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Rideshare companies have become incredibly popular over the past few years, and it’s easy to see why — users can request a ride with just the touch of a button.
But what happens if you’re in an accident that involves an Uber or Lyft driver?
Understanding Your Rights: Rideshare Accidents
Uber and Lyft require their drivers to have their own insurance. The companies themselves also carry $1 million in total liability insurance for expenses that aren’t covered by the driver’s policy.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident and your injuries, you may need to make a claim against the driver, the company, or both.
What to Do if You Were in a Rideshare Accident
There are three ways a person can be involved in a rideshare accident:
- You were a passenger in a rideshare and an accident occurred;
- You were a pedestrian struck by a rideshare;
- You were the driver of a rideshare and involved in an accident.
There are also additional circumstances that Uber and Lyft take into consideration, like if the accident occurred while the driver was waiting to pick up a passenger, if the driver was operating while offline, or if the accident happened en route to the destination.
If you were involved in an accident, in any capacity, the steps you take immediately afterward are vital.
Seek immediate medical treatment.
Even if you don’t see or feel any injuries immediately after the accident, you should always be looked at by a doctor. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or whiplash, don’t appear for several days, so establishing a clear record of events is crucial.
Contact the authorities.
If you’re seeking compensation for injuries sustained during an accident, a police report can make or break your case. Even if the other party offers to pay out of pocket in exchange for you not contacting the police, you should always call the proper authorities. You should also take photos of the accident and write down any pertinent information.
Never take on insurance companies alone.
Rideshare accident claims are incredibly complicated because they involve several different parties which leads to mountains of paperwork. Plus, insurance companies will look for any reason to deny a claim and refuse you the compensation you’re rightfully owed. Our team will fight to get you what you’re owed, while you focus on recovering.
At HMW Law, we can provide the legal representation you need for your criminal or personal injury case. We care about what happens in your case. To learn more about our team, call us at (216) 220-6776 or contact us online today.
