Rideshare Accidents: A Passenger's Guide to Protecting Your Rights and Getting Compensated.

As the popularity of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft continues to rise, so do the number of accidents involving these vehicles. If you find yourself in a rideshare accident, it's essential to know what steps to take to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Here are some important steps to follow if you're a passenger in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accident:

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• Seek Medical Attention: The first thing you should do after any accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it's essential to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries may not show symptoms until later on, and it's important to document any injuries you may have sustained in the accident.

• Collect Information: As soon as possible, try to collect as much information as you can about the accident. This includes the names and contact information of the drivers involved, the insurance information for each driver, and the contact information for any witnesses to the accident.

• Take Photos: If you're able, take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicles involved and any injuries you may have sustained. These photos can be used as evidence if you decide to

• Contact the Rideshare Company: After the accident, contact the rideshare company to report the incident. Uber and Lyft both have procedures in place for reporting accidents, and they will likely provide you with information on how to proceed.

• Contact an Attorney: It's crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident. A personal injury lawyer with experience handling rideshare accident cases can help you understand your legal rights, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance companies involved.

• Do Not Speak to Insurance Companies: After the accident, you may be contacted by insurance companies representing the drivers involved in the accident. It's important not to speak to these companies without first consulting with an attorney. Insurance companies are looking out for their best interests, not yours, and anything you say to them could be used against you.

• Follow Your Doctor's Instructions: If you've sustained injuries in the accident, it's essential to follow your doctor's instructions and attend all recommended appointments. This will help ensure that you receive proper treatment for your injuries and will also help to document your injuries for legal purposes.

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Being involved in a rideshare accident as a passenger can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. However, by following these steps and contacting an experienced personal injury attorney, you can protect your legal rights and receive the compensation you deserve.

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What Damages Are You Entitled to as the Victim of a Rideshare Accident?

If you are involved in a rideshare accident as a passenger, you may be eligible to receive compensation for a variety of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Here is a breakdown of the different types of compensation you may be able to recover:

• Medical expenses: If you are injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for any medical expenses you incur as a result of the accident. This can include the cost of hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any other medical treatment related to your injuries.

• Lost wages: If you are unable to work as a result of your injuries, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your lost wages. This can include any income you would have earned if you had not been injured, as well as any future lost income if you are unable to return to work.

• Pain and suffering: In addition to compensation for economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages, you may also be entitled to compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. This can include compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

• Property damage: If your personal property, such as your phone or laptop, is damaged in a rideshare accident, you may be able to recover the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property.

• Punitive damages: In some cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages, which are intended to punish the party responsible for the accident for their reckless or intentional conduct.

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Rideshare Accident Statistics

Let's examine some of the statistics on rideshare accidents in California: According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), there were 995 reported accidents involving ridesharing services in 2019. These accidents resulted in 58 serious injuries and five fatalities. This represents a significant increase from the 2017 figures, which recorded 369 reported accidents involving rideshare vehicles.

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One of the reasons for the rise in accidents is the sheer number of rideshare vehicles on the road. In California alone, there are an estimated 300,000 active Uber and Lyft drivers, which translates to roughly one driver for every 50 residents. With so many rideshare vehicles on the road, accidents are almost inevitable.

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A huge factor contributing to rideshare accidents is distracted driving. A study by the University of California, San Diego, found that rideshare drivers are more likely to use their phones while driving than other drivers. The study also found that rideshare drivers are more likely to engage in other distracted driving behaviors, such as eating or drinking while driving.

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In addition to distracted driving, there are other factors that contribute to rideshare accidents. For example, rideshare drivers may not be familiar with the roads or traffic patterns in the areas they are driving in, which can lead to accidents. Furthermore, some rideshare drivers may be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

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The consequences of rideshare accidents can be severe, resulting in serious injuries or even death. In addition to physical injuries, victims of rideshare accidents may also suffer emotional trauma and financial losses. Fortunately, California law requires Uber and Lyft to provide insurance coverage for their drivers and passengers in the event of an accident.

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Why Should You Retain an Attorney for Your Rideshare Accident?

If you've been involved in a rideshare accident and are seeking compensation, the experienced rideshare accident attorneys at Phillips & Associates can provide a range of services to help you.

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Our law firm will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, reviewing police reports, obtaining witness statements, and analyzing medical records to determine liability and build a strong case for compensation.  We will also help you understand the true value of your claim, taking into account factors like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. This ensures that you don't accept a settlement that is less than what you're entitled to.

 

In personal injury cases, there are strict deadlines that must be met, and missing them can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation. We will always ensure that all deadlines are met and that your case is handled in a timely and efficient manner.

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Dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be stressful and overwhelming. Having an experienced attorney on your side can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that someone is fighting for your rights and interests.

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  If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, contact Phillips & Associates today. We offer free consultations and respond 24/7.  Call (858) 925-7184.

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