Rideshare services have become incredibly popular over the past few years, providing convenient and affordable transportation options for people in Circleville, Ohio, and beyond. However, with the increasing number of rideshare vehicles on the road, there has also been an increase in the number of Uber and Lyft accidents. If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.
Who is Liable in Uber and Lyft Accidents?
When it comes to determining liability for a rideshare accident, the rules can be a bit complex. The liability will depend on a few different factors, such as who was at fault for the accident, whether the driver was on the clock or off-duty, and whether the driver was carrying a passenger at the time of the accident.
If the rideshare driver was at fault for the accident, they could be held liable for any damages that resulted. However, if the driver was off-duty and not currently working for Uber or Lyft, the company’s insurance may not apply.
If the driver was on the clock and carrying a passenger at the time of the accident, the liability will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident. In general, Uber and Lyft both have insurance policies that provide coverage for their drivers and passengers in the event of an accident. If the driver was at fault, the company’s insurance may be responsible for covering the damages.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Like any type of car accident, there are many different factors that can contribute to rideshare accidents. Some common causes of rideshare accidents in Circleville, Ohio, include:
Uber and Lyft accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, including driver error, negligence, and external factors. Some of the most common causes of rideshare accidents in Circleville, Ohio include:
Distracted Driving: Many rideshare accidents occur when the driver is distracted while driving. This may include using a mobile phone, eating or drinking while driving, or engaging in conversation with passengers.
Fatigue: Rideshare drivers are often on the road for long hours, which can lead to driver fatigue. A fatigued driver is more likely to make mistakes and cause an accident.
Reckless Driving: Some drivers may engage in reckless driving behavior such as speeding, sudden lane changes, or aggressive driving.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Rideshare drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are in good working order. If a vehicle is not properly maintained, it may be more likely to break down or cause an accident.
Weather Conditions: Inclement weather can make driving more dangerous and increase the risk of accidents. Rideshare drivers should adjust their driving behavior to accommodate adverse weather conditions.
Inadequate Training: Some rideshare drivers may not receive adequate training before they begin driving. This lack of training can result in drivers making mistakes or not knowing how to handle certain situations.
It is important to note that these are just some of the common causes of rideshare accidents. Each accident is unique and may involve multiple factors that contributed to the incident. A thorough investigation is necessary to determine the specific cause or causes of an accident.
Common Injuries from Uber and Lyft Accidents
Rideshare accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-changing disabilities or even death. Some common injuries from rideshare accidents in Circleville, Ohio, include:
Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury resulting from the sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head and neck. It can cause pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders, as well as headaches and dizziness.
Concussions: Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occur when the brain is jolted or shaken inside the skull. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Broken bones: Rideshare accidents can cause fractures to any bone in the body. The most common fractures are those to the arms, legs, and ribs.
Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries occur when the spinal cord is damaged or severed. They can result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired bodily functions.
Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries can include sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They can be painful and limit mobility.
Internal injuries: Rideshare accidents can also result in internal injuries, such as damage to organs like the liver or spleen, which may require immediate medical attention.
Psychological injuries: The psychological impact of a rideshare accident can be significant, leading to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.
It is important to seek medical attention after a rideshare accident, even if you do not feel immediate pain or discomfort. Some injuries may not manifest until hours or even days after the accident.
Additionally, some injuries may have long-term effects that can impact your ability to work or enjoy your daily activities. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and seek compensation for your injuries.
The Legal Claim Process
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your legal rights and seek compensation for your injuries. These include:
Seek medical attention: Your health and well-being should be your top priority after an accident. Seek medical attention right away, even if you do not think you have been seriously injured.
Collect information: Collect as much information as possible about the accident, including the names and contact information of all drivers involved, insurance information, and witness statements.
Report the accident: Report the accident to the rideshare company as soon as possible. Both Uber and Lyft have dedicated safety teams that can assist with the claims process.
Contact an attorney: It is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complex claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you are involved in a rideshare accident, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. This includes seeking medical attention, documenting the accident, contacting the rideshare company, and consulting with an experienced attorney. Kruger & Hodges is here to help and provide the guidance and representation needed to achieve a successful outcome. Our team of experienced attorneys has helped accident victims throughout Ohio. They understand the complexities of rideshare accident cases and can help victims navigate the legal process to ensure they receive fair compensation for their injuries. Contact our Circleville, OH law offices today for your free consultation.
