Victim of a Rideshare Accident? Here Is What You Should Know

According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, over 300 road accidents occurred daily in 2022 alone, translating to about 13 crashes per hour. These crashes encompass different cars, from sedans to trucks, buses, and even rideshare vehicles.  

What happens when you are involved in a rideshare vehicle accident? It’s different in some aspects because if it were a regular crash involving your vehicle and another, you would file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver and their insurance. 

But who is at fault when it comes to rideshare crashes? Who is liable for your damages? Read on to find out.

The Need for a Personal Injury Attorney

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are legally required to maintain $1 million in coverage to compensate victims of road accidents. Reassuring, right? 

Think again. 

Despite being involved in a rideshare accident, the road to compensation is complex. It will depend on several factors, including whether the ride was ongoing during the crash. It is for this reason that you should enlist the services of a personal injury attorney to help you pursue your claim. 

Often, the rideshare company will refer you to their insurer, and this is where the waters start getting murky. Insurance companies can be challenging to deal with.

“Insurance firms lose money when they pay a claim. It is why insurance agents will go out of their way to try and get you to settle for less. And no, they don’t play by the book. They may intimidate you into settling for a lower amount or even delay the settlement, hoping you will abandon the claim.” says Personal Injury Lawyer Rich Godshall of Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers.

When you pursue a personal injury claim on your lonesome, you will likely settle for less than you deserve. But with a qualified personal injury attorney, you can tip the scales in your favor.  

A reasonable attorney will have a background in dealing with insurance agents. They know the tactics these professionals may use to get individuals to settle for less. 

On top of that, a knowledgeable attorney is well acquainted with the law and how it applies to your specific case. They will use it to ensure you get the maximum compensation for your damages. 

What You Should Do in the Event of a Rideshare Accident

In short, a personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation for damages after a rideshare accident. But as much as their help is valuable, you, the victim, still have a role in securing compensation. 

With this in mind, here is what to do should you find yourself the unfortunate victim of a rideshare accident: 

Seek Medical Attention

Safety before all else. The first action should be to check yourself for injuries and call emergency services. Remember, even if you feel unscathed, it may be due to the high adrenaline caused by the trauma of the crash. So, it is better to have a doctor perform a comprehensive check.

Gather Evidence 

As you wait for an emergency response, it’s time to get to work (if you are in a position to do so). Ask for the driver’s contact details and address. If there are any witnesses present, get their details as well. 

Furthermore, capture pictorial evidence of the scene of the crash, any injuries you sustained, and other vehicles, if present. 

Keep Records 

Keep all documentation relating to the injuries you sustained. This includes medical receipts, doctor appointment notes, and prescriptions. Maintaining a journal detailing how the injury affects your life and recovery process is also good. This documentation may prove valuable evidence when pursuing your claim.