Satya
Rideshare apps have completely changed the way of life for millions of people in 900 cities across the world. These platforms connect people with their destinations in cities, suburbs, and even small towns with on-demand, door-to-door transportation. The popularity of these services has even impacted how some cities plan their growth and transportation infrastructure. The ever-increasing popularity has led rideshare companies to hire more and more drivers to accommodate this growing demand.
As the number of Uber drivers on the road increases, so too does the number of accidents involving rideshare cars. Because riders place their trust and safety in their drivers, it can be particularly jarring and confusing for those injured in an Uber accident. The complex liability law and insurance covering accidents involving makes the situation extra complicated. If you’ve been injured as a result of an accident during an Uber ride, your best course of action is to hire an experienced attorney who specializes in rideshare accidents.
The Benefits of a Specialized Uber Accident Lawyer
The most important benefit of hiring an Uber accident lawyer near me is the specialized knowledge and experience they will bring to your case. Having worked with rideshare companies in the past, your rideshare crash attorney will be familiar with Uber’s company and insurance policies and will understand how the company operates.
For example, Uber drivers operate as independent contractors and therefore carry their own insurance on top of Uber’s insurance policy. The exact nature of your specific accident will determine which company you need to file a claim with.
If you do need to file a claim with Uber’s insurance, the company has created its own claims process. A specialized attorney will have experience a general car accident lawyer doesn’t with the company’s complicated and difficult process,
When to Hire a Rideshare Attorney After an Accident
Many people are hesitant to hire an attorney after being injured in a crash involving an Uber driver, but it’s a vital step in receiving the justice you deserve.
It’s time to hire a lawyer if you find yourself in the following situations:
- You suffer a serious injury that generates high medical bills or lost wages through missed work.
- Your injury requires long-term care such as physical therapy or in-home care.
- You aren’t sure who’s at fault for the accident
- The Uber driver was driving unsafely
- The insurance companies try to deny your claim
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After an Uber Accident
Many people hesitate to hire a lawyer after they’re in an accident involving an Uber driver. They think their injuries aren’t bad enough to deserve compensation, they’re intimidated by Uber’s complicated claims process, or they don’t think they have any options after the insurance company rejects their claim. However, hiring a specialized “Uber accident lawyer near me” after a crash will help you build the best case for your claim, strengthening your position during settlement negotiations.
Evidence Gathering and Preservation
Evidence in a car crash case degrades quickly. Footage from security cameras or dashcams is deleted or overwritten, witnesses forget, and the accident scene changes in a matter of days. Getting a lawyer quickly after the accident allows their team to start collecting evidence while it’s fresh. A specialized rideshare attorney will understand where to focus their efforts to find the most important evidence.
Build a Stronger Case
Law firms specializing in rideshare cases often have dedicated teams that investigate claims on behalf of their clients. These investigators will do the legwork of building you case: getting a copy of the police report, tracking down and interviewing witnesses, reviewing your medical records, and analyzing the accident scene. Because they take on so many other types of cases, general personal injury lawyers have less resources to dedicate to your case’s investigation. Or their investigators are less effective at gathering the evidence needed for a rideshare claim.
Determine Who’s at Fault
The most complicated part of a rideshare case is determining who exactly is liable for damages. Rideshare drivers are independent contractors and carry their own insurance on top of Uber’s policy, so exactly which insurance company to file a claim with comes down to exactly when and how you were injured.
For example, Uber is liable for what happens while the ride is active in the app but isn’t liable for what happens after the driver ends the ride. You could find yourself filing claims and negotiating settlements with multiple insurance companies.
Understand the Entire Process
Pursuing legal action against a company and its insurance provider is a complicated and intimidating undertaking in even the most straightforward cases. However, despite recent attempts to simplify things, rideshare companies often have opaque and difficult claims processes. Hiring a lawyer with lots of rideshare case experience will bring you the support of a dedicated law office from the start. Your lawyer will work with you every step of the way, explaining how to fill out forms, what decisions you need to make, their possible outcomes, and what to expect from Uber and the insurance companies.
How to Choose the Right Lawyer
If you’ve been in an accident involving a rideshare driver, find an attorney right away. Your local area will likely have many Uber accident attornies, so consider the following factors when choosing:
- Their experience working on cases involving Uber with a proven track record of winning
- Their reputation and client reviews
- Their fee structure and if they work on contingency
- The resources available to them to use for your case
- Their communication style and how comfortable you feel speaking with them
- Membership in professional organization and recognition from the legal community
Dealing with a personal injury claim is never fun. A good lawyer will make the process easier, smoother, and help you understand what to expect throughout. Choosing a lawyer with plenty of experience with claims against rideshare companies and a record of success for their clients will be the most important step you can take to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
