How Can I Claim Compensation for Injuries Sustained in a Ride-Sharing Accident?

Blog Car Accidents Personal Injury

If I’m Injured In a Ride-Sharing Vehicle, Is Getting a Settlement More Challenging?

Many people and families today use ride-sharing vehicles (such as Uber or Lyft) to get around, which has significantly changed how we travel. Ride-sharing cars are affordable, commonly reliable, and convenient.

However, on today’s busy roads, these vehicles still get into accidents, and many times, it’s due to the driver or another’s negligence, and you are the victim.

Many of these accidents are due to drivers who are negligent and may drive at high speeds or recklessly. The question is: if you are injured, do Uber or other ride-sharing companies cover your medical bills, lost wages, and more?

If you are hit or injured, ride-sharing companies have insurance that will cover some of your injuries and damages. Most ride-share companies carry $1 million “umbrella” policies and have liability insurance, which may cover you as a passenger, other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

However, this is vital to remember: never assume that because the ride-sharing company has insurance, they will pay for your injuries or damages willingly! No insurer pays quickly, especially if you need substantial funds to cover your medical bills, ongoing treatment, lost wages, and more; they will always attempt to pay as little as possible.

For example, in Texas, Progressive insurance companies usually handle Uber accidents. Progressive is one of the biggest commercial auto insurers in the United States.

Progressives claims adjusters will want you to settle rapidly and always attempt to have you accept a settlement that usually will not meet your future financial needs. They may even try to get as much information from you or have you record a statement that will later be used against you in court.

The wise move for you and your family is never to accept any settlement before you obtain the advice and guidance of a professional and skilled Edinburg ride-share accident lawyer. Your lawyer will fight for your rights and help you determine if you have a case for a personal injury claim.

Additionally, in many ride-share accidents, you may have to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company or against Uber. If this must be done, the help, negotiating skills, and guidance of your ride-share lawyer will be invaluable.

How Can I Know the Liable Parties in a Ride-Share Accident?

Most of the time, it is up to you and your knowledgeable car accident lawyer to determine who and if you must sue another person, company, or manufacturer over a car accident. There is usually someone or something that caused your crash, and with proper legal analysis, this will be determined.

If the driver of the vehicle caused the accident due to negligence, recklessness, etc., they can be held liable for the injuries you suffered.

However, it may be a bit different in the case of suing after a ride-share accident, and so is the way your case must be handled and what questions to ask. Companies such as Uber and Lyft allow drivers to use their vehicles and, mainly, their insurance.

However, some protections have been put into place, such as requiring all ride-share drivers to meet specific requirements. These include having a clean driving record, passing a background check, and more.

Additionally, the drivers must carry commercial auto insurance. This gives them insurance protection against accidents involving third parties.

The legal issue that usually emerges is when you’re being transported, you don’t pay for additional insurance coverage, and this could leave everyone else involved exposed to a lawsuit, including another driver or the rideshare company.

These various ride-share rules may vary by state. For example, Texas, in most cases, does require rideshare companies to cover the costs associated with injuries sustained by passengers.

So, although you can file suit in a rideshare accident, it may be more legally complex than usual, and the professional help, advice, and knowledge of an experienced car accident lawyer are mandatory.

If I Sue the Drive-Share Company, What Damages May I Recover?

When you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, the details and circumstances differ, and only your car accident lawyer is qualified to analyze your case and know precisely how to proceed.
That said, if your case warrants suing the drive-share company, you can recover damages and due compensation.

Just a few of the damages you can recover from the rideshare companies’ insurance are;

• Current and future medical expenses – Funds to cover emergency room visits, intensive care, surgery, your hospital stay, future recovery medical expenses, and more.
• Funds to cover lost wages – You will probably be out of work while recovering, but you may be able to recover those lost wages. Also, you may not be able to return to your previous job and accept a job that pays less; therefore, you may also be able to recover future lost earnings.
• Pain and suffering – Severe injuries or mental trauma usually lead to physical and emotional pain and suffering. Therefore, you may qualify for recovery for these noneconomic damages, which generally are substantial.

These cases are legally complex, and your skilled, compassionate, and professional Edinburg car accident lawyer will always fight for your rights and the total compensation you are rightfully due.

What Are the First Things I Should Do If I’ve Been in a Ride-Share Accident?

First, get the medical help you need. If you cannot do some things yourself, then always try to get help.

That said, take the following steps to protect yourself and your safety and preserve evidence:

• Always call 911 – This gets you the immediate medical help you need and establishes proof the accident occurred. A police report should also always be filed for the incident.
• Document the scene using photos or video – This will help your lawyer analyze the scene and know precisely what may have occurred.
• Talk with eyewitnesses and get their contact information – Your lawyer can use this information to help you solidify your case.
• Get the ride-share driver’s information and insurance coverage.
• Document your ride receipt and reservation using screenshots.

If you’re injured, all the documentation and information you gather will be of immeasurable help in proving what occurred, who was responsible, and more. This will all help your lawyer to lawyer to protect you, your health, and your future and obtain the total compensation needed to do so.

I’ve Been In a Ride-Share Accident; How Should I Proceed?

Navigating the legalities of ride-share accidents can be extraordinarily complex and require extensive evidence, witness testimony, and possibly multiple insurance companies and lawsuits. Additionally, you could be severely injured and need to recover and keep your and your family’s finances on track and whole.

Consulting with a knowledgeable, professional, and empathetic ride-share accident lawyer is the first and most positive move you can make in getting the compensation and justice you rightfully deserve.

The car accident and ride-share lawyers at the Brasure Law Firm PLLC have a long and winning history of representing ride-share victims to protect their rights and get what they and their families deserve. Call them today at (956) 903-2873 for a free consultation on your case.

They are passionate about helping car accident and ride-share victims, as well as their families, get through these dire times and face the future with confidence.