When you are hurt in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, it is easy to be confused about your rights and the steps you should take. If you suffered injuries while riding in an Uber or Lyft, understanding your options and the available insurance coverage is key in protecting your rights and recovering compensation.
One of the best resources you can turn to if you were injured in a rideshare vehicle is a Baltimore car accident lawyer. Hiring an attorney to represent you early in the process can greatly reduce your stress and confusion later.
Steps to Take After an Uber/Lyft Vehicle Accident
When you are hurt, you must prioritize your physical and emotional health. Once you receive medical care and your injuries are stable, it is time to start looking for legal advice. Your next steps could include:
Gathering Any Available Evidence
If you are physically able, begin your investigation at the accident scene. Take photos of all cars involved, license plates, and wide-angle views of the scene. Also, collect the contact information of the rideshare driver, other involved drivers, and witnesses.
Once your injuries are stable, compile your bills and receipts into a file. Write or record your story as soon as possible. This will make it easier to remember details later.
Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft
As soon as you can, report the accident to Uber or Lyft through the app. Both companies ask passengers to report any accidents or incidents. Reporting ensures that even seemingly minor accidents are recorded, which is essential when you need to file an insurance claim.
Request a Police Report
If an accident causes injuries or significant property damage, most states require a law enforcement response and compiling a police report. As a victim in the accident, you can request a copy of the police report. It will contain details about the incident that could support your claim. Your attorney can do this for you if necessary.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer familiar with rideshare injury cases ensures your rights are protected. Your attorney can help you manage these complex cases and the insurance policies of Uber and Lyft.
For a free legal consultation, call,
(888) 585-2188
Understanding How Rideshare Insurance Policies and Claims Work
When rideshare companies were new, there was difficulty getting insurance companies to cover riders hurt in a crash. For this reason, and because many states have laws that require it, both Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for passengers and other victims of crashes.
The coverage available depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
- Driver Not Logged into the Rideshare App: Their personal auto insurance policy applies. Neither Uber nor Lyft provides coverage.
- Driver Logged in But Without a Ride Request: Uber and Lyft provide third-party liability coverage, usually based on the state’s requirements.
- Driver Matched with a Passenger or During a Ride: As soon as the driver accepts a ride, Uber and Lyft have $1 million in liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
For individuals hurt in a rideshare vehicle, this last liability policy is the primary source of compensation for injured Uber and Lyft passengers.
Compensation Available for Injured Uber or Lyft Passengers
As an injured rideshare passenger, you can seek compensation for a wide range of current and future expenses and losses. This could include:
- Medical Expenses: Covers emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Income: Compensation for time missed at work due to your injuries.
- Property Damage: If your belongings, such as a phone or laptop, were damaged during the crash.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress from the collision and your injuries.
Recoverable damages could differ for those left living with catastrophic injuries or families who lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident. An attorney who handles these cases regularly can help you fight for justice.
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Common Challenges in Rideshare Accident Cases
Navigating a rideshare accident claim is rarely easy. These cases often involve several challenges:
Identifying the Liable Party
Determining liability can be complex in any car accident case. However, this may be especially true for rideshare accident cases. Multiple parties could share responsibility. For example, a negligent third-party driver may share responsibility for causing the crash along with the rideshare driver.
Things can get even more complicated when you must sue to recover fair compensation. You will want a car accident attorney familiar with these collisions managing your case.
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, delay negotiations until the victim agrees to a lowball offer or deny claims entirely. An attorney can negotiate with insurers, keep the claim on track, and fight for your fair compensation.
Meeting the Statute of Limitations
Each state sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit based on a car accident. For example, in Maryland, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101. Failing to meet this deadline could jeopardize your right to recover fair compensation.
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When Rideshare Accident Victims Should Contact an Attorney
If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, contacting an attorney early in the process is important. Your lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence
- Communicate with insurance companies for you
- Deal with the rideshare company and their insurer throughout this process
- Calculate your damages
- Represent you in court if necessary
Discuss Your Rideshare Vehicle Accident with an Attorney Today
Jenner Law offers free consultations for those injured in Uber or Lyft rideshare vehicle accidents. Consulting a car accident lawyer protects your rights and ensures proper handling of your case.
Contact our team for a free consultation. Let us pursue the financial compensation you deserve while you focus on healing from your injuries.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form