Should I Hire a Bakersfield Rideshare Accident Lawyer?
One might believe that settling an Uber accident claim or lawsuit in Bakersfield would be simple. The fact is, it’s not as simple as your typical claims process, proving liability and dealing with another driver’s insurance company. There is nothing straightforward about resolving an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver. This is why car accident cases with ridesharing vehicles require the legal counsel of a Bakersfield rideshare accident lawyer
Hence, the difficulties involved in getting compensation from these rideshare companies make for the employment of an experienced rideshare accident attorney.
In this article, you’ll learn how they can assist you in effectively bringing a claim against these big companies and making sure you get the compensation you deserve. Read on to learn more.
Gathering Evidence Is Key
In every vehicle accident lawsuit, whether or not an Uber was involved, the plaintiff must be able to prove two things: culpability (who is to blame) and damages (how badly you were injured).
A competent Uber and Lyft accident lawyer will gather all of the evidence required to prove liability in a car accident.
Even if you have the rideshare driver’s name and photos of any damages, a good attorney will go to whatever length to prove the other party is at fault. A lawyer will get police reports, talk to the responding officers, interview witnesses, and may even consult with forensic experts to evaluate the accident scene.
Additional evidence will require proof of your injuries. Obtaining bills and data from medical providers can be very difficult at times. In certain cases, doctors may not properly detail the cause and degree of the injuries in their medical notes. This is when a personal injury lawyer comes in handy.
It is also important to see your doctor and make sure you keep all your scheduled appointments to treat all ongoing injuries sustained from the accident. Proof of these injuries can be critical evidence to support your personal injury claim.
What Are TNCs?
Companies that provide ride-hailing and sharing services using mobile apps are called Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). It is pertinent to know some facts about these ridesharing companies so as to properly put matters in perspective.
There’s always the chance that you’ll be a passenger in an Uber that gets into a car accident. After all, car accidents hurt between 20-50 million people each year.
According to research, there were 49 “Uber-related” deaths in 2017, and that figure increased to 58 in 2018. These numbers do not include non-fatal accidents.
Furthermore, because ridesharing is a relatively new innovation, a case brought forward due to an Uber or Lyft accident is frequently more complex than most vehicle accident cases. This is why it’s vital to work with a car accident attorney who is experienced with Uber accidents and Lyft accidents.
Speak with a Bakersfield Rideshare Accident Lawyer
According to a California legislation that went into effect on July 1st, 2015, TNCs are required to have third-party liability insurance coverage for all three periods of their app usage–when the app is open and waiting for a match when a match is accepted but the passenger has not been picked up yet, and when the passenger is in the vehicle and until the passenger exits the vehicle.
Uber’s third-party liability insurance covers up to $1 million in damages for bodily injuries and property damage per accident. These plans kick in once the Uber driver’s personal insurance has been exhausted or if they do not have enough auto insurance to cover their injuries.
If your Uber driver is at fault for the accident, you are always covered as a passenger. In this type of case, however, if another driver is at fault, the at-fault driver is responsible for insurance. It is recoverable through a personal injury lawsuit or a third-party vehicle insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s personal automobile insurance company.
An expert personal injury attorney will know and understand a rideshare company’s insurance policy as it pertains to coverage for their independent contractors.