Ridesharing: A Growing Trend To Be Aware Of
The popularity of ridesharing networks like Uber has skyrocketed in recent years. In fact, Uber’s services are now available in 50 countries, with 8.1 million Uber users and more than 50,000 new drivers added monthly.
But just because this type of service is new doesn’t mean it’s immune from old problems. Car accidents still happen. So far, 23 deaths have been attributed to ridesharing drivers and many more injuries, along with 58 alleged assaults, and even 10 kidnappings. And while these are relatively rare, they are still serious and can be life-altering.
No Certainty
Ridesharing is no doubt a convenient way to navigate your city, especially if you’re new there, visiting, or have had a few too many drinks and don’t want to drive yourself home.
Unfortunately, you never really know who’s picking you up. It’s only human to want to assume they have a spotless record and a clean bill of health, but the truth is you never know until it’s too late. That person could have had a few drinks himself, or perhaps he’s driving recklessly to get to another appointment. Or maybe he just had a momentary lapse in judgment. After all, car accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere.
If you are injured in a car crash involving an Uber driver, who is responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering?
The responsibility naturally falls on the drivers, as they are driving their own personal cars to make money transporting passengers.
Uber and the Law: Can You Sue?
You may wonder, what are my rights as a passenger? You can’t be at fault simply for being a passenger who just wants to get home. Always read up on the driver who could be picking you up and know the risks you’re taking before opening that door. In the end, you’re placing your trust in a stranger to get you from point A to point B.
Passengers and drivers have certain rights, and the legal constraints can quickly get complicated. It’s always better to talk with a trained lawyer first.
Can an Uber driver sue Uber?
Yes, but analysis must be performed to find the best way to sue Uber. You must have been logged into Uber at the time of the accident. Even then, your insurance coverage would cover your damages until that amount exceeded your damage limit, then Uber coverage would take over.
If you were on your way to pick up passengers, or if you were driving passengers at the time of the accident, you are covered by Uber. However, you must file a claim with the other motorist’s insurance policy first prior to Uber’s insurance kicking in. It all depends on the party that was at fault.
Can a passenger sue Uber?
Yes. All passengers are usually covered by Uber’s liability coverage, which is set at $1 million, and may also be covered by insurance carried by the driver of any other vehicle involved in the accident. However, this comes into question if driver’s misconduct is involved. That’s when you need an aggressive Bakersfield Uber accident lawyer to step in on your behalf.
The $1 million policy covers your injuries whether your driver was at fault or the other motorist was at fault.
Victim Compensation
When you call Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers after sustaining injuries as a passenger, pedestrian or driver involved in a ridesharing accident, we can fight to get you the compensation you deserve, to cover:
- Medical expenses, i.e. hospital and therapy bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages from inability to work due to injury
- Loss of future earning capacity in case of disability
- Pain and suffering
Remember, insurance companies do not want to pay you. They would rather settle quickly and give you a paltry amount to send you on your way. However, these companies employ hundreds of people who know how to significantly reduce or eliminate your claim’s value. This is exactly why you need an Uber accident lawyer on your side who knows personal injury law inside and out.
We can fight for the maximum compensation for your case. We are aggressive in the courtroom when fighting for you, but in our dealings with you and your family, rest assured our lawyers are compassionate and caring. We truly want what’s best for you. Meet with us in our Los Angeles or Lancaster office, or, if you can’t get to us, we’ll come to you.
Steps to Take After an Uber Accident
- Contact law enforcement and give them a detailed report on what happened.
- Seek medical assistance immediately.
- Take pictures.
- Contact Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t sent demand letters to the driver or anyone else.
- Don’t take cash for your injuries.
- Refuse to sign waivers or release-of-liability forms.
- Do not speak with insurance adjusters.
- Never admit fault.
Common Injuries After an Uber or Lyft Accident
There are many common injuries you may sustain after an Uber or Lyft accident:
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Knee damage
- Shoulder injuries
- Cracked or broken ribs
- Facial disfigurement
- Hand and wrist damage
What’s my Case Worth?
This will depend on several factors, from injuries to medical bills to the amount of time missed from work. We will help you determine this number.
Contact The Lawyers At Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers Today
If you have suffered injury as a passenger of an Uber or Lyft car, you may be entitled to financial compensation. This ride sharing trend is relatively new and the legalities of it are still being ironed out across the country, but here at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers, we take the time to stay updated on those laws. We can protect your rights and get you the monetary compensation you deserve in the event you suffer an injury as a result of a ridesharing accident.
Don’t go it alone. This trend is new and very tough to navigate.
Get a trained and experienced attorney who can provide comprehensive representation for anyone involved in a car-for-hire accident. In fact, we have already represented many Uber accident victims, and can provide in-depth insight into this type of personal injury case.
Why should you be left holding the bills? Call us now.
Everyone’s situation is different, but we aim to provide you with clear advice on what to do next. After getting medical attention for your injuries, your first call should be to Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers at 661-945-6969.
