The digital age has brought significant innovations in the transport industry. Today, hailing a taxi in New York is as easy as tapping on a phone app and waiting for your driver to arrive. Such convenience is welcomed and has created lots of jobs for Americans.Â
On the flip side, rideshare apps have caused an influx of new taxi drivers, some of whom don’t have any experience. Going by the statistics, rideshare apps contribute a considerable percentage of annual car accidents and road fatalities in the United States.
Complexities of Rideshare Car Accidents
Car accidents involving digital taxis prove difficult to solve due to liability shifting depending on the circumstances at the time the accident happens. Rideshare companies like Uber only take responsibility if the accident happened when the driver was in the middle of a trip. Otherwise, the driver’s personal insurance should cover any losses when compensating the victim.Â
Regardless of the circumstances, you need help from legal experts in car accidents if you are involved in a digital taxi accident. Greenstein and Milbauer law firm helps New York car accident victims seek compensation after getting into car accidents involving rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.
What Should You Do If Involved in a Rideshare Accident?Â
1. Notify Law Enforcement
Calling 911 after an accident is the first step that ensures accurate collection of facts about the accident though an official police report. This report will be vital when seeking compensation. Digital taxi accidents need detailed information during settlement claims such as who was driving the car and details of occupants. The police officer who responds to the 911 call will collect such details and provide the evidence in court if required.
2. Medical Treatment for Injuries
In the unfortunate chance the accident is severe, a paramedic team might be deployed to attend to the victims. When that happens, it is very important to listen to what the medical practitioners say and adhere to all the treatment advice they give you.Â
Minor accidents don’t receive attention from emergency paramedics but that does not mean the victims don’t require medical attention.
Make a point to visit a hospital to get your injuries checked out by a medical practitioner no matter how trivial they seem. Remind the doctor to record your injuries and issue you a copy of the medical report.
3. Collect Information
Getting settlement from injuries arising from a car accident requires you to collect information about the accident. Uber and Lyft accidents are no different. You need to collect as much information as possible to strengthen your settlement case. The information you collect should coincide with the police report and medical report.Â
The good thing is no expertise is needed to gather information after an accident. In fact, a smartphone phone is all you need to collect information such as photos of the scene, visible injuries on your body, the driver’s insurance information, and the driver’s contact details.Â
4. Getting Help From an Attorney
Engaging an attorney to help you is the best way to ensure no details are omitted when collecting information and gathering evidence. Lawyers who specialize in car accident cases know the details that can add weight to your case and help you win in the compensation case in court.Â
Get Help After a Rideshare Accident
Taxi rides have shifted from traditional taxis to the new age gig economy, which enables taxi drivers to work on contract for rideshare companies. Rideshare accidents come with added complexities which can put you in a court battle against big companies like Uber and Lyft. You don’t have to face the giant companies by yourself. Ask for help from competent car accident lawyers who know their way around the corridors of justice and will work doggedly to win you a favorable settlement.
