Ridesharing Accidents

Ridesharing Accidents

Millions of people use Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing services throughout the United States on a daily basis. In some areas, these services are used as a form of daily transportation for work and activities. Uber and Lyft drivers are not employees of a company, but rather, they are considered independent contractors under the law. If you were injured in an accident while you were in a ridesharing car, you may wonder what your legal options are to receive compensation for your injuries.

Immediate Steps to Take after a Ridesharing Accident

Accidents involving ridesharing vehicles are just like any other accidents in many ways. First, you should always ensure that 911 or the police are contacted immediately. Always visit with the police officer and give honest answers. Make sure to take pictures of the accident scene if you are physically able to do so. Obtain the contact and insurance information of all other drivers. Obtain the contact information of all other witnesses or passengers involved in the accident. Finally, but most importantly, you should seek medical attention immediately. You may not feel hurt, but some serious injuries are not immediately noticeable and need to be evaluated by a medical professional.

Determining Liability

In order to obtain compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffer, there first must be a determination regarding fault. Ultimately, liability could rest with your negligent Uber or Lyft driver, or another driver’s negligence. In some cases, both drivers may be determined to be negligent.

When the Uber or Lyft driver is determined to be at fault, then you may have to actually file under the driver’s personal automobile insurance policy. However, in some cases, a ridesharing company may actually offer driver’s coverage under their own insurance policy, such as Uber offers its drivers. You will need to contact the ridesharing company directly to determine if they offer insurance coverage for their drivers, and if your ridesharing driver was covered by this insurance policy.

If another driver, other than your ridesharing driver, was found to be negligent, your actions following the car accident will be similar to any other accident. You will contact the other driver’s insurance company, and file a claim for any injuries or damages you suffered due to the accident.

No matter what insurance company you visit with, make sure that you are careful with what you say. Anything you say can impact your settlement offer. If you say that you are “feeling better” or that the accident was “not that bad” this can be used to attempt to justify a lower settlement offer. In fact, many insurance companies will attempt to obtain all of your medical records or attempt to record the conversation. Having an experienced car accident attorney negotiate with an insurance company on your behalf will ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today

If you were involved in a car accident involving a ridesharing car, contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Wattel & York in the state of Washington at (253) 471-1075 or online today.