After your rideshare accident, it’s essential to determine when to seek the guidance of a Glendale rideshare accident lawyer. We understand that you may want to handle the situation on your own, but we highly discourage it because the process is challenging.
The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your rights and help you find the path forward for your life.
If you’re unsure about how to proceed or have questions about your rideshare accident, we recommend seeking our assistance. To learn more, schedule a free consultation today to talk to a Glendale Uber and Lyft accident lawyer.
Immediate Medical Attention Needed
After a rideshare accident in Glendale, you should prioritize seeking immediate medical attention, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, as some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away.
This is important because the adrenaline rush from the accident can mask pain and discomfort, leading you to underestimate the severity of your injuries. Delaying medical attention can worsen your condition, making it more challenging to recover and potentially impacting your ability to file a successful claim.
When you call for emergency services, make sure to request an ambulance, as this will guarantee you receive immediate medical priority. Unfortunately, ambulance delays can occur, but it’s vital to stay calm and focused on getting the medical attention you need. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from bystanders or witnesses to expedite the process.
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Severity of Injuries Uncertain
With the seriousness of your injuries uncertain, it’s important to undergo a thorough medical evaluation to identify potential hidden injuries, such as internal bleeding or soft tissue damage, which may not be immediately apparent.
You may feel fine initially, but it’s essential to rule out any underlying conditions that could worsen over time. A detailed medical exam can help detect hidden symptoms that might not be obvious at first.
Delayed diagnosis is a common issue in rideshare accidents, where victims may not realize the full extent of their injuries until days or even weeks later. This can lead to prolonged recovery periods, increased medical bills, and a higher risk of long-term damage.
By seeking immediate medical attention, you can reduce the risk of delayed diagnosis and make sure you receive the necessary treatment to prevent further complications.
It’s crucial to be proactive in your medical care, asking your doctor questions about your diagnosis, treatment options, and potential long-term effects. Keep track of your medical records, including test results, medications, and treatment plans.
This will not only help you stay informed about your condition but also provide valuable evidence if you decide to pursue legal action. By taking these steps, you can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Insurance Companies Get Involved
As you focus on your medical recovery, the insurance companies involved in the rideshare accident will likely start reaching out to you, seeking information and potentially trying to minimize their liability.
Avoid dealing with these companies, as their primary goal is to settle claims quickly and for the lowest amount possible. They may ask for statements, medical records, or other sensitive information, which can be used against you later. Contact an attorney.
It’s vital to understand that insurance companies have policy limits, which dictate the maximum amount they’ll pay out for a claim. If your injuries are severe, you may need to negotiate with multiple insurance companies to reach a fair settlement. However, insurance companies often engage in bad faith tactics, such as delaying or denying claims, to avoid paying what you’re owed.
When dealing with insurance companies, it’s important to keep detailed records of all interactions, including dates, times, and the content of conversations. This can help you track their actions and identify potential bad-faith tactics. Remember, you’re not obligated to provide unnecessary information or make statements that could harm your case.
Different Stages of the Ride
Understanding the different stages of a rideshare trip is important, as insurance coverage can vary depending on these stages:
- Stage 1: App on, waiting for a ride request: If the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, their personal insurance is primary, but Uber and Lyft provide additional contingent liability coverage if the driver’s personal insurance does not apply.
- Stage 2: Ride accepted, en route to pick up the passenger: Once the driver has accepted a ride and is on their way to pick up a passenger, Uber and Lyft’s $1 million liability coverage is in effect.
- Stage 3: Passenger in the vehicle: When a passenger is in the vehicle, the rideshare company’s $1 million liability coverage, as well as their uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, are in full effect to protect both the driver and the passenger.
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Evidence Collection Is Crucial
You’ll need to gather and preserve essential evidence to support your claim, including photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and documentation of your injuries. This evidence will play an important role in building a strong case and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Here are some significant pieces of evidence your lawyer will likely focus on collecting:
- Accident scene photos and videos: These can help recreate the accident and provide valuable context. Be sure to capture images of any damage to vehicles, road signs, and skid marks.
- Witness statements: Statements from witnesses can provide an objective account of the accident. Try to gather contact information from anyone who saw the accident and ask them to write down what they saw.
- Dashcam footage: If you or another driver has a dashcam, the footage can be incredibly valuable in determining fault. Be sure to retrieve this footage as soon as possible, as it may be deleted or recorded over if not preserved promptly.
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Multiple Parties Are At Fault
Two or more parties may share responsibility for the rideshare accident, making it important to identify all liable parties to guarantee you receive fair compensation for your injuries. This shared liability can make the claims process more intricate, as multiple parties may be held accountable for their actions or negligence.
In cases of joint negligence, you may need to prove that each party contributed to the accident. This can involve gathering evidence and witness statements to establish the role each party played in the accident. A Glendale rideshare accident lawyer can help you maneuver through this process and identify all liable parties.
You may be surprised to learn that parties other than the rideshare driver or company can be held liable. For example, if a defective vehicle part caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held responsible. Similarly, if the accident occurred due to poor road maintenance, the government agency responsible for the road could be liable.
It’s important to work with an experienced lawyer who can help you identify all liable parties and pursue compensation from each of them. By doing so, you can make sure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Don’t assume that only one party is responsible for the accident; work with a lawyer in Glendale to uncover all potential sources of liability.
Compensation Is Unfairly Denied
Even after identifying all liable parties, you may still face obstacles in obtaining fair compensation, particularly if the insurance company or rideshare company denies your claim unfairly. This is a common challenge many victims of rideshare accidents face, and it’s important to know how to work through the situation.
In some cases, the insurance company or rideshare company may engage in bad faith practices, such as:
- Denying claims without a valid reason: They might reject your claim without providing a legitimate explanation, leaving you wondering what you did wrong.
- Delaying claims processing: They might delay handling your claim, causing unnecessary delays and prolonging your suffering.
- Making lowball offers: They might offer you a settlement that’s lower than what you should receive, hoping you’ll accept it out of desperation.
These tactics are unfair and can be frustrating, especially when you’re already dealing with the physical and emotional trauma of an accident. If you suspect that the insurance company or rideshare company is acting in bad faith, it’s important to seek the help of a Glendale rideshare accident lawyer.
A skilled attorney can help you maneuver the claims process, identify instances of bad faith, and fight for the compensation you merit. Don’t let unfair denials hold you back from getting the justice you need.
Contact a Glendale Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Glendale, CA, Today
If you’ve been injured in a Glendale rideshare accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. You should call a rideshare accident lawyer if you need immediate medical attention, the severity of your injuries is uncertain, insurance companies get involved, evidence collection is essential, multiple parties are at fault, or compensation is unfairly denied.
