Types of Settlements from a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit - AA Law

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5 Types of Settlements to Expect from a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit

May 22, 2024 Alan Ahdoot
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Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are increasingly becoming the go-to choice for transportation in the US. However, despite their convenience, they are not immune to accidents on the road. In these cases, knowing an experienced rideshare accident attorney is key to pursuing an injury lawsuit.

According to a study conducted by the US National Bureau of Economic Research, there has been a 3% annual rise in vehicular fatalities associated with the growing popularity of rideshare services.

Suppose you or someone you know has been in an Uber or Lyft accident. In that case, it’s crucial to understand the necessary steps to take afterward and the potential settlements available through a rideshare accident lawsuit. Read on to learn more. 

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

Here are the immediate steps to take following an accident involving Uber or Lyft:

Prioritize Your Safety

First and foremost, assess your safety at the scene. Check for any injuries requiring immediate medical attention. Move cautiously to avoid exacerbating any injuries. Even if you feel okay, it’s crucial to call 911 for prompt medical assistance. Stay calm and composed while awaiting the authorities.

Gather Evidence

Collect evidence and speak to witnesses if available. Witnesses’ accounts can provide valuable testimony to support your claim. Take photos of the accident scene and note any CCTV cameras in the vicinity for potential footage.

Document Important Details

Exchange contact information with the rideshare driver, ensuring you obtain their name, insurance details, and license plate number. Additionally, request a copy of the police report for comprehensive documentation of the incident.

Report the Crash Through the App

Utilize the ridesharing app to report the crash as soon as possible. Provide accurate details within the Uber or Lyft app, as this information is pivotal for insurance claims processing.

Seek Legal Counsel

Consult with a rideshare accident attorney to explore your legal and insurance options. An experienced lawyer can navigate the complexities of the claims process and advocate for the best possible compensation or settlement on your behalf.

Types of Rideshare Injuries

Depending on the severity of the crash, the injuries sustained from a rideshare accident can vary from simple bruises to fatal ones like whiplash and traumatic brain injury. In worst-case scenarios, it may even lead to a wrongful death.

Man looks at rideshare app on his phone after accident.
Uber or Lyft drivers are liable for accidents that happen after accepting a booking request or when the passenger is already en route to the destination.

Below are some of the common rideshare injuries to watch out for:

  • Spinal and neck injuries: The sudden movement of the neck during a collision can lead to whiplash injury. The victim may feel stiffness or tingling sensation in the shoulder as well as headaches
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): If your head moves in back-and-forth motion during the crash, you may suffer from mild to severe TBI. You may feel dizzy or intense pain in the head.
  • Concussions: An intense blow to the head may cause temporary unconsciousness or permanent brain damage. The symptoms are similar to TBIs, which include vomiting, fatigue, and light sensitivity.
  • Fractures: A severe car crash may result in broken bones. When you hit a sharp object inside the car, this can also lead to tissue damage, scrapes, and lacerations.
  • Internal bleeding: Some accident victims don’t feel hurt right away. Without visible wounds, there could be some serious internal bleeding happening in your brain, chest, and other organs.

How To Determine if the Accident Is Eligible for Settlement?

In some cases, an insurance company or the at-fault party may propose a settlement. Your lawyer may negotiate the amount to compensate for the injuries and other significant economic and non-economical damages.

If you’re wondering if you’re fit to receive insurance or settlement, there are different factors to consider. These include:

  • If you were a passenger in Uber or Lyft
  • If you were hit by a rideshare vehicle while on the road
  • If your car got involved in a ridesharing accident

Who is Liable for a Rideshare Accident?

Uber or Lyft drivers are typically responsible for the ridesharing accident if they accepted your book request or you’re in the vehicle en route to your destination. But, if not, you’ll need to sue or settle the case in court against the driver who caused the accident.

Types of Rideshare Accident Settlements

Victims of rideshare accidents deserve fair compensation, particularly if the driver bears responsibility for the incident. Here are the various types of settlements and compensation available after a rideshare accident lawsuit:

1. Bodily Injury and Property Damage

When an Uber driver is awaiting a ride request, Uber maintains bodily injury liability coverage ($50,000 per person) and property damage coverage ($25,000 per accident).

2. Third-Party Liability Coverage

While en route to pick up or transport passengers, Uber provides up to $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage.

3. Personal Insurance

If the driver’s app is offline at the time of the accident, their personal insurance applies, typically resulting in settlements ranging from $20,000 to $80,000.

4. Liability Coverage (If Driver is Available but Hasn’t Accepted Requests)

When the driver is available but has not yet accepted a ride request, average settlements amount to $50,000 per person, $100,000 for injuries. However, property damage for a rideshare accident lawsuit can go up to $25,000.

5. Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage

If the driver has accepted a ride, settlements can reach $1,000,000, even if the motorist lacks adequate personal insurance.

6. Trip Coverage

In the event of a crash during the journey to the booked destination, Uber maintains a $1,000,000 settlement for third-party injuries, property damage, and bodily injuries.

Contact Rideshare Accident Lawyers at Adamson Adhoot

At Adamson Ahdoot, our personal injury lawyers specialize in navigating the complexities of ridesharing accident cases. Call us at (800) 310-1606 to schedule your free consultation today. Consultations are available in both English and Spanish.

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Our team can better advise you on your legal options once we receive any available evidence about the incident.

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