Rideshare apps like Lyft and Uber have been transformative. They’ve changed taxi and cab standards. They’ve given many drivers the ability to set their own hours and earn extra money, or even a full-time income, from driving. They’ve added an important digital record to where people go when they order a ride home. But when there’s a car crash involving a rideshare vehicle, you may need an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer to help navigate the terrain.
Osborne & Francis is a law firm with extensive experience in car accident and injury cases. Read on to learn why contacting an attorney after an Uber or Lyft accident may be necessary, wise, and even vital to you and your family.
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
Car accidents are all-too-frequent in places where people must commute to work, shop, eat, and basically live. According to DriverKnowledge, of the car accidents which occur yearly, approximately 6% result in fatality, 27% in non-fatality injury, and 72% involve property damage.
Statistically, if you spend a regular amount of time in cars (daily, weekly, monthly), you’re bound to be in an accident eventually. What are the most common causes of these accidents?
Like train conductors and bus drivers, rideshare drivers are considered common carriers, which means they have a higher duty of care when driving passengers around. Many drivers take this responsibility seriously, and are only involved in an accident when the circumstances are outside of their control.
However, should a driver not exhibit the care owed, any resulting crash could be deemed their fault, and the fault of the rideshare company that hired them.
But sometimes it doesn’t matter what’s done inside a rideshare vehicle, it matters what another car on the road does. Who needs a lawyer then? Read on to find out who exactly should call an Uber or Lyft car accident attorney.
Regardless of who may be at fault, it is important to protect yourself with trusted legal counsel when dealing with large companies after a car accident. Similar to those involved in commercial trucking accidents, individuals involved in these types of vehicular collisions may find themselves caught between insurance companies and business interests. It’s an intimidating and potentially dangerous place to be.
Those who may need an Uber or Lyft car accident lawyer include:
If you’re unsure whether you need a lawyer, the quickest way to find out is to call and ask. Beginning a conversation with the office of Osborne & Francis today could mean you’re ultimately protected by an experienced attorney who can calm your fears, foresee certain issues before they become problems, and help make sure you’re able to access the support you require for repairs and/or recovery.
Should a driver not exhibit the care owed, any resulting crash could be deemed their fault, and the fault of the rideshare company that hired them.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) accounts for the yearly statistics involving vehicle crash types and fatalities. It is well-known that car accidents have the potential to be emotionally traumatizing, physically damaging, or even fatal. They are serious events, and are considered as such in a legal arena.
Should it be determined that your crash was caused by someone else’s mistake, wrongdoing, or negligence, the damages award could include:
There is more to be accounted for than what insurance companies usually provide after a car accident. Call the offices of Osborne & Francis at (561) 293-2600 to discuss your specific case and the best way to handle it going forward.
The legal minds at Osborne & Francis handle nationwide cases from our headquarters in South Florida. We have years of experience in helping car accident survivors and families down the road to recovery. In a world of rideshare driving and other modern forms of transportation, our commitment has not changed.
If you or your loved one were harmed in an auto accident involving an Uber or Lyft rideshare car, call us at (561) 293-2600, or reach out via our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. The knowledgeable team of Osborne & Francis is here to help.
Car accidents are all too common, and rideshare accidents in particular often involve the following causes:
It may be wise to speak to an attorney with rideshare accident experience on where you stand and what to expect if you are:
Settlements or verdicts in car accident cases can help account for: