Rideshare accident cases can be overwhelmingly complex. Injured victims may not know where to begin when they seek guidance on asserting legal claims against the parties liable for their injuries. Fortunately, you can turn to the Simmrin Law Group to understand how the insurance claim and lawsuit processes work.
Experiencing Trauma After a Rideshare Accident
We understand the pain and confusion you may feel after a rideshare accident in Buena Park. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your options and help you move forward with your claim for compensation. Contact us to speak with a Buena Park rideshare accident lawyer today.
Rideshare Accidents in California
Millions of people use rideshare applications in the state of California. Commuters use rideshare applications when they seek transportation to and from their places of employment. Individuals who are not working often use these apps when they go out to clubs and parties in cities such as Buena Park and Los Angeles.
Rideshare accidents often occur unexpectedly. Many passengers do not think about being involved in an automobile accident with a rideshare driver, expecting their drivers to exercise more care on the road. However, these accidents occur frequently, leaving accident victims wondering how to seek monetary compensation for their injuries.
Insurance Policies and Rideshare Companies
The insurance policies that may apply to an accident will vary depending on whether the rideshare driver was logged into the driver application when the automobile accident occurred. An insurance policy may not apply if you were only waiting on a rideshare driver to pick you up and they were involved in an accident before they arrived to pick you up.
The policy limits of the applicable insurance policies will be different depending on when the driver was logged into the software application. Also, many rideshare companies categorize their drivers as independent contractors so they can avoid liability. However, an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in Buena Park can analyze the facts of your case to determine if you have viable claims to assert against the driver or the rideshare company.
The Types of Injuries Victims Suffer During Rideshare Accidents in Buena Park
Suffering serious bodily injuries in a rideshare accident can affect you for the rest of your life. You may suffer from temporary or permanent disability due to your injuries. The first thing you should do after being involved in this type of crash is to seek medical treatment for your injuries.
The following are some of the common injuries victims suffer during rideshare accidents in Buena Park:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures
- Neck injuries
- Severe burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Disfigurement
Some accident victims suffer temporary or permanent disability due to the nature of their injuries. Rideshare accidents often occur when drivers and passengers are inside an automobile together. Often, the occupants can suffer more severe injuries if they are not wearing safety belts; also, some injuries are treated with multiple surgeries and extensive physical rehabilitation.
The Types of Damages Rideshare Accident Victims Can Claim
Damages are intended to compensate the victim and make the victim whole after suffering injuries during a rideshare accident. Generally speaking, damages are divided into economic damages and non-economic damages. Your rideshare accident attorney in Buena Park can help you calculate the full range of your losses for your compensation request.
Economic Damages and Non-Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to those injuries that can be calculated based on an examination of bills, records, and other documents. Non-economic damages are those damages that are peculiar to the injured victim and based on the victim’s subjective experience. These damages are often not reducible to a numerical value, but an estimate is often calculated based on medical records and other facts.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are reserved for particularly egregious behavior that is likely to cause harm to society as a whole. These damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter the defendant from performing the same harmful act in the future. An injured victim will need to speak to a knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyer about whether punitive damages will be applicable to their case.
The following are some of the most common types of damages claimed in rideshare accident cases:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Medical bills
- Lost earnings
- Lost future earnings
- Home health costs
- Physical rehabilitation
- Mental health counseling
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that fatalities alone from vehicle crashes account for as much as $55 billion in medical and work loss costs. The economic effect of injuries is much higher. On top of physical injuries, many accident victims suffer from emotional conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Benefits of Retaining a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Retaining a rideshare accident lawyer will enable you to rest and recover from your injuries while a knowledgeable lawyer handles every aspect of your case. If you have to prepare for mediation during your case, then your lawyer will be there to guide you through every step of the process.
Arbitration
Arbitration is also a common feature of rideshare accident cases, although they are often disputed if not clearly communicated. An arbitration clause may be applicable to your legal relationship with the rideshare company. If this is so, then your rideshare accident lawyer in Buena Park can help you understand the differences between binding arbitration and non-binding arbitration.
Preparing for Depositions and Trial
Having a Buena Park rideshare accident attorney on your side can make you more prepared for deposition and trial preparation. The majority of civil lawsuits do not proceed to trial, and it is unlikely that you will need to prepare for trial. However, you will likely be deposed by opposing counsel to answer questions about the crash under oath.
A skilled lawyer can help you prepare for the questions opposing counsel will ask you regarding the cause of the accident and the nature of your injuries. Retaining a Buena Park rideshare accident attorney during this process can help you feel less stressed and intimidated during the deposition.
Contact the Simmrin Law Group Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
Dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be stressful and overwhelming. We have years of experience representing clients in rideshare accident cases. Many aspects of these cases can be complex, and the Simmrin Law Group can help you seek financial compensation for your injuries.
Do not be afraid to stand up to insurance companies and rideshare companies. The Simmrin Law Group is here for you when you need legal representation. Contact us today to schedule a free initial case evaluation.