You now have the option to use apps such as Uber and Lyft to give you access to a rideshare car within a few minutes.
Think about that… you can order a ride any time and any place. It is an amazing luxury to have a makeshift taxi you can call at any time.
However, what happens when an Uber accident occurs in the car you are in?
How are you supposed to receive the compensation you are entitled to? Whose insurance is responsible for settling with you? There are a lot of factors that go into answering these questions.
Here is everything that you need to know when you are involved in a rideshare accident.
Don’t want to read the full blog? Watch the video.
1. The Number of Parties Involved
One of the most important aspects of this unique form of a car crash is knowing who will be involved in the accident going forward.
With a typical car accident, you are looking at mainly two parties that are involved when the accident happens: the respective drivers.
However, it is different when the accident includes a rideshare vehicle. Suddenly, you are looking at involvement between the two drivers, the passengers of the rideshare car, and the ridesharing company (such as Uber).
2. It is a Hunt to Collect Insurance
Whether you are the driver of the rideshare, the passenger of the rideshare, or the other driver involved in the accident, it can be a hunt to collect insurance.
All of the parties will use an argument to debate that they were not the reason for the crash.
If you try to claim from a rideshare company’s insurance, they will argue that the rideshare driver is not technically one of their employees. The companies simply argue that they only offer the connection between driver and passenger, nothing more.
However, the rideshare driver’s insurance company will more than likely drop their coverage since the car is being used for business purposes.
So… how are you supposed to collect the compensation that you deserve if no one is willing to take responsibility? Hire an experienced auto accident attorney to get a professional on your side of the case.
3. You are Battling with Legal Professionals
Going through a car incident that involves a rideshare company means that you will be going head-to-head with a corporate entity and its team of lawyers. Lawyers whose job is to either place fault on someone else or reach a low settlement.
Without an attorney on your side, it is harder to obtain full compensation.
Assuming you have no prior experience with the legal side of auto accidents, you will miss out on a lot of key factors in the claim that can cost you. Either you will get much lower compensation than you deserve or none at all.
Whether you are trying to gain compensation for personal injury, auto accident, or another claim, you will want a lawyer with the know-how to get what you need.
Not only that, but the ridesharing portion of the process is confusing. There is a lot of murky water as far as where you should turn to pursue your claim, even if you know who is at fault.
4. Liability Insurance Comes into Play
As previously mentioned, the ridesharing company may claim that they are not at fault for the actions of their drivers.
However, there is one thing they have to help with these types of situations where their driver is at fault for an accident. It is called liability insurance, and they all have it.
Odds are that your attorney will advise you that the company’s liability insurance is the best way to obtain the compensation you are entitled to.
While the driver may also have their own coverage, it may not be enough to cover the costs of your claim. The company’s liability insurance (which can be in the millions of dollars) will.
5. Gathering Proof
Many people are aware that you need to gather as much evidence as you possibly can at the moment of the incident.
However, there are a few more pieces of evidence that you need to gather for a car accident that includes a rideshare vehicle.
You will need to make a mental note that the driver was logged into the app at the time of the crash. If you cannot prove this, it will be hard to gain traction towards filing a claim with the rideshare company’s liability insurance.
Do not stress about this fact too much in the moment, however. Your attorney will know different ways to prove this fact down the line.
If that driver was not logged on the app, then their personal driver’s insurance may be the only way you can receive compensation.
If the driver was logged on the app but did not have any passengers, then there is a limit as to what will be covered as well. As you can see, it is essential to have an attorney who can help walk you through each and every scenario.
In an Uber/Lyft Accident? Find the Legal Help You Need
Now that you have seen all the different levels and complications that come from an Uber or Lyft accident, you understand the need for an experienced attorney.
Finding the right attorney is all about getting yourself teamed up with the best and brightest in the entire industry. Finding someone with the savvy to see your case through to the end.
Be sure to read this article on the best auto accident lawyers in St. Pete and why you should hire them for your case.
For more inquiries, please reach out via our contact us page and we will be happy to further assist you.
