Rideshare Accidents vs. Standard Car Crashes: The Legal Differences
Being in a car accident of any kind is already a traumatic, painful experience. Worse, you might have been a passenger in the accident, and now you’re not sure what your rights are. Understanding the legal differences between a rideshare accident and a standard car crash can be confusing. Luckily, you still have the opportunity to sue for your losses.
If you’ve been injured by a careless driver, whether you were behind the wheel or catching a ride, you may be eligible for compensation. The key to getting your compensation is by finding the legal differences and what information you need to file your accident claim.
Filing a Claim As a Rideshare Passenger
If you were in an Uber or Lyft at the time of your accident, you might be worried about your legal options for compensation. You weren’t one of the drivers, so getting compensation when your rideshare driver hits someone can be a little confusing.
Luckily, you have options for settling your claim and getting compensated for your losses. For example, a rideshare driver should have commercial drivers insurance or coverage through the rideshare company, which covers passengers in case of an accident.
This insurance should cover a significant amount. You could receive up to $1 million for your losses. However, the insurance company may not be willing to sacrifice its profits to pay for your financial recovery. You may need to fight for your right to the compensation you’re owed after being injured as a passenger.
Fault Laws in Standard Car Crashes
When you’re the one driving, your legal position is a little different. Although a passenger is almost never responsible for a car accident, you could be fighting to prove you weren’t at fault in a claim where you were driving.
For example, let’s say you were driving late at night, and you were sleepy. The rideshare driver could claim you were driving drowsy and falling asleep behind the wheel. That could reduce the compensation you could receive for your claim.
That means you’ll have less compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. In a lawsuit, you may be seeking financial losses and pain and suffering damages, both of which are important for your recovery. However, if you’re found partly at fault, you could lose a significant portion of your claim.
Understand the Difference with a Car Wreck Attorney’s Guidance
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you need compensation for your injuries, and that may be your primary concern right now. You need help, whether that’s by filing a lawsuit against the other driver, or whether your rideshare driver was at fault for your injuries.
If you’re not sure about the cause of your car accident and the legal differences between rideshare accidents and standard car crashes, you may need an attorney’s help. The lawyers at Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP can help you recover from your losses in both cases, fighting for the compensation you deserve for your losses.
Ready to get started? Set up a free consultation by calling 1-800-VICTIM2 (842-8462) or by completing the online form below.
