People use ridesharing services for a large variety of reasons including getting to work or to avoid driving while intoxicated. While many people believe that ridesharing would decrease the number of accidents on the roadways due to a decrease of intoxicated drivers, an article from U.S. News & World Report indicates that while drunk driving accidents decreased throughout the United States since the introduction of ridesharing, accidents still occur with these ridesharing services.
This increase in accidents may be the result of more vehicles on the roadways. If you suffered injuries or accidents as a result of a ridesharing accident, consider contacting our legal team to learn how an Austin ridesharing accident lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 can help.
The Unique Aspect of Ridesharing Accidents
Ridesharing accidents are unique in the sense that drivers operate as independent contractors for ridesharing companies. If you are another motorist, or a passenger in a ridesharing vehicle, that suffers injuries or losses as a result of an accident involving a ridesharing vehicle, you may have to look to receive compensation from the driver, the insurance company of the driver, or the ridesharing company.
For a free legal consultation with a ridesharing accidents lawyer serving Austin, call (844) 730-0233
Action Steps to Take Following a Ridesharing Accident
If you experienced an accident with a ridesharing vehicle, you should contact 9-1-1, obtain the driver’s contact information, witness contact information, take photographs of the scene of the accident, and seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. In some cases, you may feel overwhelmed after an accident and do not think to follow these steps. If you did not take these steps, there are still actions you can take to ensure your legal rights remain protected.
Contact the Police
If you failed to contact the police immediately after the ridesharing accident, you should do so as soon as possible to file a police report. If the police arrived at the scene of your ridesharing accident, you should request a copy of the official police report. If the police arrived at the scene of the accident, they will have all the contact information of the drivers involved, as well as witnesses to the accident. Additionally, their police report will often even include photographs of the accident scene as well as interviews with important and appropriate parties.
Seek Medical Evaluation and Treatment
If you suffered any kind of injury as a result of your ridesharing accident, you should get medical evaluation and treatment. If you refused to go to an emergency room by ambulance or have not received any kind of medical evaluation following your ridesharing accident, you should do so at your earliest convenience.
Many serious or life-threatening injuries do not present outward symptoms such as internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, or internal organ damage. The rush of adrenaline after an accident or a victim remaining in a state of shock can mask important symptoms that can result in serious medical complications. Therefore, you should seek a full medical evaluation as soon as possible if you have not already done so.
Additionally, if your medical provider gives you a plan of treatment, requires you to receive diagnostic testing, or go to physical therapy, you should always follow the plan of treatment carefully. Insurance companies may attempt to offer lower settlements by indicating that you did not follow the course of treatment recommended by a medical professional. The other driver’s insurer can state your injuries are the result of the failure to follow that treatment, rather than the accident.
If you feel that your symptoms worsen in any way after your initial medical evaluation, you should return to your healthcare provider again to have your new or worsening symptoms evaluated. If you experienced injuries or losses as a result of a ridesharing accident, consider getting in touch with an Austin ridesharing accident lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC to learn how you may have the ability to receive reimbursement for your medical bills, diagnostic testing, therapies, prescription medications, surgeries, and other healthcare-related expenses.
Austin Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Liability in an Austin Rideshare Accident
If a driver causes an accident, that driver is liable for your injuries and damages. However, when that driver works for Uber or Lyft, it’s more complicated. The party responsible for your injury costs depends on the driver’s actions at the time of the accident.
For example, if a rideshare driver is not using the app and they injure you in an accident caused by their negligence, their personal car insurance should cover your losses. If a rideshare driver is using the app and is looking to pick up someone when they cause an accident, Uber or Lyft’s coverage may pay for your injuries if the driver’s personal insurance refuses to pay. If a rideshare driver is on their way to pick up a rider or they have a ride in their vehicle when they cause an accident, Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability policy will cover your damages.
In the event that another driver causes an accident when you are a passenger in a rideshare car or another vehicle, you can handle it like a typical car accident claim. If you need to go to court to fight for compensation, make sure you do so within the state’s two-year statute of limitations, per Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003.
We will conduct a full investigation and figure out who is responsible for paying for your injuries. Once we determine the liable party or parties, we will build a case against them. You should receive fair payment for your injuries. Seek help from an Austin ridesharing accident lawyer so you can potentially get the settlement you deserve.
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Any person that experienced a car accident knows that the entire experience can prove unsettling and frightening. However, if a victim suffered injuries as a result of a rideshare accident, the typical emotions involved in a car accident often have an additional layer of overwhelm as the victim may remain unsure of their next steps.
If you experienced any kind of injuries following a rideshare accident, consider speaking with our team in order to better understand how an Austin ridesharing accident lawyer can help you. Learn more about your legal rights when you speak to someone at Ben Crump Law, PLLC. Call us at (844) 730-0233 to get started.
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