Here’s What to Do if You Get Into a Ridesharing Accident
As the use of ridesharing apps becomes more and more popular, there will be a big uptick in ridesharing accidents.
Ridesharing was supposed to make life easier. You can get from point A to point B without having to worry about driving and parking. But an irresponsible driver could become a huge inconvenience in your life. When you order a Lyft or an Uber, you are putting your life in the hands of a stranger. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the car with them or if they hit your car. If you get in a ridesharing accident with a driver, there are steps you need to take to get appropriately compensated.
While it can be inconvenient to be involved in a car accident, it can also be very painful too. As long as you take the right steps after the accident, the money you receive will help soften this tough blow.
Here’s what to do if you get into a ridesharing accident.
Ways That Ridesharing Accidents Can Occur
There are a number of factors that contribute to a higher likeliness of rideshare related accidents. The main one is that drivers are navigating unknown areas. They are relying on their GPS software to guide them to your destination.
This means that they will be distracted by their screen instead of paying attention to the road. Because they want to get you where you going as fast as possible, they may also neglect some traffic laws.
Fatigue is another major factor in ridesharing accidents. Since these drivers are not highly compensated for their time, they sometimes need to work long or late hours.
This puts very tired people behind the wheel. Drowsy driving can be more dangerous than drunk driving.
The final factor is simply distraction. There’s a constant rotation of new people in their vehicle. Drivers may find that they are spending more time focusing on their passengers than the road.
Whatever the reason for the accident if your driver is at fault, then you deserve to be paid.
Were You Injured In a Ridesharing Accident?
Car accidents are scary and unpleasant even when they’re just a minor fender bender. But things get really serious if someone is hurt.
To make sure everyone is held accountable, you need to keep your head on your shoulders right after an accident. Collecting everyone’s contact and insurance information is the first step in the right direction.
You can also attempt to get contact information from any witnesses of the accident.
Next, you want to make sure to take pictures of the accident. That means the damage to the vehicles and your body. The more detailed pictures, the better.
Then you need to report the accident. Law enforcement should be your first call. Uber or Lyft customer service should be next.
Finally, you need to seek medical help! Even if you’re able to move around you could have internal damage. Plus, you’ll need a doctor’s report when filing your complaint with Uber or Lyft.
Will Uber or Lyft Have You Covered?
The short answer is ‘yes’. Both Uber and Lyft use commercial insurance coverage. They each have a maximum liability of up to one million dollars. This is actually much higher than most major cities require.
However, because their drivers are contractors, not employees, you can’t sue them for liability. All you can do it to try to get as much of the one million dollars as possible. To do so you need to figure out exactly who was at fault for the accident. And for that, you need the help of a Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP Birmingham rideshare accident lawyer.
Figure Out Who Is at Fault
If you’re taking an Uber or Lyft and someone else hits your car, the parent companies still have you covered. They will cover the other driver’s liability limits, especially in the case of an uninsured motorist.
If the accident was your driver’s fault, depending on your bodily harm, you’ll be much more likely to see most of that million dollar insurance coverage.
If an on-duty driver hits you, either in your car or as a pedestrian, Uber and Lyft are still footing the bill. However, if they don’t have an active ride you can only get up to $50,000 per injured person. The caveat is that they will only cover up to two people.
The additional money would come from the driver’s personal insurance.
If you are involved in an accident with an off duty Uber or Lyft driver, then only their personal insurance will have to cover the incident.
You Need To Get Compensation
Big companies like Uber and Lyft want to pay out the least amount possible for an accident. Attempting to settle this dispute on your own is not recommended.
This is a really complicated process. In some cases, you’ll be dealing with both the driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s. This can become a full-time job to get settled.
You need the professional help of an experienced Birmingham rideshare accident lawyer. This is the only way to ensure you get the most amount of compensation possible.
Even though these big tech companies tend to be pretty litigiously bulletproof, having a an attorney from Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP on your side could open the possibility of a personal injury lawsuit. Though this could be a long uphill battle, having a lawyer on your side is the only chance you have.
Were You In a Ridesharing Accident?
A car accident can happen at any moment. Don’t let it destroy your life. A Birmingham rideshare accident lawyer can help you recover compensation that will help you get the medical attention and help you need to deal with your injuries.
Has this happened to you? If you were in an Uber or Lyft crash, contact us for a free case consultation.
