Rideshare Accident

The high cost of transportation has led to many choosing ridesharing options for their daily commute. Services such as Uber and Lyft are increasing their territories, and many people now rely on them to get around. So it’s no surprise that the number of ridesharing accidents is rising as a result.

These types of incidents come with their own set of problems, many of which will require rideshare accident attorneys to resolve. If you regularly use a ridesharing service, here are a few things you should know.
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Fatigued Drivers: A Common Cause of Ridesharing Accidents

Uber, Lyft, and vanpooling services are often part of what is known as the “gig economy.” In other words, drivers are free agents who may work another job in addition to freelancing for ridesharing companies. Many accidents result from tired, overworked drivers who are merely trying to earn a few extra dollars.

Drivers may also feel pressure from the ridesharing companies themselves. That’s because the more their operators earn, the more money the company makes. You don’t need an experienced ridesharing accident lawyer to know that this can naturally increase the odds of an accident.

Problem with Free-Agent Drivers

With ridesharing services, there is naturally less oversight. Following an accident, there is no need to explain things to the boss or worry about being grounded. As such, drivers may take chances that they wouldn’t ordinarily choose if working for a traditional taxi company leading to accidents due to:

- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Operating under the influence
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Pulling out in front of other vehicles

Accidents due to Mechanical Failures

Uber and Lyft both require applicants to have their vehicles inspected before they can download their apps and begin making money. Drivers must then submit to an annual inspection to continue working. In the interim, many fail to perform the required maintenance on their vehicles. Some do not have enough time between all of their other responsibilities, while others want to keep as much of their earnings as possible.

Knowing whether or not an accident was due to faulty maintenance can be tricky. Rideshare accident lawyers may ask for maintenance reports or hire an accident reconstruction specialist to help them make this determination.

Problems with Insurance Companies

As if sustaining an injury wasn’t bad enough, many victims are faced with the daunting task of determining who should pay. With ridesharing companies, there are typically several insurance companies in play. First is the driver’s automobile policy, which often provides insufficient coverage for medical payments.

Many operators are supposed to have an additional rider to cover them in the event of a ridesharing accident. This policy too may be insufficient-or in many cases, non-existent.

The ridesharing company itself also has its own insurance company for ridesharing accident attorneys to deal with separately. Of course, this company will often try to “pass the buck,” leaving people running in circles while trying to obtain relief.

Not all accidents are caused by ridesharing drivers. When the incident is someone else’s fault, that person’s insurance company may also try to defer payment. It’s often easier to point the finger at a hired driver than it is to pay up. Accordingly, a Lyft accident lawyer is commonly used not only to help passengers recover damages but to defend workers who are being railroaded by the system.

Possible Compensation

The goal behind any personal injury lawsuit is to restore the victim to the same state he or she was in before the accident. You could be entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as for pain and suffering. Courts will also take into account any loss of earnings or future earning potential.

Catastrophic accidents sometimes call for punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded above and beyond actual losses and serve as a type of “punishment” for wrongdoing. Their intended purpose is to deter others from performing the same kind of reckless acts in the future.

When to Visit a Ridesharing Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a ridesharing accident, the first thing you should do is to seek medical attention. Following that, preserve as much evidence as possible including eyewitness information if available. Next, contact an Uber accident lawyer if any of the following things occur:
More than one insurance company has denied your claim
An Uber or Lyft driver suddenly becomes unavailable when it is time to take down an official statement
You discover that your rideshare driver was uninsured or had an inadequate policy
Any of the drivers involved was cited or placed under arrest as a result of the accident

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