Rideshare companies make it easy to travel from one place to another, whether using a taxi, Uber, or Lyft. However, as more people turn to these services, the number of accidents involving these vehicles has also increased. Knowing your legal rights and who is liable is essential if you are ever involved in an incident with a rideshare or taxi service.
If You’re Seriously Injured in a Rideshare Accident – Who Is Liable?
Liability is often a top concern after a rideshare accident. Depending on the circumstances, various entities could be liable, such as the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or even other motorists involved in the incident. In some instances, multiple parties could share liability. A personal injury attorney will work on your behalf to help you decide on the best legal action.
Common Rideshare Accidents & Claims
Accidents involving rideshare vehicles can happen in quite a few ways. For example, fender benders or minor accidents can still result in claims for personal injuries or property damage. On the other hand, high-speed collisions are often more serious and can lead to more substantial personal injury claims. Accidents can also occur during the time of pick-up or drop-off, as drivers may be more distracted.
The Role of Personal vs. Commercial Insurance Policy
Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, generally offer liability coverage that activates under specific circumstances. However, there can be gaps in this coverage that leave drivers or passengers exposed. Understanding the nuances of insurance for Uber and Lyft drivers, as well as third-party car insurance claims is critical. These factors can often determine the amount and type of insurance compensation for accident claims.
Serious Injuries to Passengers
Passengers are the most vulnerable parties in any rideshare vehicle. Injuries to passengers can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe physical trauma such as spinal cord or brain injuries. The accident severity level can significantly dictate the course of a personal injury lawsuit. Accurately documenting all medical treatments and diagnoses is vital if you’re involved in a taxi or rideshare accident.
Serious Injuries to Other Motorists
Other motorists sharing the road are also at risk if an accident occurs. If you’re a motorist who’s involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, the process for accident claims can be just as complicated as for passengers and often involves a complex process of dealing with multiple insurance companies and possibly even litigation proceedings. Knowing your rights and obligations is crucial in these situations.
Cases of Sexual Assault in a Hired Vehicle
Sexual assault cases related to rideshare services are unfortunately becoming more common. These are serious events that demand immediate action. Both the rideshare companies and the drivers could face liability in these cases. If you’re a victim of rideshare sexual assault, taking prompt legal steps is essential to hold the responsible parties accountable and to help prevent such incidents from happening to others.
What if the Rideshare Driver is Not at Fault?
Rideshare drivers are sometimes not at fault for an accident or incident. Therefore, the at-fault driver’s insurance may be held responsible for the resulting damage. However, proving that the other driver is at fault is hardly ever straightforward and often requires a detailed investigation and even possibly expert testimony. Legal guidance can be invaluable in overseeing these complex scenarios.
Taxi Accidents – A Different Ballgame
While much of the focus is often on Uber and Lyft services, traditional taxis also have numerous road accidents yearly. Unlike rideshare services, taxis have their own set of regulations and insurance policies. Situations involving a taxi accident often require a different legal approach for a successful resolution.
Navigating the Legal Process
Once liability is established and injuries are assessed, the next step is to pursue a personal injury claim. It’s important to understand that initiating legal action is often the most effective path to securing rightful compensation. A personal injury attorney knows how to gather evidence, work with insurance companies, and represent you in court best, if necessary.
The Importance of Gathering Evidence
Gathering sufficient evidence is crucial to establish the facts of the case. This could range from taking photographs of the accident scene to obtaining witness statements and police reports. Typically, the more thorough the evidence, the stronger your personal injury claim or lawsuit will be. A rideshare accident attorney can advise on what types of evidence are most compelling and how to collect and store it for future use properly.
Coping with the Psychological Impact
Accidents can leave scars that are not just physical but also psychological. Issues such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression can arise or worsen after being involved in a rideshare accident. Addressing the psychological aspects can be an essential part of your recovery and can also be factored into any personal injury claim.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
Every state has its statutes of limitations that dictate the amount of time that you have after an incident to file a personal injury claim. These legal time limits vary depending on the nature of the case and where the incident or accident occurred. Missing this deadline can forfeit your right to pursue legal action entirely, making it crucial to act promptly.
Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney
Being involved in a rideshare or taxi accident can be a life-altering event. Specialized legal help from a rideshare accident attorney is often vital to navigating the numerous options and steps needed to secure justice and rightful compensation. Taking a proactive approach by reaching out to a personal injury attorney can often make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
A rideshare accident attorney can explain your rights, identify the best avenues for compensation, and guide you through the intricacies surrounding liability coverage and insurance claims. If involved in such an accident, this is not a journey you should undertake alone, as a personal injury attorney can be your strongest ally during the aftermath of a rideshare or taxi accident.
Contact Briggs Law Firm today to learn more about using a personal injury attorney.