If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, you may be wondering whether you need an Uber/Lyft accident lawyer. It’s a frightening experience to be a victim of a rideshare accident. However, these types of accidents occur more than you think. Fortunately, as a passenger, you do have rights in this type of situation. This guide will provide you with everything you need to help you make a decision on whether you should hire an attorney following a rideshare accident.
Next Steps Following a Rideshare Accident
If you were involved in a rideshare accident, you may be wondering what your next steps are. First, you should make sure that you seek medical treatment right away. You should not put this off because your injuries may progress later on.
Next, you should file a report with your insurance company. You should only contact your insurance company to report the accident. However, your attorney may give you instructions on what to do and whether they will contact them on your behalf. Don’t forget to obtain a copy of the accident report. This information is typically available to you within a week following an accident. These reports may also be ordered online. Finally, collect all evidence related to the accident, including pictures and witness statements.
Hiring a Rideshare Accident Attorney
Whether you need a rideshare accident attorney depends on several factors. If you do not suffer any injuries, chances are you won’t need an attorney. However, if your injuries are serious, it is to your advantage to hire an attorney.
Chances are extremely low that companies such as Uber or Lyft are going to pay you what you deserve if your claim is worth a lot of money. They will try and lowball you, similar to insurance companies. But, with the right attorney on your side, you won’t have anything to worry about. The moment you hire a personal injury attorney, they will start investigating the accident. They will gather critical evidence to support your claim. They will also collect your medical records and expenses, pictures, videos, and other pertinent information relating to the accident.
Are Rideshare Companies Liable for Accidents?
Companies such as Uber and Lyft can be held liable for accidents that their drivers may have caused. There are a couple of instances where their insurance policy may be relevant. If the driver has their rideshare application turned on and they are awaiting a ride request, the insurance company may get involved. If the rideshare driver is in the process of picking up a rider or taking a rider to their destination, the insurance policy may also apply.
Even if Uber and Lyft claim no responsibility for accidents their drivers cause while offline, you may still want to consider hiring an attorney to investigate the matter.
Common Rideshare Accident Economic Damages
The types of economic and non-economic damage that you may recover following a rideshare accident will vary. This depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the driver history, severity of injuries, etc.
Here are some of the most common rideshare accident economic damages:
- Medical expenses
- Physical therapy
- Rehab
- Hospital treatment
- Lost wages
Here are some of the most common rideshare non-economic damages:
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Serious injury
- Compensation for amputation