Technology is constantly being evolved at an intimidating pace and our lives are reshaping with it. Ride-sharing services, like Uber, have been available for riders for nearly a decade now. Many people frequently depend on ride-sharing services daily. Some people even prefer Uber or Lyft as their primary source of transportation just to avoid the hassle of parking fees, insurance and everything else associated with owning or leasing a vehicle. It is as easy as tapping an app on your smartphone, finding an available driver, being picked up in just a few minutes and arriving at your destination for a very affordable rate. According to the research data by Forbes, the annual number of Uber trips in the US has increased from 140 million to 6.9 billion from 2014 to 2021. The report from March 2021 suggests that 32% of the market share in the US is captured by Uber. 

As the number of riders increases, simultaneously the number of rideshare accidents has also increased. It is difficult to determine the exact statistics of the number of annual Uber accidents in California, since Uber prefers keeping such information confidential, but according to the latest report, there are nearly 1000 accidents daily due to a rapid increase in rideshare vehicles. In 2019 and 2020, such accidents led to 107 total deaths out of which 21% were riders, 21% drivers and 58% were third-party occupants. 

Let’s briefly look at the 5 reasons you need a Personal Injury Attorney after a rideshare accident:

1. Knowing All Your Potential Damages

When you file a claim, you need to know your rights, the extent of your damages, and what would be full and fair compensation for your injuries. Hiring a lawyer is beneficial since they would not, in any case, settle for less than what your damages are worth and will get you due to compensation. They also know how to speak to the insurance adjusters to make sure you do not get taken advantage of. 

2. High Liability Coverage

In California, Uber and Lyft provide high liability coverage for uninsured drivers. An Uber driver must possess the insurance of a third party which is $50,000 for an individual and $100,000 per accident. In addition, Uber and Lyft have a $1,000,000 policy that covers any accident that is caused by the driver if they are transporting a passenger. So, if you get involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, there are several ways a personal injury claim can be persuaded.

3. Deep Knowledge of the Law

Having legal assistance will be helpful in understanding laws and interpretation in the local court system. Attorneys know the statute of limitations well with regards to these rideshare cases to make sure your rights are protected. In addition they know what arguments to make if the other party is trying to dispute liability and blame you for the accident. 

4. Avoiding Financial Loss 

There are several ways you can lose your case i.e. filing your suit late, presenting wrong information, not addressing the right defendant, etc. This could lead to no compensation or even paying for a crash not caused by you. Seeking legal assistance right after the accident can be beneficial in making sure that none of that happens.

5. Getting the Right Treatment 

Personal Injury Lawyers work with the top doctors in the country. They can make sure that you are seen by a doctor that specializes in repairing the part of the body that you are having pain in. In addition, these doctors will work on a lien, meaning you wont have to pay anything out of pocket for your medical treatment and they will collect their fee for their services once the case resolves. This allows you to get the best help possible for free, so all you will have to do is focus on getting better. 

Ending Remarks

Undoubtedly, Uber and Lyft have made our lives easier, but one should be aware of ways for acquiring legal assistance in case of accidents. Professional legal consultants fight to get the best possible compensation for your losses. Blake Law Group has handled hundreds of Rideshare accident cases. Please call, email or submit a contact form if you or a loved one has been involved in one of these types of accidents or if you just have more questions about them.