Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have become very popular among citizens and visitors of the US. This service is mostly used owing to its affordability, convenience, and the comfort it gives you in navigating your way through congested roads and traffic.
However, ridesharing services have become one of the leading causes of severe or deadly traffic accidents in the United States that leave the victims with brain injuries, bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, and neuromuscular injuries.
Victims of such accidents are entitled to compensation, but as we all know, this is not always a smooth ride. Even though it’s no fault of yours as a passenger, your rights might be trampled upon, claims denied, or you might even be pushed to settle for a lesser amount as your compensation. This is why you need rideshare accident lawyers at TopDog Law Firm.
TopDog Law Firm is your go-to for any personal injury case, including rideshare accidents. The lawyers at TopDog Law Firm will guide you through every step of the process and get you the compensation that you deserve.
Rideshare Accidents: Causes and Liability
A rideshare accident is not the same as a regular car accident. It is usually caused by some of the following factors below:
- Driver’s fatigue
- Inexperienced drivers
- Over speeding
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Distracted driving
However, it’s often a challenging job to determine the liability or who is solely responsible for an accident. Whether it’s the driver, rideshare company, or another party.
The lawyers will also help you to navigate the complex insurance claims and deal with the rideshare company policies involved.
Severe Rideshare Accident Injuries That Can Completely Alter the Victim’s Life
Here are five of the most critical types of accident injuries that rideshare accidents typically face:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head trauma from a rideshare accident can result in lasting cognitive issues, memory loss, and personality changes. Serious cases often leave victims dependent on long-term care.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the victim’s spine can cause partial or total paralysis. Victims might face the loss of mobility, and independence, and even have the need for lifelong medical support.
- Amputations: Crash injuries can cause severe fractures that may lead to the amputation of limbs. Adjusting to prosthetics or life without a limb can significantly alter the victim’s daily living and employment options.
- Internal Organ Damage: When crash victims suffer injuries to organs like the lungs, liver, or spleen. It can result in chronic health problems that might require urgent organ removal. This can permanently affect the physical well-being of the victim.
- Severe Burns: Fires or airbag deployment can cause third-degree burns during a car crash. This often leads to painful recovery, disfigurement, and emotional trauma.
What You Can Do As a Victim
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rideshare accident and sustained severe injuries, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect your rights and secure fair compensation. Here are the steps you should take:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel okay—some injuries take time to show up.
- Document everything at the scene, like photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Make sure to report the accident to the rideshare company promptly, as this can help with your case later.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters on your own; they may not have your best interests at heart.
- Consult a rideshare accident lawyer.
- Maintain a detailed record of all medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and any other expenses related to the accident.