors include:

• The total cost of medical expenses for your injuries — both now and in the future
• The total amount of lost wages you’ve accrued from missing work to recover from your injuries
• Any long-term effects, such as long-term disability, disfigurement, mental distress, etc.

Handles Negotiations

You don’t want to go through this process alone. Your only focus should be on recovery and not going back and forth with insurance companies.  When you hire an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer, they’ll take over all forms of communication with the insurance providers. Now, there is no worry about being taken advantage of or sharing too much information. You will only need to be involved in matters where your lawyer wants to sign off on an offer. 

Extensive Resources

Evidence is available immediately following the crash. However, once you leave the scene, that evidence could disappear forever. An experienced rideshare lawyer can help you continually build evidence to support your case. They’ll gather information from the police report, as well as reach out to connections in their network for expert witnesses.With your lawyer working on compiling evidence, you’ll be able to focus on what matters most — your long-term recovery.

Invest in an Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on how to pursue compensation for Uber and Lyft accidents, use this information to your advantage. If you were involved in an accident and looking for more answers, Alpha Accident Lawyers can help.

Schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys today. With around-the-clock service, we’re available to assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.