It’s no secret that the rideshare service providers Lyft and Uber have exploded in popularity in recent years. Ridesharing offers several attractive benefits compared with traditional taxi services, including a technology-based system, shorter waiting times, cleaner cars, and convenient movement. However, very few people know what happens when they’re in an accident and the next steps to take.
Generally, Uber and Lyft vehicles have different insurance requirements from other cars, meaning you should expect a different approach to compensation. Moreover, the rules for filing a rideshare accident claim differ from those pertaining to a typical car crash, all of which result in a more complex claims process.
Fortunately, an experienced Loganville personal injury lawyer at John Foy and Associates will be ready to review your claim and choose the best approach to getting justice.
Challenges of Filing Successful Rideshare Accident Claims
Numerous regulations govern taxi companies, and vehicles must have strict insurance policies to protect clients if anything is amiss. However, rideshare entities are relatively new, and you should expect several unique and somewhat complicated hurdles if you’ve sustained injuries after an Uber or Lyft accident. The following are the key bottlenecks.
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Physical Challenges
Based on the nature of the rideshare accident, your injuries could present a significant challenge in seeking compensation. If you have severe injuries, you’ll spend most of the time receiving treatment and undergoing recovery. Thus, you may not be in a position to gather every element required for a successful injury claim.
Insurance
Interestingly, ridesharing companies have varied, somewhat onerous insurance requirements compared with taxi firms. Most of the time, insurers deny fault on their driver’s part or go to great efforts to reduce their possible liability.
If you were a passenger when you sustained the injury, the company’s insurance provider would be primarily responsible for any property damage or injuries. However, it becomes more complicated if the driver was entirely off the clock or between fares. In short, if they were on personal business, the insurance policy might not cover you, meaning you can expect considerable debate regarding the exact circumstances.
Strict Legal Deadlines
Time is critical and plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of the case. However, time can fly after you’ve had a car accident, and as you focus on your recovery, you must bear in mind the deadlines for filing personal injury claims as defined by the law.
Specifically, when seeking compensation for a Loganville rideshare, you must heed the two-year timeline specified in the Georgia statute of limitations or you will risk losing the claim as the insurance company will use this as grounds to deny you compensation.
Insufficient Knowledge of the Law
Most Uber or Lyft accident victims in Loganville are experiencing this for the first time, while others simply don’t know the laws that apply when seeking compensation for damages, with many seeking compensation without comprehending the rules, their rights, and what they’re entitled to as compensation.
However, even if the laws are clear, it’s easy to face exploitation from the insurance company and receive less than deserved or even nothing. The only way to beat these obstacles is to involve a reputable rideshare accident lawyer in Loganville.
How Will a Loganville Rideshare Accident Lawyer Help Your Case?
Perhaps some will opt to tackle their rideshare accident claim without involving a lawyer. While this is possible, the above obstacles are real and will largely determine the course of your case. Moreover, you will need peace of mind to allow your physical and psychological wounds to heal completely; however, this is exactly what the entire process will rob you of if you decide to go alone.
For certain, you’ll have a better chance if you involve a Loganville rideshare accident attorney experienced in your type of case. Legal counsel will help your case in the following ways.
Giving You Peace of Mind
This is arguably the most significant benefit of involving an experienced attorney in your case. They’ll take up the job and handle it professionally, relieving you from the numerous challenges and allowing you to recover peacefully.
Handling Evidence
Solid evidence builds a strong case. However, if you suffered severe injuries, it could be challenging to take photographs of the scene or speak with witnesses. An attorney understands all the critical elements of a winning claim and will work on the relevant evidence.
Negotiations
Insurance companies are businesses and hence excellent negotiators. You must be on par or risk losing your deserved settlement. However, an experienced Loganville rideshare attorney will be better placed to win more significant compensation.
Representation
It’s not always possible to attend all sittings or to handle all communications. However, your attorney will always be there on your behalf during negotiations or in front of the judge.
Proving Damages
To win substantial compensation, you must incorporate all the elements of the attendant damages. Failing to include all the items could mean you’ll bear part of the expense related to the accident. On the other hand, an attorney will fight for compensatory and punitive damages if the case involves extreme negligence or malice.
Compensatory damages include:
- Economic damages. These are the direct financial implications resulting from the rideshare accident, including hospital bills, the cost of surgery and therapy, medication, or lost income.
- Non-economic damages. These relate to compensation for the harm inflicted on the individual, including physical pain and suffering, scarring, emotional trauma, or reduced quality of life.
Determining Fault
Rideshare passengers aren’t the only ones requiring assistance during an accident. The driver can also be injured but not to blame, and thus also deserves compensation. An attorney will evaluate the circumstances of the accident to determine the liable party that should be held accountable.
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