A growing number of traffic fatalities and injuries are directly linked to rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft.
Every year, ridesharing services are responsible for as many as 1,100 additional crash fatalities. Data reveals that traffic congestion and limited public transportation readily available to the public are contributing factors to the increase in fatal and dangerous collisions.
How Does Deadheading Work?
An Uber and Lyft drivers common practice known as “deadheading” is also contributing to an increase in accidents and traffic congestion. Deadheading is simply driving around without a passenger.
Studies have found that Uber and Lyft drivers spend up to 60 percent of their time on the road waiting for passengers. Drivers at rideshare companies are often advised to circle around the same area multiple times in order to reduce wait times.
While convenience is one of the main benefits of ridesharing, it has been claimed that ridesharing can lower drunk driving injuries and deaths. It is surprising that a study conducted by academics from the University of Chicago and Rice University found this link unclear.
Passengers may also experience a feeling of danger or unease when dealing with drivers. According to a recent survey, nearly one in four women said they had experienced uncomfortable situations with rideshare drivers. The situation was so bad for nearly 10% of women that they needed to contact the police and file a complaint.
Common Injuries Associated With Uber and Lyft Accident
A rideshare auto accident may result in one or more of the following injuries:
- Intense Whiplash
- A severe case of whiplash injuries (TBIs), concussions, and other serious head and brain injuries
- Paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries
- A fractured or broken bone.
- Soft tissue injuries and internal bleeding
Even if you don’t feel injured right away after an Uber or Lyft accident, it’s always wise to seek medical attention. It often takes hours or even days to detect the severity of an injury when an accident occurs with rideshare services.
What To Do If You Have Been Accidentally Injured By An Uber or Lyft
In the event that you were hit by a taxi or Uber driver, you might be entitled to compensation. The ridesharing company may combine their own insurance policy with the policy of a driver who was involved in an accident while logged into the app but not actively picking up or transporting passengers.
It can be difficult to determine liability and coverage for a vehicle accident, which is why an attorney who specializes in vehicle accidents can prove useful. You may need the assistance of an experienced attorney if you wish to learn more about filing a personal injury claim.
Knowing Your Rights Can Help You
No matter if you were a driver, passenger, or occupant of another vehicle, you have certain rights if you were injured in a collision with an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare vehicle. Consumers can use rideshare services because they contract with drivers who carry people in their personal vehicles. This service is delivered through an app on smartphones.
Rideshare vehicles have become increasingly popular in recent years since they are not only quick and convenient but also cost-effective. Rideshares, on the other hand, come with their own set of problems. If you or a loved one has been injured in a ridesharing accident, it’s vital to know and understand your rights.
If You Make a Claim, It Will Not Affect Your Ridesharing Services
It’s not unusual for a rideshare driver or customer to be apprehensive about filing a lawsuit against the firm. These services may be important for you to travel to and from work or if you drive, you may be concerned about how you will continue to earn a living.
Any injury claim filed under the insurance policy of Uber, Lyft, or any other ridesharing company will not be penalized. You will not be penalized for filing a claim and hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you.
Protecting Your Rights: What Can You Do After an Uber & Lyft Accident
It is important for you to protect your rights after an accident, regardless of whether you were a passenger in a ride-share vehicle or were struck by one:
- Whenever possible, make sure that everyone is safe. Check to make sure no one is injured. In case of an emergency, dial 911.
- Ensure that the accident is documented. It is important to take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, their license plates, etc. Make sure you exchange contact information with the driver of the other vehicle. Remember to take a screenshot of your rideshare app as evidence that the accident happened while you were inside it.
- Find eyewitnesses to the incident. Ask if others witnessed it. Locate these individuals and obtain their contact information. The testimony of eyewitnesses can confirm your account.
- The rideshare app should be notified of the accident as per its rules. Make sure you follow the guidelines for reporting an accident. Be sure to report it as soon as possible. Waiting too long could compromise your claim.
- Take care of your injuries by getting medical attention and treatment. Ignoring injuries can make them worse. Taking these steps can help you get back on the road to recovery, but they will also help you keep track of your injuries and your treatment for those injuries.
How Much Compensation May I Recover After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
In several situations, you may have a claim for compensation:
- Expenses related to medical treatment and care that have been incurred in the past or that will occur in the future, including hospitalization, rehabilitation, therapy, ongoing treatment, future surgeries, etc.
- In the event you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation. If you face a long-term disability and permanently diminish your earning capacity or lose that capacity, you may also be able to seek compensation.
- You can seek damages for emotional distress and physical pain if you are injured by an Uber or Lyft vehicle.
- Damage awards for this type of crime are typically given when the wrongdoing or negligence is considered outrageous or egregious. As opposed to compensatory damages, these damages are not meant to compensate victims for specific losses.
Compensation That You Are Entitled to
The law mandates that Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing firms carry $1 million in insurance coverage for injuries caused by their drivers or by uninsured or underinsured vehicles. You are not guaranteed to earn the full compensation authorized by law by attempting to settle your claim on your own.
It is common for insurance companies to refuse or undervalue claims. If you are involved in an automobile accident, you need an attorney who is skilled, resourceful, and knowledgeable about assessing the value of your claim. Your insurance company will do everything in its power to minimize your compensation. Therefore, you will need an advocate who has a dedicated focus on protecting your rights and helping you obtain the most compensation for your losses.
Deldar Legal Injury Attorneys in California can help you claim the compensations of Uber and Lyft accident damages.
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Posted in: Auto Accidents, Personal Injury