Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have become more and more common, providing an accessible alternative to driving, public transit, and taxis conveniently on your phone. If your driver is courteous and drives well, you can get anywhere with relative ease.
Unfortunately, a rideshare can end in an accident just like any other trip in a car, and Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Bear can lead to serious injuries. With the aid of a trusted auto collision attorney from Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya, you can make sure that you know who is responsible for a crash and how to get compensation.
How Rideshare Accidents Differ From Regular Car Crash Claims
A typical vehicle collision claim tends to be straightforward: one driver caused a crash somehow and will have to pay damages to the other injured driver involved. If the driver at fault was working in a commercial capacity, such as a delivery driver or long-haul trucker, then the company might be liable for their employee injuring someone else.
An injury claim based on a driver’s negligence in a Bear rideshare accident, by comparison, is more complicated because of the structure of rideshare services. Drivers are usually considered independent contractors, not employees, and may or may not be vetted by a rideshare company.
Suing the rideshare company for the actions of its driver might not be an option. Also, the company’s terms of service, which all users agree to by using the app, may prevent certain legal options or limit the ability to resolve a dispute.
How an Attorney Can Help
For rideshare accidents in Bear, a lawyer can help an injured person figure out what their remedies are based on the app used and the specifics of the crash. An attorney can also move a claim forward by gathering evidence of what happened, such as eyewitness statements, police reports, and surveillance footage. Perhaps most importantly, an attorney can evaluate the company-driver relationship and figure out who a plaintiff can sue for compensation.
As for the claim itself, an attorney can also consider Delaware-specific rules that can affect filing a lawsuit. For example, 10 Delaware Code §8119 sets a statute of limitations that prevents personal injury claims more than two years after a crash.
Additionally, the injured party can sometimes be found partially at fault for the accident, which can reduce their compensation proportionally. Under 10 Delaware Code §8132, if the plaintiff is assigned a share of fault, their damages will decrease by that percentage. Although this scenario is less common in Uber or Lyft accidents where the plaintiff is a passenger rather than another driver, it is essential to note that if a plaintiff is found more than 50 percent responsible for their injuries, they could lose all rights to recover damages.
This makes it crucial to have strong legal representation to minimize any assignment of fault and to help ensure fair compensation for the injuries sustained.
Discuss Rideshare Accidents in Bear With Our Trusted Team
Choosing to use a rideshare service does not mean forfeiting your right to pursue compensation if you are injured in an accident. With the help of a skilled lawyer, you can seek damages for Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accidents in Bear, provided you were not at fault for causing them.
Working with an attorney can make the claims process more manageable, allowing you to focus on recovery while we advocate on your behalf. At Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya, our legal team is ready to act promptly to protect your rights, ensure your claim meets the statute of limitations, and pursue your best interests. Call today to discuss your case during a consultation.