Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft provide convenient transportation options for millions of people. However, accidents can happen during rides just as with traditional taxis. If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, it’s important to understand your rights regarding liability, compensation and interacting with insurance companies. Here’s more information to help you learn about your rights.
Assessing Liability
The first question after a rideshare accident is: who was at fault? The other driver’s liability must be established for injury claims and lawsuits. Responsibility generally falls into three categories:
- The rideshare driver caused the accident through negligence like speeding or distracted driving. Their insurance covers damages.
- The other motorist was at fault, so you file a claim with their insurance provider.
- You share partial blame due to actions like jaywalking or ignoring traffic signals. Damages get apportioned by the degree of fault.
Injuries and Lost Income
If the accident resulted in injuries, keep detailed records of doctor visits, medications, missed work, and healing time. Document all costs related to the accident. Save medical bills, pay stubs showing lost wages, therapy/counseling receipts, and more. This forms your claim for compensation. Update the insurance adjuster regularly on new costs.
Settlements
Insurance companies initially offer lowball settlements, hoping injured parties will accept less than they deserve. Don’t take the first offer! Consult an attorney to negotiate fair compensation covering all economic and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Settlements often increase substantially with legal representation.
Legal Action
If the insurer doesn’t budge on a low offer, taking legal action through a personal injury lawsuit may be warranted. An attorney can file suit and argue your case in court. Rideshare drivers have high-dollar insurance policies, making lawsuits worthwhile if you have extensive damages. These policies also allow higher settlement payouts pre-trial.
Cooperating with Insurers
Refusing to cooperate with insurance adjusters handling your claim only hurts your case. Be upfront about how the accident occurred and your resulting injuries. Share medical records and evidence. Explain losses from missing work and activities. Just don’t accept initial low offers or sign any releases waiving your rights.
Seeking Medical Care
Always get prompt medical attention after an accident, even for seemingly minor injuries like whiplash. Downplaying injuries to insurers before diagnoses are complete can backfire later if symptoms worsen. Documenting injuries from the outset strengthens your claim. Therapy and chiropractic care also get covered when properly prescribed.
Replacement Transportation
Most rideshare insurance policies cover some reimbursement for rental cars or alternate transportation costs incurred while your car undergoes repairs. Keep receipts for taxis, buses, rental cars and other replacement transportation directly related to the accident. Submit for reimbursement.
Retaining Evidence
Immediately write down exact accident details and take photos of property damage, skid marks, injuries, etc. Get contact info for witnesses willing to give statements. Request police body and dash camera footage if applicable through freedom of information laws. This evidence will prove invaluable for claims and lawsuits. Don’t assume rideshare insurance fully protects passengers. Understand your rights and look out for your best interests if an accident happens.
Don’t assume rideshare insurance fully protects passengers. Take the time to learn about your rights and proactively seek fair compensation if an accident occurs. An experienced personal injury attorney can help recover damages and hold negligent parties accountable.
