What to Expect When Filing an Injury Claim for a Rideshare Accident
Rideshare accidents can be complex and stressful, especially when trying to recover compensation for your injuries. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, understanding the process of filing an injury claim is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during the process.
Determining Liability
One of the first challenges in a rideshare accident claim is determining who is responsible. Liability may involve multiple parties, including:
- The rideshare driver,
- Another driver, or
- The rideshare company
Your ability to recover compensation depends on determining who was at fault. For example, if the rideshare driver was negligent, their insurance and the rideshare company’s insurance might come into play.
Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare companies typically provide insurance coverage based on the driver’s activity. Please keep the following in mind:
- Driver offline: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- Driver waiting for a ride request: Limited coverage from the rideshare company (e.g., $50,000 per person).
- Driver in route or transporting passengers: Higher coverage, often up to $1 million in liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
Understanding which phase the driver was in during the accident is critical for your claim. Insurance issues in rideshare accident cases can grow complex. Please contact a skilled personal injury attorney and get the help you deserve.
Gather Evidence
Strong evidence is crucial in a rideshare accident claim. The best evidence includes:
- Police reports,
- Photos of the accident scene and injuries,
- Witness statements, and
- Rideshare app records (e.g., trip details).
Filing Your Claim
You’ll likely file a claim with the appropriate insurance company, which may involve:
- The rideshare company’s insurer,
- The at-fault driver’s insurer, or
- Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if applicable).
Expect insurers to investigate the claim thoroughly. They may request statements, medical records, or additional documentation.
Negotiation and Settlement
Insurance companies often aim to settle claims quickly, sometimes offering less than what you deserve. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation for such items as:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages, and
- Pain and suffer.
Litigation (If Necessary)
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit may be the next step.
While most cases settle before trial, having legal representation ensures you’re prepared for court if needed.
Contact Justice Through Compensation for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, please know that the law firm of Justice Through Compensation is here to help. Our legal team is skilled, experienced, and passionate in their representation. Let us shoulder the burden of an injury claim or lawsuit while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us today for the quality legal help you deserve.