Rideshare accidents have become much more common since the advent of Uber, Lyft, and other app-based services.
What should I expect in a case against a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft?
It is becoming more common for courts to hold the employer liable in Uber and Lyft accidents because they are responsible for conducting background checks and connecting riders with safe drivers.
These rideshare companies typically try to dodge liability by saying they are not, technically, “employers” – more like facilitators, using technology to pair drivers with riders. While this is an initial obstacle in these cases, Sunset West Legal Group has been able to help countless clients in assessing the true value of these potential settlements.
Factors for these evaluations include:
The extent and severity of the injuries you have suffered: Medical documentation including hospital records and treatments establishing a diagnosis of your injuries play a significant part in a future settlement. It’s critical to seek medical treatment immediately following an accident so that there is no major gap in medical treatment.
Your current and future medical and rehabilitation costs: Future medical care costs will be determined by long term injuries or disabilities you may have suffered due to trauma.
Economic damage suffered: Economic damages include and are not limited to your loss of income and future earnings due to long term injuries and disabilities you have suffered.
Non-Economic Damages: There are several ways to calculate pain and suffering compensation. An example of this is a per-diem calculated by placing a dollar amount for each day a person has had to suffer physically and psychologically based on the damage suffered. That number is then multiplied by the number of days an individual has suffered such harm.
Application of Punitive Damages: Courts will grant punitive damages to victims in cases where parties at-fault had acted in reckless disregard for the life and health of others.
Insurance policy coverage available: Lyft, Uber and other rideshare drivers must carry a commercial policy in order to have passengers in their vehicle, however keep in mind that the specific dollar amount available depends on the standing of the driver at the time of the accident.
At Sunset West Legal Group, we understand that every injury case is different. We have recovered millions for our clients by advising them on next steps, negotiating on their behalf with powerful insurance companies, and even representing clients in court in front of a jury. Your free consultation is the first step in letting us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.