Just like any other type of car accident, a wreck involving a rideshare vehicle can result in severe injuries. If you’re hurt as a passenger during a rideshare accident, it will be understandable if you’re completely confused. You did everything you were supposed to do – you fastened your seatbelt and didn’t distract the driver – but you were still injured. You might not be sure how to go about obtaining the compensation it will take to pay for all of your accident-related financial losses.
The rideshare accident attorneys with Sand Law would like to clear up some of that confusion. We’d also like to let you know that we have a great deal of experience representing rideshare accident victims, and we’ve helped them obtain significant compensation. Our firm is ready to do the same for you.
Contact us online to schedule a free consultation, or give us a call at 651-291-7263.
Rideshare Accident Statistics
There are actually quite a few rideshare companies operating in the US and throughout the world, but when people think of this service, there will typically be only two providers that come to mind – Uber and Lyft. Both of them produce safety reports showing the number of accidents involving their drivers.
According to Uber’s 2019/2020 safety report, 101 drivers and passengers died as a result of 91 fatal accidents. Approximately 32% of these accidents involved speeding (either on the part of the Uber driver or another motorist). According to Lyft, 115 people were killed in accidents involving Lyft drivers between 2017-2019.
Passengers of Rideshare Vehicles May Not Have Car Insurance
As you’ve probably found out the hard way already, there are a lot of complexities with a case involving a hurt passenger during a rideshare accident. You might, for example, be worried that you can’t get compensation because you don’t have car insurance. After all, that’s probably the main reason you were in the rideshare vehicle in the first place.
The bottom line is that it really doesn’t matter. Even if you did have an auto policy, it more than likely wouldn’t cover you anyway. Personal car insurance doesn’t apply when you’re riding in someone else’s car.
But that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. Both Uber and Lyft have varying degrees of coverage for passengers. Also, they both mandate that their drivers have their own policies. If the other driver was at fault, you may be able to obtain compensation through their insurance company as well. Talk to a Sand Law attorney, and we’ll be able to tell you much more.
Who’s At Fault for My Injuries?
Liability in Uber and Lyft accidents that result in injuries to a passenger during a rideshare accident can be complicated as well. It’s fairly clear in an instance where one driver or the other is to blame. But what if both of them contributed to the accident?
You might have to deal with making claims against both insurance companies – the one that covers the Uber/Lyft driver, as well as the one that covers the other driver. On top of that, you will be filing a claim against the rideshare company’s insurer as well.
You already have enough on your plate simply recovering from the injury you’ve suffered. Let an experienced attorney with Sand Law handle the complexities while you focus on getting better.
Common Injuries Caused to Backseat Passengers
These are just a few of the more common injuries passengers in rideshare accidents typically suffer:
Steps You Should Take After a Rideshare Accident
If you follow these steps, you can not only help protect your physical health but also help make your case stronger as well.
Get Immediate Medical Attention
This is priority No. 1, of course. Call 911 so emergency medical personnel can be dispatched to the accident scene.
Tell the Police What Happened
If you’re physically able to speak to the police, tell them exactly how the accident occurred to the best of your ability. This could be critically important to your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve. Don’t let anyone try to talk you out of it.
Talk to Witnesses
If anyone saw the accident, get their names and contact information (names, email addresses, phone numbers). You won’t need to worry about interviewing them. That’s going to be your attorney’s job.
Take Pictures and Videos
Again, if you’re physically able – and it’s safe to do so – try to get some pictures or videos of the accident scene. Take pictures of all the property damage that occurred, as well as any fresh skid marks on the road.
Do I Need to Hire a Rideshare Accident Attorney?
If you want the best possible chance of getting the money you deserve, the answer to that question is a resounding “yes.”
Once you’re in a safe spot getting the medical help you need, it will be imperative that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Timing will be essential since your lawyer will need to begin an investigation as quickly as possible. The earlier that investigation starts, the better the chances your attorney will be able to gather the evidence needed to make your case its strongest.
Another reason to hire a lawyer is that you’re going to face formidable opposition. The insurance companies that represent Uber and Lyft aren’t going to willingly pay you what you truly deserve. If you’ll be pursuing compensation from the rideshare driver’s insurer – and the other driver’s insurance company, if that motorist was partly to blame – those companies aren’t going to willingly pay you full and fair compensation, either.
Contact Sand Law Today to Speak to an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney About Your Claim
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Sand Law as soon as you can. We’ll provide you with the aggressive, effective representation it takes to help you obtain maximum compensation. You can use our online form for a free review of your case, or you can call 651-291-7263.