You may be unsure where to turn when you are injured in a rideshare accident. You are hurt, but you may not have been the driver, and the driver is on the clock as an independent contractor. What does that mean for your claim?
Rideshare accidents happen, but you may not be sure where to turn when it happens to you. You are hurt and need compensation, but you may be unsure what to do without an Arcadia rideshare accident lawyer. Luckily, the team at Simmrin Law Group is here to help.
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident and need help recovering from the suffering you experienced, your lawyer is ready to help you recover your compensation.
Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Accident?
When you are involved in any car accident claim, determining who is at fault for your accident is key. The person who caused your accident may be the at-fault party, or they may direct you to who is liable for the costs of your recovery. However, you may wonder who is financially liable for your recovery.
While in other cases, this may be the case, rideshare companies are not fully responsible for the actions of their workers. Rideshare apps employ independent contractors with separate rules about responsibility and liability. Because of this, you may be unable to sue the company.
This does not mean you are out of options. Rideshare drivers must carry commercial drivers insurance, which means their insurance company will pay a much higher settlement in certain cases. If you are injured and need compensation, an insurance settlement may cover the costs of your recovery. Talk to a lawyer about liability and your options.
Compensation for an Arcadia Rideshare Accident
When you need funds to recover from your rideshare accident injuries, you may need to determine what your claim is worth now. Sometimes, the at-fault party may claim your case is worth less or deny you to avoid paying what you are due.
If you are seeking compensation for your injuries, do not hesitate to ask an Arcadia rideshare accident attorney for the guidance you need in determining what your claim is worth. You need to know the potential value of the damages or suffering you experienced from your crash.
Economic Damages
Accidents can be costly to manage. For example, you may have been seriously hurt and need medical care, which can cost thousands, even for relatively minor injuries. Likewise, you may have serious car damage, or your car may be totaled. These kinds of losses are called economic damages or financial costs associated with the accident.
When dealing with economic damages, you typically need to add up your current damages and estimate your future damages. For example, if you need future treatment for your injuries or suffer long-term damage, you may be entitled to compensation that covers these damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, also called pain and suffering damages, are the intangible suffering we experience when injured in a rideshare accident. You may be traumatized by the accident, dealing with nightmares, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other serious suffering.
Because these damages are difficult to calculate, you may need a rideshare accident attorney in Arcadia, CA, to guide you. Your lawyer will determine the compensation you are due for these damages based on their severity and the impact you suffer because of them.
Punitive Damages
After a rideshare accident, you may believe the person who injured you was acting wantonly dangerous or intended to harm you. For example, a speeding drunk driver may have struck your rideshare.
When your accident is made especially serious because another driver was behaving so dangerously, you may have grounds for punitive damages. These damages are not frequently awarded, so you should talk with your lawyer about your chances of receiving compensation for these damages.
Steps to Take Following a Rideshare Crash in Arcadia
When you are hurt in an Arcadia rideshare accident, you may be stunned and confused at first. You may have trouble getting the answers you need, especially as you deal with the aftermath at the scene. Follow these recommendations to protect your safety and compensation.
Get Medical Help
First, make sure anyone injured in the accident gets medical attention. Even if you feel fine, being examined can ensure you are not dealing with worsening injuries you cannot feel or delayed injuries. It can also prevent any claims from your insurance company that you did not seek care after the accident.
If you did not get treated at the scene, make an appointment with your doctor for a full examination as soon as possible.
Gather Supporting Evidence
Gathering evidence for your case now can help later. A police report is an expert testimony about the details of your claim, including where the driver was hit and how the accident happened. This report can be vital in proving the other party caused the harm you suffered in your rideshare accident.
If you were involved in a rideshare accident as another driver, let your insurer know immediately. Reporting the accident now can help you later if you file a claim with your insurance company.
Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Arcadia, CA
Finally, ensure you have a lawyer during these difficult times. Your rideshare accident attorney in Arcadia can help you get answers and your due compensation. They are prepared to represent you in the courtroom if your claim goes to court, and they can help negotiate with insurance companies and other parties if needed.
Injured? Connect with a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Arcadia, CA
After an Arcadia rideshare accident, you may have difficulties overcoming the pain, suffering, and financial woes an accident can bring. Fortunately, you have options to get compensated fairly for the suffering you have experienced.
At Simmrin Law Group, we know it can be challenging to face a rideshare accident. You may have a long, complex case ahead of you in some circumstances. Fortunately, our Arcadia rideshare accident lawyer has the tools you need for a successful claim.
We also offer free consultations to those who need help after a rideshare accident. To learn more, call our office or fill out our online contact form.