Services such as Uber and Lyft provide a convenient means of getting from Point A to Point B in Santa Monica and the surrounding areas. Whether you don’t have a vehicle of your own, or you’re not able to safely operate one due to intoxication or other such factors, scheduling a ride with Uber or Lyft can be an ideal option in many situations.
That said, it’s important to remember that accidents involving rideshare services can and do happen. Perhaps you’ve been involved in one.
Review your case with a Santa Monica rideshare accidents attorney if so. At Randolph and Associates, a member of our team will go over the details of your case and explain whether you have grounds to seek financial compensation for your medical bills and related losses.
Rideshare services are fairly new. Thus, researchers haven’t had much time to study the impact these services have on accident rates.
That said, preliminary data indicates the rise of Uber and Lyft have correlated with a rise in traffic accidents throughout the country. Quite simply, these services put more vehicles on the road. The more crowded our roads are, the more chances there are for accidents to occur.
Santa Monica rideshare accidents can occur for many potential reasons. The following are just a few common examples:
Be aware that you don’t have to be a rideshare passenger to be involved in a Santa Monica rideshare accident. You can be injured in such an accident while driving or riding in another vehicle. You can also be harmed in an accident involving Uber or Lyft as a pedestrian.
Being harmed in any motor vehicle accident can leave you with injuries requiring costly medical treatment. Other potential losses your injuries may trigger include:
You deserve to recover financial compensation for these losses if your accident resulted from another party’s negligence. How you will go about recovering said compensation depends on various factors.
For example, perhaps you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent Uber driver. You might seek compensation by filing a claim to collect from Uber’s insurance if the driver had a passenger or had accepted a ride request at the time of your accident. If they were not using the Uber app when the accident occurred, you might have to file a claim to collect from their own personal insurance.
Don’t make the mistake of working directly with the insurance company when seeking financial compensation after being involved in a rideshare accident in the Santa Monica area. The goal of an insurer is to minimize the amount of money a claimant receives. If you speak with an insurance adjuster before seeking legal representation, there’s a chance you’ll accidentally make a statement that can give an insurer justification to offer less compensation than you may deserve.
Review your case with the experts at a Santa Monica rideshare accident law firm before working with the insurance company. Be aware, the initial consultation with a lawyer is free. You’re not taking on a financial risk by allowing a legal professional to evaluate your case. You’re also under no obligation to hire an attorney after meeting with them.
The purpose of an initial consultation is to allow a lawyer to determine if you have grounds to file a claim. This first meeting gives you a chance to ask questions about your case as well. Although no ethical rideshare accident lawyer can promise you’ll receive a specific amount of money when your case is settled, during your first meeting, a lawyer might also be able to estimate the approximate value of your claim. Your consultation is more likely to be productive and informative if you prepare for it by taking certain steps in advance. They include:
Don’t worry if you don’t have all the materials, evidence, or documentation referenced above. You can still benefit from reviewing your case with a lawyer even if you’re unable to take all the steps listed here. You’ll simply be more likely to get valuable answers to your questions if you prepare for your consultation as thoroughly as possible.
Determining whose insurance you should file a claim with is just one task a Santa Monica rideshare accident lawyer can assist you with. The team at our Santa Monica Uber and Lyft accidents law firm can also:
At Randolph and Associates, we have the experience and proven track record necessary to help you secure what you deserve. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting us online or calling us at 310-395-7900 for a free consultation.
