Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way we travel. However, as these services continue to grow in popularity, so does the number of accidents involving rideshare vehicles. When such unfortunate incidents occur, personal injury attorneys play a critical role in helping victims receive rightful compensation for their injuries.
Personal injury attorneys handle rideshare accident claims through a series of well-coordinated steps. Initially, they thoroughly investigate the incident to gather all necessary evidence. This could involve obtaining police reports, eyewitness testimonies, medical records, and any available surveillance footage. They may also engage accident reconstruction experts to establish how the collision occurred.
Next comes identifying liable parties and understanding insurance policies involved in a rideshare accident claim; this is where things can get complex. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have large insurance policies that cover their drivers when they are logged into the app and transporting passengers or on their way to pick up a passenger after accepting a ride request.
However, if an accident occurs when a driver is not engaged in a ride but is logged into the app waiting for a ride request (period 1), coverage provided by these companies drops significantly. If an accident happens when the driver isn’t logged into the app at all (off-app), then only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies which usually has much lower limits than those carried by rideshare companies.
Therefore, it becomes crucial for personal injury attorneys to determine what stage of operation was active during an incident as it impacts potential recoverable damages significantly.
Once liability is established and applicable insurance policies identified, lawyers proceed with negotiating settlements with relevant insurers on behalf of their clients while ensuring that medical expenses are appropriately covered under health or auto insurances until settlements are reached or verdicts rendered.
If negotiations fail or offers made by insurers do not adequately compensate for losses suffered by victims including pain & suffering besides economic losses like lost wages & medical expenses; personal injury attorneys would then prepare to take the case to court. They would present all gathered evidence, argue on behalf of their clients, and fight for a fair verdict.
In conclusion, personal injury attorneys play an indispensable role in handling rideshare accident claims. Their expertise is crucial in navigating the complexities associated with identifying liable parties, understanding applicable insurance policies, negotiating settlements with insurers and if needed fighting cases out in courtrooms. Therefore, those involved in rideshare accidents should seek legal counsel promptly to ensure their rights are protected and they receive rightful compensation for their injuries.
Munley Law
510 Third Ave 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
14125345133
