Rideshare services have transformed transportation, offering unparalleled convenience. However, when accidents happen, determining liability and securing fair compensation can be complex.
After an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accident, whether you’re a passenger or other vehicle involved in that accident, if you are hurt, a Columbus rideshare accident attorney can guide you through this challenging process.
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Table of Contents
- Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
- Types of Rideshare Accidents
- The At-Fault Driver Is Responsible for Damages
- What Might Insurance Cover After a Rideshare Accident
- What Might Insurance Cover After a Rideshare Accident
- Rideshare Passengers Protected By Company Coverage
- Why Hire a Columbus Rideshare Accident Attorney
- Discuss Your Accident with a Columbus Rideshare Accident Attorney
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
- If hurt, first and foremost, seek medical attention. Remember, some injuries may not be apparent immediately after the accident, so a thorough medical evaluation is essential. Document all medical visits, treatments, and symptoms you experience.
- Make sure the police are called and an accident report is prepared.
- Next, report the accident to the rideshare company. Use the app to provide a concise, factual account of what happened. Avoid speculating about the cause of the accident, unless it is clear the rideshare driver is responsible.
- Collect all accident-related information, including photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage, contact information of the driver and any witnesses, and a screenshot of your ride information from the app. Write down your recollection of the accident while it's fresh in your mind.
- Contact your insurance company to inform them about the accident. Provide only factual information and avoid speculation or admitting fault. It's also important to start documenting your injuries and expenses. Keep a detailed record of all accident-related costs and start a pain journal to document your injuries and recovery process.
- As you move forward, DO NOT discuss the accident on social media or give a recorded statements to insurance companies, without your attorney. Review all documents carefully and only sign something from insurance companies after reviewing with your attorney. Be very suspicious of early settlement offers.
- Consult with a Columbus rideshare accident attorney. They can handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf.
- If a police report wasn't filed at the scene, file one immediately and obtain a copy for your records.
Types of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can occur in various scenarios. Here are some of the most common types of rideshare accidents:
- Accidents with Passengers
- Occurs when a rideshare vehicle carrying passengers is involved in a collision
- May involve injuries to passengers, the driver, or occupants of other vehicles
- Typically covered by the rideshare company's entire insurance policy
- Accidents While En Route to Pick Up Passengers
- This happens when the driver has accepted a ride request and is on the way to pick up the passenger
- May involve other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists
- Usually covered by the rideshare company's contingent liability coverage
- Accidents While Waiting for a Ride Request
- Occurs when the driver is logged into the app but hasn't accepted a ride yet
- May have limited coverage from the rideshare company's contingent liability policy
- Accidents With Other Vehicles
- Collisions between a rideshare vehicle and another car, truck, or motorcycle
- Liability depends on who was at fault and the rideshare driver's status at the time of the accident
- Pedestrian or Cyclist Accidents
- Involves a rideshare vehicle striking a pedestrian or cyclist
- Can result in severe injuries due to the vulnerability of the victim
- Coverage depends on the driver's status in the app at the time of the accident
- Single-Vehicle Accidents
- Occurs when a rideshare vehicle crashes without involving other vehicles
- Caused by driver error, road conditions, or vehicle malfunction
- Passengers may still be eligible for compensation
- Dooring Accidents
- Happens when a rideshare passenger opens their door into the path of an oncoming cyclist or vehicle
- Can cause serious injuries, especially to cyclists
- The passenger and the rideshare company may share liability
- Accidents Due to Driver Distraction
- Caused by the driver's attention being diverted by the rideshare app, GPS, or other distractions
- Can involve any of the above scenarios
- May lead to increased liability for the driver and potentially the rideshare company
- Non-Collision Injuries
- Injuries that occur during a rideshare trip but not from a collision (e.g., slip and fall while entering/exiting the vehicle)
- May still be covered under the rideshare company's liability policy
The At-Fault Driver Is Responsible for Damages
State law follows the traditional liability scheme for car accidents in which the insurance company of the at-fault driver typically covers the damages of anyone who sustained losses in an incident.
All drivers must have a minimum coverage of $25,000 for injuries to one person, $50,000 for injuries to multiple people, and $25,000 for property damage.
When liability is unclear, police reports, witness statements, drivers’ accounts, and vehicle damage analysis may help provide clarity.
Often, more than one driver may bear responsibility for an accident. In those cases, their respective insurance companies may negotiate a fair allocation of responsibility.
However, according to Ohio Revised Statutes §2315.33, a driver who was 51 percent liable or more cannot collect damages. For this reason, an injured driver with partial responsibility for an Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident should contact a Columbus rideshare accident attorney to represent them before the insurers allocate fault.
What Might Insurance Cover After a Rideshare Accident
Drivers for rideshare companies must carry their vehicle liability insurance. However, these policies often exclude coverage when a driver is involved in commercial driving.
If a rideshare driver has a wreck when they are not signed into the app, their personal insurance could cover damages depending on their policy language. If the driver is signed into the rideshare app and can accept fares, the company’s liability insurance may cover an injured person’s damages.
Uber and Lyft carry $1,000,000 liability policies, so a severely injured party could receive significant compensation, if the rideshare driver was at fault.
Anyone hurt in a Columbus Uber/Lyft/rideshare crash, whether a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist, or occupant of another vehicle, should seek legal counsel immediately.
Our Columbus rideshare accident attorneys could investigate whether an injured party must rely on the rideshare driver’s personal policy to cover their damages, or if the commercial policy could cover them.
Potential Damages in Rideshare Accident Cases
After a rideshare accident in Columbus, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses
- Current medical bills (emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries)
- Future medical costs (ongoing treatments, rehabilitation, therapy)
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment (crutches, wheelchairs, etc.)
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Lost Wages
- Income lost due to time off work for recovery
- Loss of future earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work
- Lost benefits, bonuses, or other job-related compensation
- Property Damage
- Repair or replacement of your vehicle (if you were driving)
- Damage to personal property (e.g., cell phone, laptop, clothing)
- Disfigurement or Permanent Disability
- Additional compensation for lasting physical changes or disabilities
- Punitive Damages
- In extreme negligence or intentional misconduct cases, punitive damages are awarded to punish the at-fault party
- Wrongful Death Damages
If a rideshare accident results in a fatality, family members may be entitled to:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
The damages you can claim will depend on your case, the severity of your injuries, and the impact on your life. An experienced Columbus rideshare accident attorney can help you identify all potential damages and build a solid case to maximize your compensation.
Documenting all expenses and keeping detailed records of how the accident has affected your life can support your claim for these damages. Your attorney can guide you on how to document and prove your damages to strengthen your case.
Rideshare Passengers Protected By Company Coverage
The company's insurance policy covers people who use rideshare apps to book a ride from when they enter the vehicle until they are discharged at their destination. However, companies aggressively try to limit the payouts available to injured patrons.
If a driver of a rideshare vehicle gets into an accident while carrying a fare, the passengers could protect themselves if they immediately:
- File a police report
- Report the accident on the app
- Get medical attention as quickly as possible
- Speak with a Columbus rideshare accident attorney
Seeking a medical examination immediately after an accident is important, even if the passenger does not believe they suffered an injury. Many substantial injuries do not present discernable symptoms for several hours after the trauma, but a physician could find evidence of them on physical examination.
In addition, a medical record generated shortly after a crash is evidence that a passenger suffered an injury in a Columbus Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident.
Why Hire a Columbus Rideshare Accident Attorney
The aftermath of a rideshare accident can be overwhelming. Hiring a Columbus rideshare accident attorney can reduce the stress associated with legal proceedings.
Here's why you should consider legal representation:
- Experience in Rideshare Laws: An experienced attorney understands the rideshare regulations and insurance policies specific to Columbus and Ohio.
- Accurate Liability Determination: Determining fault in rideshare accidents can be challenging. Your Columbus rideshare accident attorney will investigate to identify all liable parties, including the rideshare driver, other motorists, or even the rideshare company itself.
- Maximizing Compensation: A skilled Columbus rideshare accident attorney can accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Your attorney will handle all communications and negotiations with insurers, protecting your rights and advocating for your best interests.
- Timely Filing and Procedural Compliance: There are strict deadlines for filing claims and lawsuits. Your Columbus rideshare accident attorney will ensure all necessary documents are filed correctly and on time, preserving your right to seek compensation.
- Courtroom Representation: Having a skilled litigator by your side can significantly impact the outcome if your case goes to trial. Your attorney will present your case persuasively in court.
- Peace of Mind: Dealing with legal proceedings while recovering from injuries can be stressful. Having an attorney handle your case allows you to focus on your recovery.
- No Upfront Costs: Most rideshare accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay unless you win your case. This aligns the attorney's interests with yours and provides access to quality legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
By hiring a Columbus rideshare accident attorney, you're not just gaining legal representation – you're gaining an advocate who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Discuss Your Accident with a Columbus Rideshare Accident Attorney
Determining liability after a car accident can be challenging, especially without the guidance of a legal professional. If a vehicle involved in the crash was a rideshare, there could be an extra layer of complexity.
If you sustained injuries in an Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident in Columbus, you do not have to pursue legal action alone. Trust our car accident lawyers to help you collect the damages you deserve for your harm. Reach out to O’Connor Acciani & Levy today at (614) 545-5162 to get started on your case.
