Ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft provide convenient transportation to people running errands, getting a lift to the airport, or seeking to get home safely after a night on the town. Unfortunately, this convenience has a downside. A rideshare accident study by researchers at the University of Chicago and Rice University found that traffic accident fatalities have increased by about 3 percent since the introduction of ridesharing services.
Moreover, the ridesharing business model can complicate the process of filing an accident claim after a crash involving a rideshare driver. Filing a rideshare accident claim can be time-consuming, complicated, and frustrating. Rather than trying to handle a rideshare accident claim yourself and hoping that Uber or Lyft will treat you fairly, you can seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Have you been involved in a rideshare accident caused by a careless driver? You need hands-on support and personal attention from an experienced attorney with Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. Contact our office today at (919) 661-9000 to arrange a free case evaluation.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Rideshare Accident
Establishing liability in rideshare accidents can be tricky. Who caused the accident? How severe are your injuries? What was the status of the rideshare driver at the time of the collision? Was the rideshare driver transporting a passenger or simply using the vehicle for personal use at the time of the collision? The answers to these questions can factor into your Uber or Lyft accident claim.
Pursuing compensation can also be complicated because large rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft use strategies designed to shield them from liability. They provide minimal insurance policies to their drivers while they’re transporting passengers, and you can be sure they’ll do whatever they can to minimize any payment they make. The rideshare driver may have a separate auto insurance policy that provides coverage in addition to the coverage extended by the rideshare company.
You need an experienced attorney to investigate the cause of the accident, determine the status of the rideshare driver at the time of the collision, and identify the insurance policies available to provide compensation. A diligent and professional attorney can manage communications with the insurer and demand the money you need to pay for your medical treatment and move on with your life.
