By way of a simple tool such as a cell phone, you can have a personal taxi at your doorstep in a manner of moments. Whereas it was the norm to call and request one by means of a landline phone, private or public, the calls are now modernized to make these requests by means of a Ride-share app, whether Lyft’s or Uber’s. Due to their popularity, the requests for the rides is increasing, and with such an increase, there is also an uptick in accidents. If this unfortunate incident does occur, it would be wise to know the proper steps to take, who the responsible party is, and how the dissemination of the justice works.
As car accidents are normal on a typical commute to your destination, if you just so happen to be involved in a ride-share accident, it is necessary to follow proper protocol just as you would in a similar situation. First, call and notify the proper authorities. The most natural first phone call is 911 to get the police on the scene, and if necessary, request Emergency Medical Services, most commonly known as EMS. If possible, it is wise to take pictures of the incident before moving the vehicle out of harms way. In addition, it would be smart to speak with the drivers, fellow passengers, and any eyewitnesses to secure as much detail as possible about the accident. Keep in mind that it is customary to exchange personal contact and insurance company documents, and once these simple procedures are followed, immediately contact Lyft or Uber of 3 things- to inform them that there was such an accident, that you were in it, and the details of the experience.
After following the basic protocol previously outlined and if experiencing an injury, it would be best to contact a personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer has the proper expertise to navigate the complex language of the law to best defend your interest with reasonable compensation. However, it is also wise to contact a Lyft or Uber accident lawyer. Due to ride-sharing apps are considered to be in their infancy stages, there is not an established model of compensation or justice to meted out. In other words, ridesharing accident attorneys across the country suggest that legal precedent for many situations has yet to exist in many of the cases presented before the courts.
Armed with this information, we all have to remember to always be prepared, because a car accident lawyer will represent the other side too. This is why the expertise of a ridesharing accident attorney is an absolute must! There are different laws that apply to these types of accident and these little nuances in the law, or lack thereof, are what can make your compensation result success or failure. You always need a coordinated effort between the expertise of legal minds in specific areas of the law, even if they are in the same office because each is mandated to vigorously protect your interest. Remember, you must seek to get compensated for your any loss in earnings, pain, and suffering, and also medical bills. In some instances, you can even get compensated for severe negligence.
Keep in mind that Lyft and other ride-share services are often able to escape liability for such accidents. While some ride-share companies maintain a $1 million of liability coverage, it is known that a good Lyft accident lawyer and other ride-share attorneys are often able to side-step responsibility for the rider’s injuries. In the case of being a driver, one should know that while company coverage does include liability, the coverage does not necessarily pay for your medical expenses or damage to your vehicle if you are deemed at fault for the accident. Keep in mind that a Lyft accident lawyer is there to protect Lyft and not necessarily you.
In transitioning back to the passenger perspective, it is sometimes difficult to get in touch with the respective company to report losses or accidents. In these cases, it allows drivers and claims with the insurance companies to bypass the responsibility of automobile accidents. Additionally, there are creative ways utilized by drivers to blame others, including you, as to why the accident happened. So, you hiring a car accident lawyer can ensure that this unethical behavior does not happen to you.
To prevent unethical parties from getting out of paying their portion, it’s vitally important to check with a ridesharing accident attorney right away. The laws regarding ride-shares are constantly changing with new regulations and also with the use of technology. Here, a skilled personal injury attorney can ensure victims are not in a position to proceed without the proper protection.
As a result of a ride-share service accident, affordability of a personal injury lawyer might be of great concern. This assessment is of valid; however, one should never be in a position to allow the failure of justice to prevail. This is the very reason why an outstanding ridesharing accident attorney is of top priority. In many cases, the consultations are free, so it will be wise to pursue this route first, especially if your budget is a little tight. Keep in mind that they will vigorously defend your interests to the letter of the law.
Always be aware that some of the most seemingly minor injuries cloud your judgment, so do not mistake a minor ache as anything. Never allow your health to be in jeopardy, and remember that a car accident lawyer can guide you to improve if not completely restore your health to 100%. Good attorneys have the resources and contacts to provide you counsel through your entire process of recovery. There is no reason to allow a lack of advocacy to delay you being made whole again. Your health and welfare are no laughing matter, so there is a plea to hold the ride-share companies accountable to assist you in your recovery process.
Just for awareness purposes, be prepared to address the following if they happen to you:
1. Spinal cord injuries – Back injuries can lead to nerve issues, which may impact your ability to control your body. In some cases, these injuries lead to permanent paralysis.
2. Brain injuries – Especially traumatic brain injuries, these are very common in vehicular accidents and can range from mild to severe concussions to cognitive impairment. You may require long-term care to treat these wounds.
3. Whiplash – Whiplash is common in back-end automotive accidents. The injury normally results in swelling, but in a serious case, whiplash can lead to not only vocal cord paralysis but also long-lasting neck pain.
4. Broken bones – Fractures and broken bones usually occur in accidents, and healing can be a drawn-out process that may prevent you from being able to work. Keep in mind that some broken bones even require surgery.
It is not a laughing matter when it comes to defending yourself in a ride-share accident. It does not matter whether you are the driver or the passenger. The request is that you arm yourself with this knowledge as a basis for proactive preparation as you continue your ride-share experiences. You, as a ride-share participant, should never be in a position to put your welfare in the hands of a company or in the hands of irresponsible drivers that will only look out for their interests. Now that you are aware of the options available to you, be confident that you will be counseled properly.