Car accidents are certainly unfortunate, and they can happen at any time. Even if you are not driving the vehicle, you can still be the victim of a car crash. If the accident involves an Uber or Lyft, then as a passenger, you must understand your rights and the steps you can follow to apply for possible claims. All these convenient apps have made road transportation more accessible than before, yet they are highly immune to accidents like any other mode of transportation.
You need to read more about the possible ways to equip your legal rights by hiring the best car accident lawyers to hold the commercial vehicle driver and application accountable. Keep reading as we present your legal rights and the steps you need to follow after encountering an accident through Uber or Lyft rides.
Your Legal Rights Post Facing an Accident as an Uber or Lyft Passenger
Your legal rights remain the same as any other motor vehicle accident, where the fault lies with the driver who is said to be riding to your pre-shared destination. Your legal rights include obtaining compensation for future medical costs. With the help of an experienced car accident lawyer, you can wisely determine, apply, and obtain the true cost of your injury.
What You Must Do Immediately After Facing a Ride-Sharing Accident?
- Make sure everyone who has been involved in the accident scene is safe. If there are potential injuries, then seek immediate medical attention. This way, you have valid medical records that can be submitted later to validate your claim.
- Reach out to local law enforcement and a reputed car accident lawyer. The lawyer ensures the documenting process becomes hassle-free and even finds witnesses, objects, and other things that can prove your claiming grounds later in the court sessions.
- Take photos reflecting the damage that has been done to the vehicle and any visible injuries as found in your body.
- Notify the ride-sharing company, such as Uber or Lyft, right after the accident, either through their official app or by calling their customer service.
Understanding Your Liability in Ride-Sharing Accidents
Based on your Uber or Lyft sharing accident, the liability might fall on:
- The ride-sharing driver: If the driver has been negligent, reckless, or distracted, then they can be held liable, considering them the major cause of the accident.
- Another motorist: If another passing vehicle has caused the accident while you were traveling in your Uber or Lyft ride, then their insurance might be responsible.
- The ride-sharing company: In certain cases, the ride-sharing company, be it Uber or Lyft, has insurance policies that can cover up potential damage that happens to your ride through them.
If the driver is found highly responsible for the accident scene, ride-sharing companies’ insurance policies can be validated and claimed as such.
Your Legal Rights as a Ride-Sharing Passenger:
As a ride-sharing vehicle passenger experiencing an accident, your legal rights can never be at stake as you have an experienced car accident lawyer.
- You might be entitled to compensation for medical expenses if you sustain injuries during an Uber or Lyft ride.
- If you are not able to work after suffering accident-related injuries, you can apply for valid compensation for your loss of wages.
- You are highly eligible for compensation for the emotional distress and emotional pain the Uber or Lyft ride has caused you in the first place.
Conclusion
While handling car accidents can be challenging, the ones involving Uber or Lyft rides can be even more complicated as all parties might be involved. If you are a passenger, you need to immediately hire services from a car accident lawyer to let the professionals handle the accident case and ensure valid compensation is attained quickly.
