Ridesharing is a popular way to travel when you do not have a vehicle of your own or do not want to drive your own vehicle. New ridesharing companies that have come about in the last decade have made legal processes around ridesharing complicated. As a result, many states are taking action to change the laws to make it more straightforward and to help ensure that drivers and passengers have protection during accidents.
If you are in an accident involving a ridesharing vehicle, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TCDI) outlines the specific insurance and other legal practices that must be in place. This means that you will be better protected from financial obligations related to your accident. To find out more about what your legal options are, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation about your case.
Defining Ridesharing
Ridesharing is a type of group transportation where you can request a ride from a driver. It functions similarly to how taxis operate, but the legal structures around ridesharing companies are different from taxis and other forms of ridesharing. This is because many ridesharing companies try to structure themselves differently from other types of transportation companies. Unfortunately, this makes legal processes more complicated.
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Ridesharing Laws in Tennessee
Tennessee is one state that has passed new laws to try to solve some of the problems around ridesharing. One of the fundamental issues was determining who is responsible for vehicle insurance and who maintains liability for accidents.
According to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, drivers are required to have insurance for their vehicles at all times. There are also circumstances where ridesharing companies are required to carry the liability for accidents. For you, this means that if you are involved in a ridesharing accident, it is clearer about who you can take legal action against and how.
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Auto Insurance Settlements
Whenever there is a car accident, there is a chance that an insurance company will be involved. Since every driver has to have car insurance, then your lawyer will deal with the other party’s insurance company, including negotiating a settlement agreement.
Insurance companies offer settlement agreements as a standard practice. It can be effective for closing cases quickly and reducing the amount of compensation that they have to pay. It can also work in your favor, as well. Ending your lawsuit sooner means that you can collect compensation faster and deal with your financial obligations before they grow out of control.
Lawyers routinely negotiate settlement agreements so that they can help their clients obtain compensation. You are not obligated to accept a settlement agreement, but you can renegotiate it until you are satisfied with the terms. Otherwise, you can take your case to trial.
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Common Ridesharing Accident Expenses
The expenses that victims have after a ridesharing accident depends on how the accident happened and how severe it was. However, there are some common expenses that arise after an accident. These expenses include:
- Emergency medical expenses: After an accident, many people are treated by emergency medical technicians or are taken to the emergency room. These medical expenses can be expensive, even with good health insurance.
- Property damage: Any of your personal property that was damaged in the accident can be claimed in the lawsuit. This includes your vehicle, cell phone, purse, or any other personal belongings.
- Lost wages: If you have to miss work for a period of time after the accident, you may lose some wages while you are out. You can claim those lost wages in the lawsuit.
- Pain and suffering: This is used to address the non-monetary impact of an accident. More specifically, the emotional and mental stress that an accident victim suffers.
There are other types of expenses that you can have after a ridesharing accident that are not covered on this list. These expenses are why victims file lawsuits. Winning your lawsuit may allow you to collect financial compensation to help pay for these expenses. That way, your finances are not ruined for a long time after the accident. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC to learn more about the different types of awards you can pursue.
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Your Legal Options for Recourse
If you are injured in an accident involving a ridesharing vehicle, you may be able to take legal action against the driver of that vehicle. Doing so requires that you take legal action sooner rather than later. There is a statute of limitations that can limit how long you have after your accident to take action.
According to Tennessee Code §28-3-104, you have one year from the accident to file your personal injury lawsuit.
If you wait too long to take legal action, you may miss your opportunity. With such a short personal injury statute of limitations in Tennessee, a Memphis ridesharing accident lawyer will have to work quickly to bring your case together and get it filed in court.
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Although ridesharing services can be a great way to get around, they are not without risks. It is possible to get into an accident involving a ridesharing vehicle and experience many of the same problems that you would from any other type of car accident. The recovery process can be long and difficult, especially if you have heavy financial burdens to deal with as well.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a ridesharing accident, it is in your best interest to discuss your case with a legal representative. A Memphis ridesharing accident lawyer may be able to provide you with appropriate guidance for your case. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 to discuss your case with our team.
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