Accidents with rideshare vehicles can create complex legal situations for passengers, drivers, and other involved parties. In today’s fast-paced society where quick travel, convenience, and the ability to multitask reign supreme, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized daily life. This is especially true in highly-populated areas like Kissimmee. Our close vicinity to major Florida attractions, and our ever-increasing population, make rideshare services an important legal topic to tackle.
As some of Central Florida’s leading rideshare accident attorneys, Brooks Law Group recognizes that people need a straightforward set of steps to follow after one of these rideshare collisions. Below, we’re sharing 8 simple steps to follow after accidents with rideshare vehicles.
1. Stay Safe and Get Help
Your top priority after accidents with rideshare vehicles is safety. It’s crucial to call 911 as soon as possible. Check yourself and others with you for apparent injuries, and then move to a safe location nearby if possible. Be especially cautious if you see:
- fluids leaking from anywhere on the vehicle
- smoke or flames on or around the car
- that you’re in the path of oncoming traffic
Secondary accidents and injuries are common on Florida’s busy roads. Don’t become another statistic!
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2. Call Local Police after Accidents with Rideshare Vehicles
Your call to 911 doesn’t just bring emergency medical care to the scene of your accident; that call brings the police, too. Their report isn’t just important for public record – it’s also necessary for a legal case should you choose to pursue one. When police arrive at the scene, they’ll take down all information related to the crash, the victims, witnesses, conditions at the scene, and more. All of these details play into your legal statement, so request a copy of the report (or the report number) for future reference.
3. Gather Evidence Before Leaving the Scene
As someone impacted by an accident with a rideshare vehicle, you have the legal right to document all evidence at the scene. If you’re physically able, gather:
- names and information of drivers involved in the collision
- names and contact information of additional passengers
- names and contact information of witnesses
- photos of the accident scene, damage to all involved vehicles, multiple angles of the scene, and of your own injuries if possible
- video footage of the scene
Also, remember to collect the insurance details from your rideshare driver and verify their status on the app you used to book them. Verifying this status (active ride, waiting for a request, off-duty, etc.) provides important information for your case. Why? The liability of various insurance companies comes into question depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
My rideshare driver wasn’t logged into the app at the time of the crash…now what?
Steps to take after accidents with rideshare vehicles.
If your rideshare driver wasn’t logged in during the time of the crash then their private insurance would (usually) apply.
What if a driver was logged in but not active at the time of an accident with a rideshare vehicle?
In this case, the rideshare company’s insurance might provide limited coverage, but it’s on a case-by-case basis and depends heavily on the details of the accident.
My rideshare accident happened during an active ride (accepted request) by my driver. Who pays?
In this case, the employing rideshare company would most likely be held liable for your injuries and damages.
Injured individuals must file claims with multiple insurance companies following accidents with rideshare vehicles. Your own insurance company, the insurer of the rideshare company, and the personal insurer of the at-fault driver may all be on the “need to contact” list after your collision. That’s why choosing legal representation quickly is a priority after collisions. An experienced attorney knows how to file these claims properly and navigate conversations with the various insurance companies. Your lawyer will fight for a sufficient settlement based on your injuries and damages. If a company attempts to lowball your compensation, a lawyer can protect you from missing out on needed funds.
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4. Understand Your Legal Rights after Accidents with Rideshare Vehicles
Unlike a standard car accident case, accidents with rideshare vehicles have a unique blend of characters, and each has specific rights within the legal scope.
Passengers
Passengers hold the right to pursue legal action and compensation after a rideshare accident. This compensation covers medical expenses for injuries sustained in the accident, lost wages, ongoing pain, and emotional/mental suffering.
Rideshare Drivers
Drivers may be eligible for coverage under their employer’s (the rideshare company) insurance, but this could be challenged if the driver caused the accident.
Other Motorists or Pedestrians
Additional drivers, passengers, or pedestrians injured in accidents with rideshare vehicles can pursue claims against both the driver and the rideshare company. Who is held liable for various charges depends entirely on the details of the specific case.
Knowing your legal rights directly affects your ability to fight for (and win) a settlement after your accident. An experienced rideshare accident attorney is a must.
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5. Seek Counsel from an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney
A lawyer with experience in accidents with rideshare vehicles is the best way to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Why?
Rideshare accident attorneys understand the intricacies involved with these collisions thanks to the multiple parties (and insurance policies) involved in the crash. With an experienced lawyer, you are more likely to:
- receive maximum compensation
- fully understand all of your legal options
- feel empowered and informed throughout your case
A good attorney makes all the difference in your case!
Brooks Law Group is here for Kissimmee drivers after accidents with rideshare vehicles!
Have you or someone you love been injured as a rideshare passenger? Were you injured when a rideshare driver struck your vehicle? Brooks Law Group is here to help you navigate the complex web of insurance disputes, liability questions, and stressful negotiations after rideshare accidents. Our strategic approach to these issues ensures your best interests. We use our years of experience and our hard-earned skills to fight for you and win the compensation you need and deserve to heal and move forward after your accident.
We proudly serve the Central Florida area not just from Kissimmee but from cities throughout the state. Additional offices are conveniently located in Orlando, Winter Haven, Lakeland, Tampa, West Palm Beach, and Tallahassee. You can count on us for a team of dedicated accident attorneys who put people first. We are committed to serving all in our communities, and that means making legal representation possible regardless of socioeconomic status. Our free consultations and contingency fees mean you don’t pay a dime unless we WIN for you.
Call today to schedule your appointment!
Call or text 800 529 3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
