Navigating the Aftermath: A Guide to Handling Rideshare Incidents
Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Rideshare like Uber, Lyft and Via have revolutionized the way we travel, offering convenience and flexibility unmatched by traditional transportation methods. However, accidents and unexpected incidents can occur, leaving riders unsure of the steps to take next. If you find yourself injured or assaulted during a rideshare journey, it's crucial to know how to document the incident, seek medical attention, and protect your legal rights.
Immediate Steps Following an Incident
1. Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Your well-being is paramount. If you're involved in an accident or suffer an assault, your first priority should be to assess your safety and health. If you're injured, seek medical attention immediately, even if the injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately but could have long-term implications.
2. Document the Incident
Documentation is key to supporting any potential legal claim. Here's how to effectively document the incident:
Take Photos and Videos: Capture clear images of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages to the vehicle. If it's safe and possible, record videos as well. This visual evidence can be critical in legal proceedings.
Gather Information: Exchange contact information with the driver and any witnesses. Note the make, model, and license plate of the vehicle, and save the ride details available through the app, including the driver's name, ride time, and location.
Report the Incident to the Rideshare Company: Most rideshare apps have a feature for reporting accidents or safety issues. Use this feature to inform the company about the incident, but be cautious about sharing detailed information that could be used against you in a legal setting.
3. Avoid Giving Statements
It's important to be cautious about the information you share following an incident. Do not give a statement to the rideshare company or their lawyers without legal representation. Anything you say can be used in a way that may not be in your best interest.
Factors That Affect Your Georgia Rideshare Accident Settlement
Lyft and Uber accident settlements will vary on a case-by-case basis.
As a general rule, the more serious injuries sustained during a rideshare accident, the more valuable the case becomes. This is because, typically, if your injuries are worse, your economic losses are higher and emotional damage more significant.
The Severity of Injuries
It is extremely important to get medical treatment as soon as possible for injuries sustained during a rideshare accident. Hospital records are critical evidence for a rideshare settlement.
Beyond that, future medical bills and rehabilitation costs will greatly factor into a rideshare settlement.
Economic Damage Suffered
Economic damage suffered can mean anything from a loss of income due to recovery time to a loss of future income as a result of disabilities.
After a crash, you may not be able to perform the same jobs as before, so you would be entitled to a higher rideshare settlement.
Non-Economic Damage Suffered
Emotional damage suffered and recurring physical pain from your rideshare accident are factors of your settlement. There are many ways that non-economic damage is calculated. This will vary on a case-by-case basis.
You may also be entitled to a higher rideshare settlement if the at-fault party acted intentionally or recklessly with disregard for the life and health of others. In many jurisdictions, reckless behavior can include driving while under the influence or hit and run accidents.
The behavior of the at-fault party will affect your rideshare settlement greatly.
Insurance Policy Coverage
Your rideshare settlement will be affected by insurance policy coverage. Each rideshare company and driver will have different insurance policy coverage during different phases of the ride, like we explained above. These differences will affect how much of a rideshare settlement an insurance company will cover.Protecting Your Legal Rights
After addressing immediate safety and health concerns and documenting the incident, your next step should be to consult with legal professionals. This is where Kirkbride Law steps in.
Contact Kirkbride Law
With expertise in handling cases involving rideshare incidents, Kirkbride Law is equipped to guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected. By contacting Kirkbride Law at 678-719-0331 or visiting www.kirkbridelaw.com, you'll gain access to attorneys who specialize in advocating for victims of rideshare accidents and assaults.
Why Choose Kirkbride Law?
Expertise in Rideshare Incidents: Specializing in rideshare-related legal matters, Kirkbride Law understands the complexities of navigating claims against major rideshare companies.
Personalized Legal Support: Every case is unique. Kirkbride Law provides personalized attention to ensure your case is handled with the care it deserves.
No Upfront Cost: Kirkbride Law operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay unless they win your case.
Conclusion
Experiencing an accident or assault in a rideshare service can be traumatic and confusing. By following the steps outlined above and enlisting the support of Kirkbride Law, you can navigate the aftermath with confidence. Remember, your safety and legal rights should always come first. Don't hesitate to reach out to Kirkbride Law for the expertise and support you need during such challenging times.
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