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Dedicated Legal Representation for Rideshare Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, securing the right legal representation is important. As a dedicated rideshare accident attorney, our firm knows how to navigate the complexities of rideshare accident cases, whether you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft incident. Our devoted rideshare accident attorney Kayla Sheldrick and her team is committed to ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. We understand that dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, which is why we provide clear guidance and dedicated support throughout your case. If you’re seeking reliable rideshare accident legal help or a top rideshare accident attorney, you’re in the right place. We strive to offer legal services tailored to your unique circumstances, ensuring every detail of your rideshare accident case is meticulously managed.
INJURED & NEED A LAWYER?
ASK TO SPEAK WITH ATTORNEY KAYLA SHELDRICK
UNDERSTANDING
RIDESHARE ACCIDENT
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DEFINITION & OVERVIEW
A rideshare accident is an incident involving a vehicle used for ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft, where the driver is operating under the rideshare platform at the time of the collision. These accidents can occur during passenger pickups, drop-offs, or while en route between fares. Unlike typical car accidents, rideshare incidents may involve a unique mix of personal and commercial insurance policies, as well as additional liability issues related to the rideshare company's policies and procedures.
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How They Differ from Regular Accidents
Rideshare accidents introduce a level of complexity not typically seen in standard car accidents. Unlike regular incidents, these accidents involve a dual layer of insurance coverage, both the driver's personal auto policy and the commercial insurance provided by the rideshare company. This can create overlapping responsibilities and challenges in determining liability. Additionally, the rideshare company itself may play a role in the claims process, influencing how damages are assessed and compensation is determined. These unique factors require a nuanced understanding of both personal and commercial insurance dynamics, underscoring the importance of specialized legal guidance in rideshare accident cases.
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COMMON CAUSES & SCENARIOS
Rideshare accidents share common factors with typical car crashes, but they also have unique challenges.
Key causes include:
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Distracted Driving: Using smartphones or the rideshare app while driving.
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Adverse Weather: Conditions like rain or fog that impair visibility and road traction.
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Driver Fatigue: Long hours that reduce reaction times.
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Traffic Congestion: High-density areas can lead to more collisions.
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Inexperienced Drivers: New drivers may struggle with navigation and judgment.
These factors can lead to various scenarios, such as rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic or side-impact crashes at intersections, complicating liability and insurance claims due to overlapping coverage.
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STEPS TO TAKE AFTER AN ACCIDENT
If you're involved in a rideshare accident, act quickly to protect your rights:
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Ensure Safety & Call for Help: Get to a safe spot and contact emergency services if needed.
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Document the Scene: Snap photos, note the time, location, weather, and damage.
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Exchange Information: Collect contact and insurance details from all parties and witnesses.
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Avoid Admitting Fault: Stick to the facts when discussing the incident.
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Notify Insurers & Rideshare Company: Report the accident to both.
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Seek Legal Guidance: Contact a rideshare accident attorney to help navigate claims and protect your interests.
WONDERING WHAT YOUR CASE IS WORTH?
If you're unlucky enough to be involved in a rideshare accident, there are a few things you should do immediately after that accident happens such as:
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Try to get away from the scene of the accident to safety. If you can't move, make sure to stay still and wait for help to arrive.
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Once you're in a safe place, it's time to start gathering evidence. Take pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved as well as any injuries you or your passengers have suffered. It's also important to get the contact information of any witnesses who saw what happened.
Rideshare companies are commonly liable for their drivers while they're driving on the road, so they have a fiduciary duty to their passengers to ensure their safety.
With that being said, it's important to know that you have options if you're injured in an accident while riding in a rideshare vehicle.
One of those options is to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver, but another option is to file a claim with the rideshare company's insurance carrier. Depending on who is labeled as the at-fault driver is where your case might become more complicated.
For example, if the other driver is at fault and you file a claim with their insurance company, you might have a hard time getting the full amount of compensation you deserve. This is because insurance companies are for-profit businesses that want to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out on claims.
On the other hand, if the rideshare driver is found to be at fault, you might have a better chance of receiving full compensation for your injuries. The reason for this is that most rideshare companies carry commercial insurance policies that provide coverage for their drivers in the event of an accident.
It's very common that you have an uber or a Lyft driver who enjoys conversation and ends up talking your ear off during the ride but rideshare drivers are not your friends.
If you are in an accident with a rideshare driver, be sure to remain calm and courteous but firm. You will want to get their name and contact information as well as the name of their company. Once you have that information, you can begin to take the necessary steps to file a claim. Rideshare accidents can be complicated, so seek legal assistance right away to ensure you take the proper steps and get the compensation you deserve.
Here are 3 ways to help avoid an accident while driving as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle.
Keep your seatbelt on
Don't distract the driver
Stay calm and don't panic
Attorney KAYLA SHELDRICK is a personal injury lawyer who has represented clients in previous rideshare automobile accidents.
Here at The Sheldrick Law Firm we handle just about any type of automobile accident especially rideshare service type of accidents. It is common for there to be a rideshare driver who is not paying attention to the road or may even be talking on the phone and not paying attention leading to an accident. These are all common things that can happen and when they do, you need a qualified lawyer to take a look at your accident case sooner than later.
There are many things to consider when looking for the right lawyer for your accident case. You want to find someone who is experienced and has a proven track record of success. You also want to find someone who you feel comfortable with and who you can trust to represent you. An attorney that has already worked a case like yours or similar to your case is an attorney you should look further into. An attorney that is able to work on a contingency fee basis is also someone you may want to consider. This means that they do not get paid unless they win your case.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rideshare accident, contact our devoted personal injury lawyer today. We can help you understand your legal options and get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (561) 440-7775 for a free consultation.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Sheldrick Law Firm
Phone: (561) 440-7775
Free Consultation
Locations: Florida, New Jersey, New York