The popularity of rideshare services is increasing because passengers get the benefits of convenience and affordability with them. Moreover, they have an eco-friendly aspect as several passengers sharing a vehicle lowers the overall carbon emission per capita. But there is always a risk of a mishap with rideshare vehicles, just like with any other vehicle on the road. The bigger concern is that handling rideshare accident claims can be confusing and daunting for victims.
These mishaps differ from other forms of accidents, such as getting into a car crash when you are behind the wheel or as a pedestrian. Also, multiple drivers and victims are involved, which makes the claim more complex. It is easy for the guilty drivers to go unpunished only because victims fail to deal with the claim correctly. Awareness can save you from missing out on the compensation you deserve. Let us share the best legal advice for rideshare victims.
Get immediate medical help
Like any other mishap, your well-being should be a top priority in a rideshare accident. You must get a medical evaluation even if you do not see any physical signs of injury. An underlying injury like internal bleeding or concussion may surface later, even if it does not show up right after the accident. You must help the other victims and get immediate medical attention by calling emergency services. Also, preserve all medical and diagnostic records as they serve as critical pieces of evidence to build a strong claim to pursue compensation.
Report the crash to the police
The next step is to report the crash to the police, even if your vehicle is not involved. A police report is also a key piece of evidence you cannot miss out on, specifically when you do not have pictures and repair bills for your car. The police collect the details of the crash and statements of the driver, other victims, and bystanders. The information can validate your claim down the line. You can do your bit to gather evidence by taking pictures of the scene and your visible injuries. Remember to get the contact details of other victims and witnesses on the spot, as you may need to connect with them later.
Get legal help
Any road accident due to someone else’s negligence entitles victims to a personal injury claim, and a rideshare mishap is no exception. But you should not risk settling for a lowball offer from the negligent party’s insurance company. The best way to handle the situation is to connect with a rideshare accident lawyer to negotiate the claim on your behalf. The legal expert may recommend taking the case to court if they are not happy with the settlement value. After all, you should get an adequate amount to cover your losses and damages in the mishap.
Determine the fault
Perhaps, the most confusing aspect of a rideshare accident claim is determining the fault. You must prove the negligence of a driver that led to the mishap to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Often, rideshare drivers are distracted while following the GPS directions for driving. They may use multiple cell phones to decline or accept upcoming rides. Other possibilities of a rideshare driver being at fault include distraction while talking to passengers, exceeding safe speed limits, driving aggressively, driving while drowsy or intoxicated, and failing to obey traffic laws. Sometimes, other drivers may be responsible for the crash. So determining the fault is a crucial step so that you can file the claim from the right person.
Understand who pays the claim
Typically, victims file a car accident claim against a guilty driver responsible for negligence leading to the crash. You will probably bring it up against the rideshare driver for causing the crash, but things can be more complicated than they sound. Rideshare drivers work as independent contractors instead of the employees of the company. Victims may come across a situation where the insurance provider denies the claim due to the absence of commercial insurance to cover fares. They end up bearing the losses and damages on their own. Fortunately, some states have new laws that require rideshare companies to provide limited insurance to their drivers to cover accident victims.
Claiming rideshare accident compensation may be tricky for the victims, but a seasoned attorney can help them get the rightful value. The best piece of legal advice is to contact a specialist professional right after the mishap. You must get the compensation you deserve, no matter who is responsible for the accident.
We are not lawyers and this is in no way intended to be used as legal advice . We cannot be held responsible for your results. Always do your own research and seek professional legal help.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.