Altadena Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys

Rideshare services have revolutionized the way we travel, putting a quick ride in the palm of our hands. However, this convenience can come at a cost. If you’re involved in a wreck, filing a claim against the driver and their rideshare company can be far more complicated than negotiating a typical accident case. At HPIL, our Altadena rideshare accident attorneys can help guide you through this complex process. Whether it’s gathering evidence, estimating a fair settlement, or preparing your case for trial, we can assist with all aspects of your personal injury case. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS to speak to a member of our legal team.

Will My Rideshare Accident Claim Go to Court?

After suffering a serious injury or losing a loved one, most victims want to get their hands on a settlement as soon as possible so they carry on with their lives. Fortunately, most wrongful death and personal injury cases will never move to trial. At HPIL, our top priority is to help you recover a fair settlement without having to file a lawsuit; however, depending on your situation, bringing a case against the at-fault parties may be your best option. Here are a few reasons why your case may go to trial:

• Disputes over Liability, Causation, and Damages: While it may seem like the other party is entirely responsible for causing the accident, you could still face disputes throughout proceedings. For example, if there are multiple liable parties, they may dispute how liability is apportioned. Alternatively, you could face a dispute over failure to mitigate damages if it emerges that you deviated from your treatment plan or took actions after the accident that exacerbated your injuries. If your attorney is unable to resolve these disputes, filing a lawsuit may be the best decision for you and your family.

• Strength of the Evidence You’ve Collected: If you don’t have access to strong evidence, opposing parties will have opportunities to challenge aspects of your case. For instance, if you cannot provide proof that injuries have affected your ability to earn a living, the insurer may refuse to compensate you for lost wages. If our rideshare accident attorneys believe there is a chance that you may prevail in court, we may advise you to file a lawsuit.

• Severity of Your Injuries: If you suffered a permanent disability or catastrophic injury that will require long-term care, your damages may total hundreds of thousands of dollars. With a significant sum at stake, opposing parties will have an incentive to dispute aspects of your case to reduce how much they payout. Accepting a low settlement could leave you and your family at risk of running out of funds. As such, it may be in your best interests to go to trial in order to recover a fair amount.

• Cause of Your Injuries: If your attorney believes that the defendant acted with oppression, fraud, or malice, he or she may recommend seeking punitive damages which would require filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party/parties.

What Should I Bring to My Initial Consultation?

Once you’ve scheduled a free case review, you may be wondering what to do until you meet with your attorney. While your number one priority should be your health and well-being, there are some steps you can take to prepare for your consultation. Let’s look at a few items you may want to share with your attorney:

• Medical Documents: Your official medical records will include information about your injuries and the treatment you have received. Your healthcare provider may also include details about potential limitations stemming from your injuries, such as the ways your condition inhibits your ability to return to work. These documents can help your attorney prove your medical bills, build a case for lost wages, and connect your injuries to the accident. If you have not obtained copies of your medical records yet, your attorney can take steps to procure these documents on your behalf.

• A Description of the Accident: An accident can happen in a matter of seconds, so it can be difficult to remember what happened—especially months later. Taking time immediately after the accident to write down what you were doing in the moments before the accident, what the other parties involved said immediately afterward, whether there were any surveillance cameras nearby, whether you spoke to eyewitnesses, and other observations could play a crucial role in your ability to achieve a successful outcome in your case.

• Financial Documents: To obtain a financial award, you will need to demonstrate the damages you incurred. As such, any receipts and invoices related to your accident-related expenses could be a valuable asset in your fight for a fair settlement. Whether it’s invoices for your medical bills, letters from your employer, or receipts for home modifications, you should compile your financial documents to share with your attorney during your initial consultation.

• Personal Injury Journal: A serious injury can affect all aspects of your life, from leaving you unable to work and tackle household chores to causing incredible pain that makes it impossible to enjoy your favorite past times. That said, the intangible effects of your injuries can be challenging to quantify. As such, you will need to be resourceful if you’re hoping to recover compensation for non-economic damages such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment. A personal injury journal can help illustrate the effect your injuries have had on your life. Using this diary, you can track your pain levels, document limitations stemming from your injuries, and note how your condition has made it difficult to return to your normal routines. Your attorney will likely want to see this journal when you first meet.

Contact Us Today to Connect with an Altadena Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney

If your quick trip ended in a crash, our attorneys may be able help you hold the at-fault parties responsible for their negligence or recklessness. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or swap over to our online contact form HERE to lock in your free case review.