In a day of new technology and changes in the way we do things on a daily basis, the idea of rideshare vehicles and companies seem like a great idea. It helps to keep drunk drivers off the road and for some, it’s easier than driving to a place and paying for parking.
There couldn’t possibly be anything wrong with these types of services, though, right?
Unfortunately, this is not the case and there are potential issues in which rideshare vehicles, drivers, and companies can be involved in serious crashes. When this happens, it can complicate the matters involved in personal injury law.
If you are ever involved in a rideshare accident, you should be sure to recognize the ways in which these cases are handled, the potential complications, and why it is so imperative to hire a lawyer to help you navigate the complex legal matters that lie ahead.
How are Uber and Lyft Accidents Handled?
It’s difficult for many to understand how the cases involving rideshare companies are handled because there are several situations where thy can occur. This can include the types of accidents that often involve rideshare vehicles and drivers, such as:
- Accidents involving the rideshare vehicle hitting another vehicle, bicyclist, pedestrian, or property
- Accidents involving the a rideshare driver opening his or her door and hitting a bicyclist, motorcyclist, or other pedestrian
- Accidents involving the rideshare vehicle stopping unexpectedly or turning illegally causing a rear-end collision
It is imperative to recognize the various ways in which rideshare accidents can occur as they can leave individuals with significant injuries and plenty of questions regarding their rights. There are also numerous parties who can be victims in these types of accidents.
Unfortunately, there are also problems that come along with managing these types of cases.
What Problems Can Arise In a Rideshare Accident?
Rideshare companies are still relatively new. They’re gaining new drivers constantly and they are saturating the roads with marketing as an alternative method of transportation—especially to prevent drinking and driving and avoid other inconveniences.
The unfortunate aspect, though, is that it also means the legal action concerning accidents involving these vehicles is also relatively new. Litigation does not have a set standard as liability, cause, and other factors vary depending on the situation involved.
In fact, some of the things needed to prove, understanding the company’s insurance policy, and other aspects of a rideshare accident can make it feel as though these cases are impossible in the eyes of a victim. It can get complicated, but it’s imperative to utilize your right to legal representation in this type of case as it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the situation.
How Having a Lawyer Can Be Beneficial
There are a number of issues you can encounter, but it’s often the large corporations, insurance companies, and legal teams you face that can be the most intimidating. After all, these are all businesses with a focus on protecting their profits—which means they’re not afraid to ignore your right to compensation after a negligence-related injury.
Moving forward, you should have your own representation to help you navigate the complex system. While many think they can just go through the insurance company on their own to pursue compensation, it’s crucial to recognize the various tactics they try to use to limit liability and avoid paying out money to you for your injuries.
Some of the tactics of the company, insurance provider, and legal team include the following:
- Claiming your injuries were not a result of the accident: Like any situation of negligence, proving liability requires showing that the injury sustained was a direct result of the accident caused. The insurance wants to try and claim an injury was pre-existing to try and pay out less.
- The rideshare company is not responsible: The rideshare company may try to say they were not liable, that the driver wasn’t on duty with them, or that they were unaware of certain problems. However, rideshare companies can hold some liability depending on the situation.
- You hold some fault in the accident: Depending on the situation in which the accident occurs—such as when a rideshare vehicle and non-commercial vehicle collide—the legal team of the rideshare company / driver will try to prove that you hold some fault, limiting how much they have to pay out in compensation.
It’s imperative for you to have someone who not only knows how to prove your case, but can also help you protect your rights when the other party tries to take advantage of your situation.
At Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC, we work hard to help our clients reach the most favorable outcome possible. We know that any injury can be difficult to endure—when a corporation or associated entity is to blame, we work hard to hold the liable party accountable.
You can count on our Atlanta rideshare accident attorneys to put your rights first and help guide you through the process of pursuing compensation. Let us give you a voice to hold large companies responsible for the financial, physical, and emotional struggle you have been forced to experience.
Call us today at (888) 425-6070 and speak with our team about your rights and options moving forward. We’re here for you from start to finish to protect your rights.