Rideshare Accident Lawyer

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So you or a loved one has been in a rideshare accident – Now what? One thing’s for sure, navigating the complex world of rideshare insurance after an Uber or Lyft accident is no walk in the park.

This is why it’s crucial to work with a rideshare accident attorney who understands the ins and outs of rideshare insurance coverage, determining liability, and how to ensure insurance providers compensate you for your injuries and losses.

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation. Continue reading to learn how a personal injury lawyer can help.

Why Should I Hire A Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

Generally, A rideshare accident lawyer focuses on cases involving rideshare companies, rideshare drivers, and their insurance policies. They’re an invaluable resource in many ways, including:

Understanding Insurance Policies

After a rideshare car accident, deciphering the details of personal auto insurance, commercial insurance, and the rideshare company’s insurance policy can be complex. Further, a rideshare accident attorney helps to give clarity on issues like comprehensive and collision coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), and coverage limits.

Negotiating with Insurance Providers

Insurance companies (i.e., the driver’s personal insurance or the rideshare company’s provider) usually try to pay as little as possible. One of our experienced rideshare accident attorneys at Ziegler Diamond Law can negotiate on your behalf, and file a personal injury lawsuit against them if necessary.

Maximizing Compensation

A lawyer can also help you seek compensation for medical expenses (current and future), property damage, lost wages, and more. They’re uniquely qualified and experienced at identifying all possible sources of compensation, which can include:

• The rideshare driver’s personal coverage
• The company’s liability coverage
• Or individuals

What Are The Most Common Causes of Lift Rideshare Car Accidents

Uber or Lyft drivers, like any other drivers, can be involved in a motor vehicle accident due to a variety of causes:

• Drowsy Driving: Rideshare drivers often work long hours to meet their ride request targets, leading to fatigue and potentially hazardous driving conditions.
• Distracted Driving: From checking the driver app to interacting with passengers, various distractions might cause an accident.
• Reckless Driving: In an effort to complete as many trips as possible, some rideshare drivers might speed, change lanes without signaling, or disregard other traffic laws.

That’s not even mentioning the potential for intoxicated driving or recklessness on behalf of a third party.

How Is Fault Determined in Rideshare Accidents?

Determining fault in a rideshare accident usually requires your lawyer to examine multiple facts and every detail of evidence. That’s why it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible (directly after the accident), including insurance information, details of the vehicles involved, and statements from any witnesses.

An experienced rideshare accident attorney can investigate your personal injury case and determine liability. If the rideshare driver is at fault, both their personal auto policy and the rideshare company’s insurance may cover the damages. However, all too often, insurance providers and rideshare companies dispute claims, which is why having an attorney can be extremely helpful.

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

Like any other motor vehicle collision, rideshare accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and property damage. A few of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents include but aren’t limited to:

• Whiplash: Most times, it’s caused by rear-end collisions and is a common injury in both slow and high-speed car accidents.
• Broken Bones: You could experience fractures from the impact of the crash, depending on the severity of the crash.
• Head and Brain Injuries: These can range from concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
• Spinal Injuries: In many cases, lead to long-term complications (i.e., full or partial paralysis, loss of sensation, etc.) and require extensive medical attention.

In extreme cases, rideshare accidents can even result in death. With that in mind, if your loved one lost their life in a rideshare accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident?

Suppose you’re in a rideshare car accident. In that case, your first step should be to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, injuries caused by the accident may not be immediately clear. Additionally, in many cases, seeking immediate medical help strengthens your rideshare accident claim. You should also gather insurance information from all parties involved.

Once you’ve received medical attention, collected evidence (i.e., pictures, videos, etc. of the accident scene and your injuries), and gathered crucial details, the next step is contacting a reputable rideshare accident attorney.

They can guide you through the claims process and help you seek compensation for your injuries and any property damage. It’s important to act swiftly as certain insurance providers may have specific time limits to file claims.

How Do Insurance Policies Work in Rideshare Accidents?

Navigating the insurance world after a rideshare accident can be daunting, confusing, and frustrating. Whether you were an Uber or Lyft driver, a passenger, or another party involved in the accident, understanding how insurance coverage works is essential.

Understanding Rideshare Insurance: A Stage-by-Stage Breakdown

It’s important to note that insurance policies for rideshare accidents differ from standard personal auto insurance, mainly due to the unique nature of rideshare services. Here’s a simplified breakdown of these insurance policies and how they come into play during different stages of a rideshare trip.

• Driver’s App is Off: When the driver’s app is off, their personal auto insurance policy is the primary coverage. The rideshare company’s insurance does not apply in this case.
• Driver’s App is On, Waiting for a Ride Request: If the driver’s app is on and they’re waiting for a ride request, the rideshare company provides additional coverage only if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t apply.
• Ride Request Accepted till Passenger Drop-off: The rideshare company’s coverage reaches its peak during this stage. It includes comprehensive and collision coverage, liability coverage, and more. However, comprehensive and collision coverage only applies if the rideshare driver already has such coverage on their personal auto policy.

After a rideshare car accident, the question of liability becomes vital. Typically, if another driver is at fault, their insurance covers the damages. But what happens if the other drivers involved do not carry commercial insurance, or worse, don’t have insurance at all? In cases like this or similar, the rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may come to the rescue.

However, it’s important to remember that there are limits to the rideshare company’s insurance. For instance, if a rideshare driver’s vehicle is totaled, insurance companies generally pay the actual cash value, not the replacement cost of the car. This value might be considerably lower than what it costs to replace the vehicle, posing an additional financial burden on the rideshare driver.

Contact A Rideshare Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, you don’t have to go through the insurance claims process or file a personal injury lawsuit on your own – We’re here to help.

Whether it’s dealing with insurance claims, assessing vehicle damage, or seeking rightful compensation for bodily injury caused, a rideshare accident attorney can guide you through every step.

At Zieglar Diamond Law, we offer a free consultation and are dedicated to protecting your rights. If you’ve been in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t hesitate to contact us. Let our experienced team help you navigate the claims process, understand your legal options, and seek the compensation you deserve.