Rideshare services are immensely popular throughout Illinois (and the country at large) because they offer convenience and affordability. Being able to get a ride at the click of a button is a simple luxury that just can’t be beaten.
One concern with ridesharing services, however, is understanding what your rights as a passenger or as another driver on the road are if the rideshare driver gets into an accident. Can you file a claim if you suffer injuries? Yes. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Liability in Rideshare Accidents
Following a rideshare crash, just as with any other personal injury claim, you will need to prove that another party’s negligent action resulted in your losses. In ordinary car accidents, you will need to show that the other vehicle involved in the collision holds the majority of the fault.
In rideshare accidents, however, liability can be a bit more complicated when the driver of the ridesharing car you were in is at fault. If that’s the case, then it may be possible to hold the company that employs them responsible as well.
If a rideshare vehicle hits your car, everything can become even more complicated. You would have to establish whether the driver was using the app and therefore “on the clock,” or if they were driving for non-work related reasons. The crux of whether it’s possible to hold the company that employs the driver liable lies there.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
Gathering the evidence necessary to establish who is responsible for your injuries and other losses requires taking these crucial steps after your rideshare accident:
Get to Safety
Before doing anything else, you must ensure that you and everyone else who may be involved in the collision are able to get to a safe location. Sometimes, accidents can leave vehicles in the middle of the road, making other crashes more likely to occur.
If you’re well enough to do so, get out of the vehicle and away from traffic. If, however, you feel significant pain, are actively bleeding, or think that you’ve hit your head, try not to move.
Call Emergency Services
Getting medical care as soon as possible is vital. Often, people don’t realize they’ve suffered injuries until the adrenaline wears off, but that can delay treatment.
Make certain that you get emergency medical teams to the site of the accident and that they assess you. Some injuries can be tough to spot, such as concussions and internal bleeding. Medical professionals, however, will know what to look for.
Understanding the scope of your injuries is essential not only for your safety, but also for your claim, since there will be records of your injuries from the start.
Speak With the Police
In accidents that result in injuries or property damage, the police need to be called to the scene. You can either do so yourself or wait until someone else does, but it’s something you can’t skip; you’ll need the police report to file a claim against the liable parties, whoever that might be.
When you talk with law enforcement, offer as much information as you can. Even small details can help them piece together the cause of the collision.
Gather Evidence
Unless you need to go to the hospital for emergency medical care, begin gathering evidence from the site. Take pictures of the vehicles involved, any skid marks on the road, and anything else that shows how the collision occurred.
It can also be helpful to jot down details of the accident while they’re still fresh. If there are witnesses, get their contact information, too. With it, your lawyer can contact them to have them provide testimony.
Contact Your Insurer
If you were in another vehicle and a rideshare car hit you, you’ll need to let your insurance company know that you were in an accident. The conversation should be short, and you should avoid stating anything about fault. Stick to the most basic facts.
Hire an Illinois Car Accident Lawyer
As soon as you can, hire an experienced car accident lawyer who knows how to tackle rideshare collisions. They can continue communicating with insurance companies and begin the negotiation process on your behalf.
Get an Experienced Team on Your Side
Going through a car accident that leaves you with injuries is devastating. Add to that the complexities of establishing liability in a rideshare accident, and you may start feeling helpless. It’s important to know that if someone’s negligence resulted in your losses, you may have a right to file a claim against them.
At the Law Offices of Glenn & West, LLC, our team of Illinois personal injury lawyers provides the guidance you need as you go through this process. With locations in Nokomis and Litchfield, we offer our services to those throughout Central Illinois and beyond. Contact our team to schedule a free consultation.
