Being in a car accident while using a rideshare service is similar to getting into an accident as a passenger under any other circumstance. You will need to wait until the police and emergency services arrive. The police officer will ask you questions, and you will then need to seek medical attention. However, there are a few ways that a rideshare accident can be more complicated, especially when determining who is liable for the accident.
Try to Obtain a Police Report
The police do not always arrive after a car accident and may permit you to leave on the phone if the accident is minor. But it's crucial to get a police report because it can assist you in settlement negotiations.
The police report is not admissible in court but keeps track of helpful facts that will play a role in your rideshare accident case. Therefore, you should contact the police department and file a police report after you have sought medical treatment.
Report Your Accident to the Rideshare Company
You must report the accident to the rideshare company and inform them that you had an accident while riding with one of their drivers. You can wait to provide details, but telling the company will show that you are diligent when reporting the accident.
You might be communicating with more than one company after your rideshare accident, including:
- The insurance provider of the rideshare driver
- The rideshare company
- The insurance provider of another motorist
Each of these companies will do everything possible to limit its liability. They can be ruthless, and you will want to be careful with what you say to any company involved with your rideshare accident claim. It's better to handle all your negotiations through a rideshare accident attorney.
Build a Legal Case
One of the issues that will likely come up is determining who is at fault for the accident. For example, in a collision involving two drivers, your injuries might be caused by both the rideshare driver and the other motorist.
The rideshare driver might have made an unsafe lane change, but the other motorist might have been speeding. Therefore, each party might only be responsible for some of your damages.
Take Advantage of the Insurance Carried by the Rideshare Company
Rideshare companies do not have to provide compensation since rideshare drivers are independent contractors. However, some rideshare companies still choose to offer insurance and will be able to compensate you for damages such as your medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Therefore, it's a good idea to work with a rideshare accident lawyer to maximize your compensation.
Few things are as intimidating as facing a lawsuit, but if you aren't careful, you might end up struggling with legal problems at some point in time. I know that I never expected to be left battling a legal drama, but after I began working with a team of professionals to create a business, I ended up facing some serious issues. I was nervous about what the future would hold, but I didn't want to give up either. I worked with a lawyer to take care of every aspect of the lawsuit, and it was cool to watch things get better. Find out more about this blog by reading these posts.