When your car breaks down and you need to get to work, call a rideshare. When you want to go out and enjoy a few drinks, call a rideshare. Rideshares, with their door-to-door drop-offs and pickups on a moment’s notice, provide a convenient, important service to travelers.
However, because of rideshare vehicles, roads are more congested, and with more congestion, there is more opportunity for accidents. Since accidents involving rideshare vehicles come with their own set of unique circumstances, it is important for victims to partner with a Burlington personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an incident. A Burlington rideshare accident lawyer from Rand Spear will work hard to get accident victims the compensation they deserve.
Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft claim their transportation options have helped reduce drunk driving accidents. According to the “Lyft Impact” page on the company website, some cities have seen 40% to 50% decreases in charges for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), and credits that decrease to the availability of rideshare opportunities. Other studies, however, such as one conducted by the University of Chicago, provide evidence indicating rideshare vehicles have caused a 2 to 4% “increase in fatal accidents and fatalities on the motor vehicle occupants and pedestrians” in cities those vehicles serve.
Uber’s safety page boasts only .0002% of Uber rides produced reports of critical safety incidents for a recent year of data collection. By the numbers, their safety report shows 101 motor-vehicle fatalities from 91 Uber-related collisions, and of these fatalities:
- 42% comprised vulnerable road users
- 64% comprised pedestrians
- 29% were third-party motorcyclists
- 7% were bicycle or scooter riders
- 94% of the fatal accidents were caused by third-party drivers, not Uber drivers
Despite the positive statistics, accidents still happen, and if you are represented in one of the .0002% of rideshare vehicle accidents, that low percentage is meaningless to you. You are still injured, have incurred damages, and need compensation. Rand Spear, The Accident Lawyer will navigate the legalities and insurance complexities of your accident to fight for the highest settlement possible.
How Insurance Structures Factor into Rideshare Accidents
Dealing with insurance companies ranks high on the list of frustrations following any car accident, but takes an even higher slot after a rideshare-involved accident. There are more insurance policies and companies to contend with, and each will likely try to avoid responsibility by claiming a different company is on the hook for paying you compensation. Whatever tactics they use, you are the one left without a fair settlement and facing increasing financial losses.
If a third-party vehicle is liable for the accident, that party’s insurance is responsible for paying your damages. If the rideshare driver is at fault, the timing of the accident determines which insurance company pays. With a careful investigation, your rideshare accident attorney in Burlington, PA, will ascertain the timing of your accident and work to hold the appropriate insurance company accountable.
Like most other rideshare companies, Uber has an insurance structure in place. Under this structure, Uber’s drivers are covered by their own policies if an accident occurs when they are off-duty. Uber insurance provides the following when the driver is active on the app and awaiting a fare:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 per accident
- $25,000 in property damage
When the driver is traveling to a pickup or transporting passengers, Uber has $1 million of insurance coverage for third-party liability, uninsured motorist bodily injury or first-party insurance, and contingent collision for the cash value of the car minus a deductible for accidents.
Burlington Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me (215) 985-2424
Get the Legal Representation You Need: Demand Rand
The team at Rand Spear has been fighting for accident victims for over 30 years and has over 200 years of combined experience. You can trust a Burlington rideshare accident attorney from our firm to manage your case with efficiency from start to finish. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can get to work.
First, your attorney will investigate your accident fully, figuring out what caused it and identifying the at-fault party. Through that investigation, your lawyer will compile evidence proving that party’s negligence and supporting your claim for compensation. Your experienced lawyer will assess your losses with care, not overlooking any details or underestimating any expenses, and send the responsible party’s representatives a settlement demand.
Insurance representatives for the at-fault party will work to negotiate a lower settlement deal and will use a variety of tactics to inflate your level of blame, intimidate you, or twist your words to lower their payout. To protect your interests, leave all communication with these parties to your knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyer in Burlington, PA.
How a Settlement Helps
Car accidents produce a range of injuries. Victims can sustain broken bones, soft tissue damage, internal organ damage, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other serious or catastrophic injuries. Along with physical pain and diminished abilities, these injuries bring emotional and financial consequences.
No two accidents or settlements are exactly the same. Still, you can expect your settlement demand to cover:
- Vehicle or other property damage
- Medical care costs, including future needs
- Income loss during recovery, and if applicable, future lost earnings and benefits
- Other expenses incurred by the accident and your injuries
- The value of your physical pain and emotional distress
- The value of your reduced quality of life
While some of your losses come with an actual bill, others are harder to value, making it essential for you to have an experienced lawyer calculate your settlement demand. Too often, victims underestimate damages, fail to anticipate future costs or discount their emotional suffering. Your losses deserve compensation, and your attorney will work to see them acknowledged.
We Are Ready to Get to Work
Rand Spear, the Accident Lawyer, is standing by and ready to work with you. To Demand Rand, simply call or send a message, and a Burlington rideshare accident lawyer will review your case for free. We are ready to put the power of our resources, legal knowledge, and experience into your case. Reach out today to start moving toward a more hopeful future.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
