Road accidents can happen anytime. And one involving ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft is no exception. If you get into an accident with your car, you probably have an automobile insurance coverage. But what happens if you are hurt while using ride-sharing services?
If you are involved in that kind of accident, you need to act as quickly as possible. The same applies if an Uber or Lyft car hits you or your vehicle. Your immediate response may determine whether you get the full compensation you deserve.
Regardless of whether you are a passenger in the Uber, Lyft or you are a driver involved in an accident with an Uber or lift vehicle, you may still need legal help to protect your compensation rights.
But more importantly, you should be careful with your actions during and after an accident. Making poor choices such as fleeing the scene may mean that you are the accident’s faulty party. And you can get criminal charges of hit-and-run.
Instead, it is wise that you take the necessary steps to assess the situation. And even talk to a witness who was at the scene to find out who was the faulty party. Suppose the Uber or Lyft party is to blame, then you can file a compensation claim.
But it is not so easy to get the compensation you need to pay the mounting medical bills for the injuries sustained or pay for the damage to your property. But with the right knowledge of what you are dealing with, you can easily win the case.
What you need to know about Uber or Lyft accidents?
Uber or Lyft accidents tend to get more complex than other accidents. That is because, in a typical accident, the faulty driver’s insurance carrier will pay the compensation. And if not, you can always file a claim against the insurance company.
But suppose the accident you are in involves an Uber or Lyft, both the company and the driver should have an automobile insurance coverage. But can you get compensation from the Uber or Lyft driver’s insurance carrier?
Indeed, the drivers usually have high automobile insurance policies on their vehicles. Unfortunately, if the accident occurred at work, this personal policy cannot cover the compensation.
Does Uber and Lyft companies have insurance?
Fortunately, both companies carry liability coverage on drivers who are working and logged in.; however, the insurance level depends on whether the vehicle is providing a ride during the accident.
If you are hit by an Uber or Lyft when the driver is logged in but not providing a ride, the insurance covers only $200000 as compensation. Half of that is total injury liability per accident. The remaining amount is split in half to cover liability for any damaged property and liability per person injured.
But in the case that the driver is providing a ride, then the liability coverage increases to at least $1000000. Even so, winning the compensation is going to be trick, and as such, you should contract the services of an experienced Uber accident attorney.
Steps to follow to get compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident
If you are in an Uber or Lyft accident, the steps you take will come in handy in ensuring you winning the reimbursement you deserve. Here are some steps you should take;
Contact emergency services- both you and other passengers involved in the accident must get medical help. You can assess the situation and find out how serious your injuries are. And if possible, help the others in the car.
Contact the police- you must file an official accident report with the police. And you can also take the personal information about the police officers at the scene. It can come in handy when you decide to file a claim against the insurance company.
Document any damage and injury you sustain- if you were hit by an Uber or a Lyft car, it is crucial that you check the extent of the damage. If it is possible, take as many photos as you can.
It would be best if you also took note of the diagnoses that the medics make. If you are experiencing any discomfort, either physical or emotional, you should also document it. These are all details that your Lyft accident lawyer would need while fighting your case.
If the accident caused you to miss your work, you could document that as well. You should also not forget to include the medical bills and any vacation and family events missed.
Get information about the Uber or Lyft driver involved- you will need proof that the driver was involved in the accident. Get their names and addresses. And more importantly, do not leave out the insurance information. That includes both personal and business policies.
You can also document the vehicle’s license plate numbers and any other information you feel is relevant.
Contact an attorney
As soon as you can, get in contact with an Uber accident attorney or a Lyft accident attorney. Cases like these are complex, and the help of an attorney is essential. Contact the West Coast Trial Lawyers for the representation you need to get compensation.
Our team of lawyers has experience in dealing with claims against insurance companies. We understand the need to protect your rights, and we strive for that. West coast trial lawyers have a reputation for being aggressive to get you the help you need.
For you to win a case against a Lyft or Uber driver, you will need all the help you can get. And that is what we offer. You can leave the work to us and wait for the best results possible.
We involve other skilled personnel to prove the Uber or Lyft driver that the one is responsible when you prove negligence while driving is essential, as it can go a long way to ensure that you win the case.
Our team of car accident attorneys has experience in proving liability and getting you a satisfactory compensation. Our goal is to ensure that you get the most out of our professional services.
A brief of the case
Considering that these cases tend to get tricky fast, you must act quickly as well. You do not need to fight the case alone as an Uber accident attorney can help. Even so, the faulty driver can also lawyer up, and you should expect a good fight.
You have to prove that you sustained injuries, damage, and any other losses due to the driver’s negligence during the case. That is why medical bills, photos of your car, and other proof material can help. If the accident left you with pain and suffering or even disabled, you might receive non-economic damages.
Conclusion
Although a case involving an Uber or Lyft driver can be tricky, it is not entirely impossible to win the case. By taking the right steps and any immediate response in the situation, you may get the compensation you need. It is also essential to involve a Lyft accident lawyer. An experienced attorney with skills can help you. If you still need any support in the case, the attorney can also come in handy. For more information on an Uber accident case, feel free to contact the west coast trial lawyers.