What to Do After a Concussion in a Rideshare Accident - AA Law

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What to Do If You Receive A Concussion from A Rideshare Accident

May 31, 2024 Alan Ahdoot
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Suffering a rideshare accident is common in California, as the state has the highest number of Uber drivers in the US—over 200,000 per quarter. These accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe conditions like concussions.

If you’ve sustained severe injuries in a rideshare accident, prompt medical attention is crucial. Concussion symptoms may not manifest immediately after the crash, but timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent potentially fatal outcomes. Call us today at (800) 310-1606 if you’ve experienced rideshare-related concussion symptoms.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) often resulting from a severe impact or sudden blow to the head during an accident. Victims may lose consciousness and experience symptoms such as blurry vision.

Common concussion symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Brain fog
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Loss of balance

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time, seek immediate medical attention. Diagnosis may involve imaging tests such as MRI to assess the condition of your brain.

Can a Rear-End Rideshare Accident Cause a Concussion?

Yes, a rear-end collision can indeed cause a concussion. In this type of accident, a vehicle moving forward crashes into another vehicle. 

As a result, the sudden impact can jolt the head of the driver or passenger, causing the brain to move within the skull, leading to a concussion.

What to Do If You Receive a Concussion from a Rideshare Accident

If you’re involved in a rideshare accident and experience concussion symptoms, it’s crucial to take the following steps to ensure proper treatment and compensation:

Check for Injuries

Ensure everyone’s safety and call 911 to report the accident. Refrain from moving anyone and wait for emergency responders. Seek immediate medical care if anyone is injured.

File a Police Report

After receiving medical treatment, wait for the police to arrive at the scene. Provide them with a detailed account of the accident and obtain a copy of the police report for your records.

Collect Evidence at the Scene

Before leaving, exchange contact information with all parties involved in the accident. Gather names, witness statements, and document damages with photos or videos.

Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft

Utilize the accident reporting forms on Uber or Lyft’s website. Await contact from a company representative for an accident statement. If you’ve sustained serious injuries, consider hiring a rideshare accident lawyer for legal representation.

Who to Sue After a Rideshare Accident?

Being injured in a rideshare accident doesn’t automatically entitle you to insurance coverage from Uber or Lyft. You’ll need to prove fault to receive proper compensation.

Man in a white shirt driving during a rideshare with a passenger behind him.
Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage if the driver was picking up passengers during the accident.

If the Rideshare Driver Is at Fault

Uber or Lyft may cover up to $100,000 (with a maximum of $50,000 per person) and $25,000 for property damage. Uber or Lyft can provide up to $1 million in liability coverage if the driver was on duty or picking up passengers during the accident. However, if the driver wasn’t using the rideshare app, you can only file a claim with the driver’s personal car insurance.

If the Other Driver Is at Fault

As a passenger, if you receive a concussion because another vehicle, such as a truck, hit your rideshare vehicle, you can file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. The driver with the greater percentage of fault is typically liable for the accident damages, including injuries. If the at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured, Uber or Lyft can provide coverage, but this varies by state.

Types of Damages You May Claim After a Rideshare Accident

If a rideshare accident is caused by negligence, the injured passenger can file a claim to recover damages. The compensation amount depends on the severity of the injuries. 

Here are the types of damages you can claim:

Medical Expenses

If you’ve suffered a concussion or other injuries, you can claim damages for your medical treatments, which may require long-term care. Brain injuries can lead to paralysis or permanent disability. 

Your doctor must verify these claims and provide an estimate for medical expenses, which can cover:

  • Imaging tests
  • Consultations
  • Disfigurement
  • In-home services
  • Medication

Loss of Enjoyment in Life

Loss of enjoyment in life refers to how the injury has diminished your quality of life. If you can’t enjoy activities like you did before, you can seek compensation for this loss. You can also recover damages for pain and mental suffering.

Lost Wages

Injuries resulting in a lack of mobility or temporary disability can affect your earning potential. Hospitalization and recovery time can prevent you from working, leading to lost wages.

How Can A Personal Injury Lawyer Help?

A personal injury lawyer at Adamson Ahdoot can assist you in several key areas:

Case Assessment

Your attorney will gather evidence, identify damages, and thoroughly review the details of your case to develop a solid strategy.

Legal Expertise

With in-depth knowledge and experience, a personal injury lawyer can interpret laws and build a robust case on your behalf.

Evidence Collection

Your lawyer will collect and safeguard crucial evidence, including accident reports, medical records, and witness statements.

Insurance Negotiation

Personal injury lawyers are skilled in negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Lawsuit Filing

Your attorney will handle all the paperwork, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.

Damage Calculation

A personal injury lawyer will account for all economic and non-economic damages, ensuring you receive full compensation.

Guidance and Support

Navigating the legal process can be complicated. A personal injury lawyer provides guidance and support throughout your journey.

Seek the Help of a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

If you’ve suffered a concussion from a rideshare accident, it’s best to hire a rideshare accident lawyer at Adamson Ahdoot. Navigating claims with rideshare companies can be challenging, but with our help, you can secure the compensation you deserve.

At Adamson Ahdoot, we have extensive experience handling complex rideshare accident cases. Contact us today at (800) 310-1606 for a no-obligation, free consultation with our expert lawyers.

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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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