If you have been involved in an accident with a ride-share service such as Uber or Lyft, it can be difficult to know how to proceed. You have a choice of filing an insurance claim for the damage or filing a personal injury lawsuit for medical damages. If you’re unsure which route is right, consider consulting with a ride-share accident attorney. They can help you understand your options and help you craft a winning strategy.
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Every state has rules in place regarding the service of ride-hailing services, such as Uber or Lyft. Some states allow these services to operate legally, while others have passed laws prohibiting them from operating within their borders. The laws vary from state to state, and a rideshare accident can happen anywhere. Some factors make it more difficult to determine who is liable in a rideshare accident.
A big factor in determining liability will be the insurance coverage of each party. If you were the driver who caused the accident, your policy should cover damages to your vehicle and injuries to yourself. But what if you weren’t driving, such as a passenger? Do you have insurance that will cover these costs? If not, your claim for damages may be limited to medical expenses and lost wages if applicable.
If you were a rideshare driver who got into an accident with another driver, you could file a claim with the rideshare company’s insurance. If your accident was with another rideshare driver, the company should cover damages to both vehicles regardless of who was driving.
If you decide to pursue a rideshare accident lawsuit in your best interests, you may want to consult an attorney. To win a rideshare accident case, you will need an attorney to guide you through this potentially complex process. Here are factors to consider when choosing an attorney.
1. Is the Attorney Honest?
Many dishonest attorneys out there will charge you high fees and tell you they can win your case. The attorneys who care about your case and want to help you win will charge less than the fancy ones. Remember, being more expensive doesn’t mean better. If a lawyer tells you that they have won cases for others, but hasn’t won yours, then it’s time to find another lawyer.
2. How Good is Their Reputation?
If you’re looking for a rideshare accident attorney, ask your family and friends if they know of any attorneys to recommend. If possible, choose a lawyer who has a good reputation in their community. However, keep in mind that this isn’t always the best option. If your friend’s neighbor recommended the lawyer and you don’t trust the neighbor, it’s better to go with someone else.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured in a ride-sharing service accident, you’ll need to choose whether to file a claim against their insurance or file a personal injury lawsuit. Your choice will depend on your location, the circumstances of the accident, and whether you can find and afford an attorney. If you hire an attorney, choose one who cares about your case and has experience winning similar cases.
