People use Uber, Lyft, and other cab services to move around for business or personal reasons. While they are convenient, there are several unfortunate reported incidences that you should know about. Rideshare accidents are many, and handling a lawsuit can be hectic without legal help. For this reason, learning the legal steps to handling such a lawsuit is crucial. The steps explained in this first-timers’ guide should be helpful.
Get to a Safe Place
Once involved in a rideshare accident, ensure you get to a safe place before taking further action. This, however, doesn’t mean moving away from the accident scene. Find a place around the accident scene where the police and the paramedics can find you and offer their services. Move aside if the accident happens in the middle of the road. This is to avoid the inconveniences that come with oncoming traffic.
Seek Medical Attention
After finding a safe place as a victim, the next step should be seeking proper medical attention. This is paramount as the chances of sustaining injuries after an accident are higher. If the paramedics are far away, get a medical checkup at the nearest healthcare facility. Handling your lawsuit remains easier when you are in good health. This is crucial before looking for an Uber/Lyft accident attorney to handle your case.
Involve the Police in an Accident Investigation
Knowing the cause of the accident will help you take further action easily. As the victim, you want the answers to take legal steps and seek justice effortlessly. You can achieve this objective by working with the police. After getting medical attention, call 911 and inform the police of the accident. Invite them to help you investigate the accident’s cause and make a determination before you file the lawsuit. Their findings will help you in your quest for justice.
Find a Reputable Lawyer
Finding a reputable lawyer to handle your rideshare accident lawsuit is paramount, like any other legal issue. A rideshare accident lawyer understands the steps you must take to keep your case viable and get a favourable court verdict. The different legal variables call for proper legal guidance, hence the need to find a reputable lawyer as soon as possible. Check the local law firms to increase the chances of finding the right lawyer.
Gather Evidence
You present evidence to the court to keep your case viable and increase your success. What the court needs as evidence can, however, differ. For rideshare accidents, work with the police and your lawyer to easily gather evidence and support your lawsuit. Your lawyer should offer guidance and ensure the evidence-collection process is realistic. The more evidence you provide, the easier it will be to handle your rideshare accident lawsuit and achieve your objectives.
Get Witness Information
You might need witness information to support your rideshare accident lawsuit. As you take photos and videos at the accident scene, ensure you get witness information to increase success chances. You need witnesses to back your claim in court and during the trial. Your rideshare accident lawyer should help you get the witness information and use it rightfully.
Contact Your Insurance Company
When handling rideshare accident lawsuits, make sure your insurer gets involved. You should file a claim with your insurer after the accident and make the settlement negotiation process effective. The insurer will check and consider your policy coverage and the compensation you can receive from the lawsuit. After contacting your insurer, compensation for car damages, medical treatment, and legal fees remains possible.
Handling a rideshare accident lawsuit can greatly affect your energy and finances. You need proper legal guidance to increase your success chances as a victim. By working with a lawyer and following the steps explained in this guide, you easily get justice and achieve your objectives.