Last updated on September 14th, 2023 at 09:06 pm
As ride-sharing services like Uber gain popularity, accidents involving these vehicles are becoming more and more frequent. When a ride-sharing mishap occurs, it can result in injuries and mounting medical expenses for passengers and drivers. Seeking compensation for these injuries can be a complicated process, but an experienced Uber accident lawyer will be able to assist you.
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Understanding Ride Sharing
Companies like Uber, Lyft, and other popular ride-sharing platforms connect customers with drivers through apps. These drivers typically use their vehicles to offer transportation services in exchange for payment. Statistics reveal that over 103 million Americans have used a ride-share service at once. With such a huge number of people relying on these services regularly, accidents involving ride-share vehicles are bound to happen. This is where the services of an experienced Bakersfield Uber accident attorney can be useful.
Common Causes of Ride-Sharing Accidents
The causes of ride-sharing accidents vary depending on the circumstances. Some common factors include:
Driver error: Similar to any motor vehicle accident, driver error is often identified as the main cause of an Uber accident.
Distracted driving: Drivers may become distracted by texting or using the app while behind the wheel.
Fatigue: Many drivers who work for ride-sharing services work long hours in an effort to earn income. Unfortunately, this can sometimes result in them driving while fatigued.
Another factor that can contribute to accidents is when drivers are unfamiliar with the routes they are taking. This is especially true for drivers who are new to an area and may not be familiar with the roads, which can lead to mistakes while driving. While this is a valid reason, this may not always help establish fault or liability.
Determining Fault or Liability
When it comes to determining liability in a ride-sharing accident, both state regulations and insurance laws play key roles. In general, all parties involved in the accident will share some level of responsibility. The driver of the vehicle has a duty of care towards motorists and must operate their vehicle reasonably unless instructed otherwise by the passenger during the trip. If a driver acts negligently or recklessly and causes an accident resulting in injuries, they will be held accountable for their actions.
Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft do not directly employ their drivers even though they generate revenue from their services. These companies can be held liable if an accident occurs while a driver is providing transportation services to a passenger with insurance coverage limits. In some cases, another driver may have contributed to the accident. If this is determined to be true, the driver may also bear responsibility for some or all of the damages resulting from the accident.
How Can a Lawyer Specializing in Uber Accidents Be of Assistance?
A skilled attorney who specializes in Uber accidents possesses an understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding ride-sharing at both the state and federal levels. They can provide you with assistance by:
Gathering Evidence: To build a case on your behalf, your attorney will gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photographs, and surveillance footage.
Managing Insurance Claims: Cases involving ride-sharing incidents often involve insurance companies. Therefore, it is crucial to handle the claims efficiently to cover all injuries resulting from the accident.
Negotiating With Insurance Adjusters: An experienced attorney will negotiate with insurance companies to seek appropriate compensation for medical expenses and other financial losses incurred.
Pursuing Legal Action: In certain instances, taking legal action becomes necessary. Seasoned attorneys represent clients in arbitration proceedings or file lawsuits to seek compensation on behalf of injured passengers.
In conclusion
The popularity of ride-sharing services like Uber continues to soar, which unfortunately leads to an increase in accidents involving these services. It is important to hold negligent parties accountable despite the complexities that may arise during battles, as nobody should suffer due to someone’s negligence. Hence, it’s important to hire a lawyer who has expertise in handling Uber accident cases. This will help ensure that you receive treatment in time, especially when it comes to getting your medical bills covered promptly. It’s worth noting that many local healthcare providers tend to check credit scores before granting loans for procedures.
