Injured in a Rideshare Accident? Here Is What You Should Know

Rideshare accidents can leave you in pain and uncertainty, unsure of the next course of action. It's not just about the physical and mental trauma you may experience. It’s also about compensation.

Who will pay for the damages? And how much settlement are you entitled to? In this short read, you will learn all there is to know about rideshare accidents and how compensation works in such scenarios. Read on to learn more about how to deal with an injury that happened on a rideshare.

How Rideshare Accident Compensation Works

First, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are legally required to maintain $1 million in liability coverage—a reassuring statistic for rideshare accident victims. However, you must understand that suing a rideshare company for compensation and winning can be complicated. In such a case, consider speaking to personal injury attorney Felix Gonzales of Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm

You see, the compensation you will be entitled to will depend on several factors. For instance, at what point of the trip did the accident occur? Was the driver off duty? Has the trip started?

There are many factors that could potentially affect the width of your claim. Here is how:

Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage

Although rideshare companies maintain $1 million in insurance, getting compensated even with such comprehensive coverage can be difficult. In these cases, the insurance system uses a three-point structure based on the trip's status at the time of the accident.

The coverage is minimal if the driver is off duty or the trip is yet to begin. However, the coverage is comprehensive if the driver was on the way to pick up a passenger at the time of the incident.

But even then, getting compensated can be difficult because insurance companies tend to be reluctant to settle claims. Here is how the insurance claim process works.

Pursuing Your Claim

Most of the time, rideshare companies will direct your personal injury claim to their insurer. This is the point where the waters start getting murky. Insurance companies can be the best partners, but only when playing on your team. When you are on the opposite side, things can get complicated quickly.

Insurance agents have a duty to make a profit for their business, which automatically translates to minimizing their financial liability. As such, they may look for vulnerabilities in your suit and exploit them. Do not give them that opportunity.

Any lawsuit, personal injury included, stands on the foundation of evidence. Victims should collect and document all evidence that may affect the case, including rideshare driver information, documentation of medical treatment, and witness information.

In addition to that, it's advisable to consult a Texas personal injury lawyer. They understand the inner workings of rideshare insurance claims and can protect you from agents' tactics to minimize victim claims.

They will analyze your injury and estimate the amount of compensation you are entitled to. If all goes south and negotiations with the insurance companies reach a stalemate, the case will proceed to court.

If that happens, your Texas attorney will prepare a strong case and advocate for your best interests in court. They will track down witnesses and prepare them to take the stand. They will also interview and hire expert witnesses to strengthen your claim if needed.

They Handle Communication with Insurers

Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating, as they often try to reduce payouts. A skilled lawyer negotiates on your behalf, ensuring you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Conclusion

Rideshare accidents can be legally complex, and insurance companies may try to minimize your claim. Understanding coverage and gathering evidence are crucial steps toward fair compensation. Consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the settlement you deserve for your injuries and losses. Do not suffer the consequences of a rideshare accident alone. Consult a qualified personal injury lawyer today.