248 ReviewsHow Can a Rideshare Accident Attorney Help?
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies and layers of coverage due to the involvement of both the rideshare company and the personal insurance of the driver. Negotiating with insurance companies can be daunting, especially when their priority is to minimize payouts.
The rideshare accident lawyers at Friedland & Associates have the experience and expertise to ensure that every client’s rights are upheld, and that they receive the compensation they deserve.
If you were involved in a rideshare accident, our attorneys can help by:
Determining Liability
Rideshare accidents can be particularly challenging when it comes to determining liability. Was the rideshare driver at fault? Was another motorist responsible? Or was it a combination of factors? If you suffered life changing injuries that exceed your PIP coverage, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Establishing liability is crucial to pursuing a successful lawsuit. Our rideshare accident lawyers will conduct an in-depth investigation, gather evidence, and work with experts to reconstruct the sequence of events. Their expertise in dissecting the complexities of these accidents is essential in building a compelling case.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Once an attorney has compiled substantial evidence, they will engage in negotiations with the relevant insurance companies. This involves presenting a strong case and advocating for fair compensation for the victim’s damages and injuries.
Pursuing Legal Recourse
In situations where insurance coverage falls short or is disputed, victims may have the option of filing a lawsuit. Rideshare accident lawyers are adept at evaluating the circumstances and advising victims on the best course of action. When injuries are severe, leading to extensive medical bills, ongoing treatment, and emotional distress, a lawsuit may be the appropriate avenue to ensure just compensation.
What Are State Rideshare Liability Laws?
Florida:
Determining liability in a rideshare accident involving a passenger in Florida can be complex. When a rideshare vehicle, with a passenger on board, is struck by a negligent motorist, the liability can be distributed among multiple parties depending on the circumstances of the accident. Understanding the potential parties involved and their respective roles is crucial in establishing liability accurately.
Rideshare Driver
The rideshare driver’s liability often depends on the driver’s actions at the time of the accident. If the rideshare driver was following traffic rules and driving responsibly, their liability might be limited. However, if the rideshare driver was negligent, distracted, or violated traffic laws, their liability could increase. Rideshare drivers have a duty to ensure the safety of their passengers and other road users, and any negligence on their part could contribute to the accident.
Negligent motorist
The motorist who struck the rideshare vehicle is likely to bear a significant portion of liability if their negligence or reckless behavior caused the collision. Florida operates under a comparative negligence system, which means that each party’s degree of fault is taken into account when determining compensation. If the negligent motorist is found to be mostly at fault, they could be held liable for a substantial portion of the damages.
Rideshare company
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that provide coverage for accidents that occur during rideshare trips. In Florida, when the rideshare driver has accepted a ride request and the app is active, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage typically applies. If the accident occurred while the rideshare app was active, the rideshare company’s insurance might cover the damages, including injuries to the passenger.
Passenger’s personal insurance
In cases where the rideshare company’s insurance coverage falls short or is insufficient, the passenger’s personal insurance might come into play. Some insurance policies provide coverage for situations where the responsible party’s insurance is inadequate.
Other potentially liable parties
Depending on the specific circumstances, there could be other liable parties, such as road authorities if poor road conditions contributed to the accident, or manufacturers if a defective vehicle component played a role.
New York:
Determining liability in a rideshare accident involving a passenger in New York can be a complex process due to the unique legal and insurance regulations in the state. When a rideshare vehicle with a passenger on board is struck by a negligent motorist, the question of liability involves multiple parties and factors.
Rideshare Driver
The liability of the rideshare driver depends on their actions leading up to the accident. If the rideshare driver was operating the vehicle safely and within traffic laws, their liability might be limited. However, if they were driving negligently or violating road rules, their liability could increase. Rideshare drivers have a duty to ensure the safety of their passengers, and any failure to uphold this duty can contribute to liability.
Negligent motorist
The motorist who caused the accident through their negligence or recklessness is likely to bear a significant portion of liability. New York follows a comparative negligence system, which means that liability is apportioned based on each party’s degree of fault. If the negligent motorist is found to be predominantly at fault, they could be held liable for a substantial share of the damages.
Rideshare company
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are required by New York law to provide substantial insurance coverage for their drivers. When the rideshare app is active, and the driver has accepted a ride request or is transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance typically applies. In cases where the rideshare driver is not at fault, the rideshare company’s insurance might cover damages.
Passenger’s rights
New York law prioritizes the protection of passengers. Passengers injured in rideshare accidents have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. Whether it’s through the rideshare driver’s insurance, the negligent motorist’s insurance, or the rideshare company’s insurance, passengers are entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
What Types of Damages Am I Entitled to After a Ridesharing Accident?
Rideshare accident victims may be entitled to various types of damages. Economic damages encompass quantifiable losses such as medical expenses, property damage, and lost income due to missed work. Non-economic damages encompass intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the overall impact on the victim’s quality of life.
Rideshare accident lawyers collaborate with a network of experts, including medical professionals and economists, to accurately assess and calculate these damages.
How Will An Attorney Investigate this Type of Complex Motor Vehicle Collision?
When it comes to investigating a rideshare accident to determine liability, an in-depth investigation is crucial for building a strong case and ensuring that the responsible party is held accountable for the damages and injuries incurred.
Collecting Evidence
An attorney on our legal team will start by gathering crucial evidence from the accident scene. This includes photographs, videos, and sketches that depict the positioning of vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, and any other relevant details. They will also collect information from eyewitnesses who were present at the scene.
Obtaining Police Reports
Police reports provide an official account of the accident and can contain valuable information about the parties involved, their statements, and any citations issued. Attorneys often request these reports to gain insights into the initial assessment of the investigating officers.
Examining Medical Records
If there are injuries, medical records play a significant role in determining the extent of harm suffered by the victims. Attorneys will review these records to establish the link between the accident and the injuries, providing evidence of the damages sustained.
Analyzing Rideshare App Data
In rideshare accidents, information from the rideshare app itself can be crucial. Our attorneys may obtain records of the ride, including the route taken, duration of the trip, and communication between the driver and passenger through the app.
Reviewing Driver’s Background
We will investigate the background of the rideshare driver, including their driving history, any prior accidents, and whether they were adhering to the rideshare company’s policies at the time of the accident.
Witness Interviews
Witness statements can provide valuable insights into how the accident occurred. Our attorneys may conduct interviews with witnesses to gather firsthand accounts of what transpired.
Expert Analysis
In complex cases, a ridesharing accident lawyer may collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to recreate the sequence of events leading up to the collision. These experts use advanced tools and techniques to provide a detailed analysis of the accident.
Reviewing Rideshare Company Policies
Rideshare companies often have specific policies and guidelines that drivers are required to follow. Attorneys will evaluate whether the driver was in compliance with these policies, which can impact the liability assessment.
Consulting with Medical Experts
For cases involving serious injuries, medical experts can provide insights into the long-term consequences of the injuries, the need for ongoing medical treatment, and the associated costs.
Contact Us Today!
With liability considerations involving rideshare drivers, negligent motorists, rideshare companies, and passengers’ rights, seeking professional guidance from an experienced ridesharing accident attorney becomes essential. At Friedland & Associates, our legal team can help guide you through this complex legal process, every step of the way and ensure that your rights are protected.
Our attorneys will fight tirelessly to help you recover the fair settlement you need and deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation to learn more.
