What Happens if My Rideshare Driver Causes an Accident While Texting?
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have forever altered the transportation ecosystem in California. This industry burst in popularity over the last several years, perhaps due to the expedience, security, and dependability of the applications that exist at our fingertips. All it takes is a swipe or a tap, and you can hail a car and be whisked off to your next destination. However, what happens if your driver gets into an accident that results in an injury? Even worse, what if this is the result of your driver texting?
If you were a passenger in an Uber, Lyft, Revel, or another ridesharing service and you suffered an injury as a result of a texting-while-driving accident, you may not know the steps that follow. What should you do after the accident, who’s going to cover the costs of the damages, and how is a rideshare accident different from a typical car accident? At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we can get the details of your situation and explain your rights. If you need assistance, we may be able to help you receive compensation for your injuries and connect you with the resources and care you need to recover.
Who Pays for Damages in a Rideshare Accident?
In terms of who pays for damages after a rideshare accident, the answer largely depends on who is at fault. If your rideshare driver was texting while taking you to your final destination, they’re likely to take on most, if not all, of the responsibility for the resulting accident. Nevertheless, your driver may not necessarily pay anything out of pocket themselves.
Some rideshare companies, including Uber and Lyft, have insurance policies that come into effect depending on the status of your driver. For example, if your driver is on their way to pick you up or you’re in the car and on the way to your final destination, the company’s insurance coverage may be in effect.
The rideshare company’s insurance may only be applicable if your driver is found responsible, like if they were texting while driving. While some forms of insurance cover up to one million dollars in damages, your driver may be responsible for using their personal collision insurance. Further, if there are other involved parties in the accident, such as another driver, they may also be at fault. This might be the case even if your driver was texting and driving at the same time. At-fault parties are most likely to be responsible for paying damages.
Next Steps After a Rideshare Accident
Following your accident, there are some steps you should take in order to ensure you’re healthy, as well as to hold the other parties accountable for their negligent actions.
Get Medical Attention
If there’s any chance you might have been injured in your rideshare accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention. A medical professional will provide treatment if you were injured as well as prevent any of the resulting wounds from worsening over time. You should seek medical attention even if you think you might not be injured, because not all injuries are immediately apparent.
Avoid Discussing Your Claim
If you’ve been in an accident and plan on seeking legal action, you should avoid discussing your claim with anyone other than your lawyer. This is because anything you say may be held against you in your claim. It is also wise to stop posting on social media, as anything you post may be used as evidence against you.
Contact a Lawyer
If you’re planning on taking legal action, it’s strongly recommended you contact a qualified car accident lawyer. A lawyer may be able to assist you with building your claim, as they are in a unique position to pair their legal knowledge with your specific circumstances.
A good lawyer will help you handle insurance companies, negotiate and maximize your potential compensation, as well as collect and analyze relevant evidence. If you’re worried about what further steps to take, your lawyer will provide guidance along the way.
Let Us Fight for Your Rights: Hire an Experienced California Car Accident Attorney From Eric Ratinoff Law Corp.
We at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. have nearly 30 years of experience in personal injury law, and we have a history of providing outstanding legal results for victims of accidents. Eric J. Ratinoff and our legal team are dedicated to providing our clients with more than just legal help; we strive to help our clients recover to the fullest extent possible. If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, we may be able to help. We will fight for your rights and look out for your best interest every step of the way.
Our goal in every case is to recover maximum compensation on our clients’ behalf and hold the other party accountable for their careless actions. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, please call us at (916) 970-9100 or complete our contact form.
