While rideshare services have become a common form of transport, these modern “taxis” aren’t without their problems. Sometimes drivers can feel under pressure to complete trips quickly or work late hours just to maximize their earnings. As such, many of them engage in reckless behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, and taking other actions that could result in an accident.
If you were hurt in a wreck involving a rideshare driver, you may already be aware that you can file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your accident-related losses. However, it’s unlikely that you’ve ever had to act against a large company like Uber or Lyft, so you are probably wondering what this process might entail.
While every case is unique, most tend to unfold in the same way. Let’s look at some of the most crucial stages you can expect to navigate throughout proceedings:
1. Investigating the Crash
Building a third-party claim often involves going back to those first moments before impact. Ultimately, your goal will be to determine what happened and who was responsible for causing the crash. To do so, you will have to gather evidence that shows that another party was liable.
At the accident scene, you may have to take certain steps such as taking photographs of the wreckage, interviewing eyewitnesses, and reviewing footage recorded by dashcams or surveillance cameras. Scouring the scene for the proof you will need to corroborate your version of events can be incredibly time-consuming. Fortunately, a skilled personal injury attorney can usually oversee the investigation on your behalf, making sure to leave no stone unturned to ensure that you have all the building blocks of a strong case.
2. Compiling Proof and Assessing Your Damages
Evidence in a personal injury claim isn’t just limited to items you can find at the accident scene. You will also need to gather proof of the types of injuries you suffered and the costs you’ve incurred as a direct result of the wreck. For instance, your medical records can help demonstrate the severity of your condition and pay stubs can help show the wages you’ve lost because you were unable to work in the wake of the crash.
Once you’ve gathered all the ingredients of a convincing claim, it’s important to assess your damages to approximate fair compensation for the expenses you’ve incurred. Make sure to account for both your economic damages (lost income, treatment costs, replacement services) and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life.
3. Negotiating a Fair Settlement
When you file your claim, the insurance company should be prepared to negotiate a settlement. However, the claims adjuster won’t simply award you the highest possible amount. Their goal is to protect their employer’s bottom line, so you can expect them to look for any reason to reduce your payout.
As such, it could help to have an attorney by your side. He or she can assess the insurer’s offer and, if necessary, take steps to counter the proposed amount. While most claims are usually settled at this stage of proceedings, there is a chance that the insurer might refuse to agree to a reasonable sum. In such situations, you may have to file a lawsuit against the liable party/parties.
Speak to a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Detroit Today
If you were hurt in a wreck involving a rideshare driver, you might benefit from the guidance and support of a skilled personal injury attorney. At Seva Law Firm, our legal team is well-versed in this area of the law, with a track record of success both in and out of court.
We can meet with you as part of a free consultation to discuss your case. Dial (248) 385-5704 or head to our contact page HERE to request a case review with a Detroit rideshare accident attorney.
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