Rideshare vehicles are relatively new modes of transportation. Sure, they’ve been around for more than a decade, but in terms of their legal implications, they are nascent entities on the legal landscape. Because they comprise more than 60% of the US market, it’s important to know what to do when involved in a ride-share accident.
Well, the first thing you should do when injured in a rideshare accident is to seek medical care. In the aftermath of any accident, one can find themselves disoriented, confused and overwhelmed with simply processing the events of the accident. Additionally, injuries like post-traumatic headaches and soft-tissue injuries present delayed symptoms. It’s, therefore, important that in the aftermath of an accident, one seeks medical evaluation and treatment at the earliest available opportunity.
Because fleets for rideshare companies are comprised of independent contractors, the companies themselves often attempt to claim no liability in accidents involving their vehicles. So the next priority is to exchange pertinent details with all of the drivers involved. This includes car insurance details, license plate numbers, names and the phone numbers. If possible, it can be very helpful to take photos or videos of the scene and document any traffic conditions and property damage that has resulted.
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Of course, the rideshare driver will probably exhange details with the other driver(s) involved. But you will want to ensure you gather information from all involved for your own potential claim(s). You have to remember that as a rideshare passenger, your interests are not necessarily the same as the rideshare driver’s interest in this situation. Collecting details from your driver, the other driver involved and any witnesses that may be able to support your ultimate claim may be very important should you need to file a claim to recover damages.
Once you’ve exchanged details, it’s important to report the accident to your own insurance company so that a claim can be launched. If you are contacted by the other driver’s insurer, it may be most helpful to refer them to your attorney so that they can control the narrative as well as the negotiation process.
Having a personal injury attorney represent you is an extremely important element of your plan of attack when seeking damages in any car accident claim. When you’re up against an experienced insurer with the goal of limiting losses at nearly any cost, it’s important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side who can negotiate compensation that represent the full scope of damages to which you are entitled in your claim.
If you have a question about filing a personal injury claim in the wake of a rideshare accident or any kind of automotive collision, call the experienced attorneys of Bizzieri Law Offices in Chicago at 773.881.9000. There is no cost for your case review and we collect no fee unless we win damages for you.