The Failure of Ridesharing Companies
Uber and Lyft are aware of these dangers. They also know that Uber and Lyft related accidents have skyrocketed over the last few years. Yet, the companies have done very little about keeping drivers and passengers safe. In fact, they do their utmost to distance themselves from driver accidents by claiming that each driver is an independent contractor, and that their insurance should pay the cost of any injuries caused by an accident.
The companies offer up to 1 million dollars to injured victims of unwarranted car accidents caused by their drivers. Unfortunately, it is hard for most victims to access this money. That is why you should hire an California car crash accident lawyer in Newport Beach if you were the victim of a life-threatening accident due to the negligence of your driver, or Uber and Lyft.
Your First Actions After a Rideshare Accident Are Important
If you are injured in a car accident involving a rideshare driver, you may not have the ability to immediately think through the actions you need to take. You should try to recover from this mental stupor as quickly as you can because the next steps you take can be crucial to any future litigation you may engage in.
The first thing is to have yourself examined by a medical professional at a local hospital. Do not be lulled into thinking that you are perfectly fine just because you do not feel any pain. You cannot possibly know the state of your health and well-being if you are not seen by a doctor.
If you are conscious and stable enough to get the contact details of the driver, you should. It is also important to photograph the wreckage and the accident scene. When at the hospital, you should have your injuries photographed before they are treated and bandaged.
If you are severely injured, then you may not be able to take any of the above actions. The accident may knock you unconscious or subject you to a minor concussion. It can be days and weeks before you are well enough to realize the full-extent of what has happened to you. In this instance, the first person you will want to speak to other than your family and friends is a Newport Beach attorney that has prior knowledge and experience handling Lyft or Uber cases.
Any phone calls, personal visits, or emails you receive while you are recovering should be rebuffed. You should direct anyone from Uber or Lyft who attempts to contact you to your lawyer. It is important to speak through your legal representative. As a passenger or driver you don’t want to say or do anything that will admit fault or generally compromise your case. These ride-hailing companies spend millions of dollars on law firms who specialize in discrediting potential plaintiffs and getting lawsuits thrown out of court.
Over the years, a new specialization has emerged in the legal field: ridesharing accident attorneys. These lawyers know how to take on the corporate lawyers hired by Uber and Lyft. They have tracked the growth of the industry and the many laws that have been to deal with this relatively new and unregulated industry. They know how to deal with competing lawyers and insurance companies that represent rideshare companies.
The Damages You Can Recover
Your goal should be to get a fair and just settlement. Being in an accident can cause you physical pain and suffering; it can also lead to significant financial losses. Finding the right legal firm to handle your case is imperative, as they can help victims get repaid for the following:
- Medical bills past, present, and future
- Loss of income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
If you suffered permanent or temporary injuries from a horrific car crash, your personal injury attorney in Newport Beach will aggressively pursue the claim. Such a disability can completely change the way you live your life. You may be forced to risk your job to request extended leave or disability. You may also need 24-hour care and a strict and intrusive medical regimen. Lawyers that specialize in Uber or Lyft cases know exactly how to get the right amount of money for such an injury.
Putting the Law on Your Side
When you choose to hire a lawyer, they can provide you with insight, advice, and representation needed to receive maximum compensation. Tort law is starting to catch up with the once novel accident situations presented by Uber and Lyft drivers. It is no longer acceptable for the companies to shirk all responsibility for accidents. Most courts and juries recognize the liability of Uber and Lyft when they hire drivers who should not be on the road or responsible for the safety of passengers.
There are many advantages to using Lyft and Uber. The easy-to-use app supplied by both ride-hailing companies is designed to transport you quickly, and efficiently. However, you do take a greater risk by opting to use a rideshare company. Most of the drivers who are offering these services to you are not professionals. They may even have poor driving records, or be quite inexperienced. Like a taxi, or any mode of public transportation, your safety is in the hands of a stranger, striving to earn your trust. To proactively ensure your well-being, you should know what to look for if your driver were to collide with another.
