Rideshares have taken over a market previously dominated by taxi services. Their ease of use can be attributed to their tech-savvy applications and volume of employees. Calling a cab and waiting for a driver to come can seem like an archaic and arduous process compared to using Uber or Lyft’s model. Locating the nearest driver and sending them to your location with the push of a button is unbeatable convenience. However, it does not come without consequences.
A study by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business showed a 3% increase in the number of motor vehicle accident fatalities since the introduction of application-based ride-sharing services. The large volume of rideshare drivers on the road also leads to more significant traffic congestion. If you have been injured in rideshare, you are not the first. Several helpful guidelines can help make your recovery process more manageable.
Seek professional medical treatment immediately
The first and most important thing to do after being involved in a car accident of any kind is to seek professional medical care. Common injuries arising out of car collisions include whiplash, spine injuries, sprains, and lacerations. If you don’t believe you were injured in the auto accident, it is still essential to seek medical attention.
By documenting your car crash, you can rule out the possibility of any minor pains developing into severe injuries in the future. Medical bills and records will also be essential to your personal injury case in the event that you seek financial compensation for your damages.
Exchange information with the driver
Not only do you need to get your driver’s contact information, but you’ll need to get their insurance information as well. The driver likely has their own insurance and is doubly protected by whatever insurance company the rideshare service employs. If you were involved in a severe car accident, you might not have been able to obtain a contact form or insurance card.
Thankfully, most rideshare services keep a record of your driver and the vehicle that you rode in. It is also essential to report your collision to your insurance company, regardless of if you plan to file a car accident claim with them. Suppose your car crash arose out of driver negligence. In that case, their insurance agent should present you with fair compensation to cover any medical expenses, missed work, or property damages.
Retain the services of a car accident lawyer
If you believe you haven’t been offered fair compensation, it can be challenging to know what steps to take. As an injury victim, you have rights. Personal injury cases can be complex to navigate. If you’re having trouble obtaining the maximum compensation from either insurance company, let a professional do the work for you.
Personal injury law firms handle a variety of car accidents; however, they tend to specialize in certain areas. For example, one firm may predominantly handle slip and fall incidents while another may focus on dog bites. However, comprehensive practices like the May Firm employ a California car accident lawyer for every type of auto accident case.
If you are hesitant to seek medical care due to the possibility of incurring hefty expenses or are unable to come to an agreement with the liability carrier, consult with an expert. Keeping up with personal injury claim deadlines like the statute of limitations can be confusing for the average accident victim. Many law firms offer free consultations to help you get started. It doesn’t matter if you believe you have a strong case or not. Everyone deserves to know their rights and be compensated for unfair circumstances.
