Injured in a rideshare accident like Uber and Lyft, so what can be done?

Injured in a rideshare accident like Uber and Lyft, so what can be done? - Rideshare accidents raise difficult questions of insurance coverage, fault, and legal responsibility. Unfortunately, injured victims of a rideshare accident often find themselves in the middle of a legal mess as well as dealing with their physical injuries and emotional trauma.

Several states, including Delaware, have introduced new laws to clarify the law and protect injured victims. If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, it is important to seek legal advice to ensure that your legal rights and entitlements are protected.

What is the first thing to do after a rideshare accident?

If you are injured in a rideshare accident, it is important to take the following steps: seek medical attention, report the accident, gather evidence and call an attorney.

Seek medical attention

Your first priority should be to get medical help after a rideshare accident.

Call 911 if you or anyone else injured in the accident needs an ambulance. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is important to see a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can still cause long-term damage or exacerbate existing conditions. Your health care provider's report of your injuries will also be important evidence in your insurance claim or legal case.

Gather evidence

Be sure to get contact information for other drivers and any witness and insurance details from the drivers. Also take photos and videos of the accident site. This will all be important evidence if you need to file a claim.

Your cellphone is a useful way to record evidence at the scene, including names and phone numbers, video, and even documents such as insurance cards or driver's licenses.

Report an accident

You must report the accident to the police immediately, and to the rideshare company immediately. If you called 911 for an ambulance, it will also call the police to the scene of the accident. In any case the police should be called.

The police report of the accident is important evidence. It will usually give relevant information such as weather and road conditions, the vehicle and driver involved, witness details, and sometimes who was at fault in the accident.

In addition, any statement you make to the police may be recorded, so if you are one of the drivers involved, it is important that you do not admit any fault in the accident before seeking legal advice. The less you say the better - even saying "sorry" can later be twisted by the other party or their lawyer as an admission of fault.

Call a Rideshare Accident Attorney

Lastly, you should call on an experienced rideshare accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

An attorney can help you understand your rights and options, negotiate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf, and advocate for the maximum compensation you are entitled to after a rideshare accident.

How Much Compensation Should You Get After a Rideshare Accident?

After a rideshare accident, you can pursue benefits and compensation from the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or any other at-fault driver's insurance policy.

The level of insurance coverage and who is liable will depend on the circumstances of the accident.

For example, in Delaware, the minimum insurance coverage varies depending on whether the rideshare driver was driving to pick up a passenger or was already a passenger in the vehicle. Even with a seemingly straightforward insurance claim, it is a good idea to seek the advice of an attorney to make sure you are receiving all the compensation you are entitled to.

If a driver is uninsured or underinsured, or if all your damages are not covered by insurance for some other reason, you may want to make a legal claim for compensation.

No one can guarantee how much compensation you might get in a rideshare accident claim because each case is unique. Lawyers are ethically prohibited from guaranteeing a dollar amount of compensation to clients.

However, there are certain types of damages that are commonly awarded in personal injury cases, and lawyers are permitted to advise you on compensation levels that have been awarded in other similar cases.

Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Medical expenses and damages for lost income can include both past and future amounts.

Pain and suffering damages aim to compensate for the physical and emotional suffering caused by your injuries. These damages are all relevant in a legal claim, whether it ends in a negotiated settlement, as is the case with most personal injury cases, or in a trial.

A solicitor can advise you on the types of compensation that are relevant to your individual case, and your options going forward.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer After a Rideshare Accident?

Being involved in a car accident is always a traumatic experience, but it can be even more confusing and complicated if you were injured while using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft.

Due to the unique nature of these services, the number of people involved, and the specific laws that apply after a rideshare accident, a rideshare claim can be complicated both practically and legally.

Drivers, passengers, rideshare companies and each of their insurers have an interest in who is liable for an accident. Rideshare companies and insurance companies also have significant resources and attorneys who will work to minimize their legal responsibility and financial liability in your claim.

An injured victim who tries to handle a case without a lawyer on their side is at a significant disadvantage, and typically receives less compensation.

As a result, it is in your best interest to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury attorney can navigate the complex legal landscape and help you get the compensation you deserve. In addition, they can take the burden of dealing with insurance companies and investigating the accident, allowing you to focus on your treatment and recovery.

How to choose a lawyer if you were injured in a rideshare accident

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, you will need an attorney who has experience handling rideshare accident claims in your state. The law in this area is young and changing, and several states, including Delaware, have recently introduced new laws specific to rideshare companies. You should seek a lawyer who is knowledgeable about these laws so that they can properly advise and represent you.

Most attorneys, including the rideshare accident attorneys at Morris James, will provide you with a free initial consultation. This will give you a chance to get to know the attorney and ask any questions about your case.

You can also ask about their fee policies and their success rates. You should feel comfortable with the attorney you choose because you will be working closely with them during the course of your case. After this initial consultation, you can walk away with no obligation or you can decide if this is the right attorney for you.

What to Expect from Your Lawyer During the Legal Process

When you hire an attorney after a rideshare accident, they are there to help you, advise you, and fight for you, but you are still in charge of your claim. Your attorney cannot agree to a final settlement of your claim without your approval. There are a few things you can expect from your attorney during the legal process: advice and advocacy, communication, case work, and transparency regarding fees.

Fee transparency

It is also important that your attorney be open about their rates and fee policies. You should know how much you will be charged and what services are included in that fee. If you are unclear about their fees, just ask.

Communications

Your attorney should communicate with you about your claim, keep you updated on the status of your case, and return your phone calls or emails in a timely manner.

Advice and advocacy

First and foremost, your lawyer's role is to advise you on your legal rights and fight for everything you are entitled to. They should explain the laws relevant to your case in a way that you can understand, guide you to a decision, then put forward the best possible case for you in negotiations or in court.

Case work

Your attorney will also handle all the details surrounding your case so that you don't have to. This includes filing claims within legal time limits, handling important correspondence, and communicating with other parties to the claim.