Arcadia Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys

More and more Americans have come to rely on rideshare apps like Lyft and Uber to conquer the commute. While these revolutionary new services have streamlined the way we travel, life can get incredibly complicated if you’re in a crash involving these modern “taxis”. Not only can it be difficult to determine who is liable for your damages, but you will also likely be going up against a giant company with access to significant resources. Our Arcadia Uber and Lyft accident attorneys can help level the playing field. At HPI, we provide tailored representation which means we will take time to thoroughly investigate the accident and build a convincing case. Through the years we’ve helped our clients secure more than $300 million in settlements and court rulings, a track record we believe is made possible by the passion and tenacity we bring to every claim. Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to discuss your options with an attorney.

What Factors Could Affect the Potential Recovery in My Case?

One of the first steps in negotiating a fair settlement for a rideshare accident is estimating the value of the damages you incurred. While the insurance company will have their own methods to arrive at a starting point for settlement talks, it’s possible that they will propose a lowball offer in the hope that you and your family will agree to this amount. Your attorney can help you determine the monetary value of your losses—whether it’s compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, or the psychological effects of your injuries. Let’s explore a few factors that may play a role in settlement estimations:

• The Permanence of Your Injuries: It may take weeks, if not months, for your injuries to heal. If you suffered a catastrophic injury, such as spinal cord damage, you may never make a full recovery. Typically, the longer it takes for you to reach maximum medical improvement—the point in your recovery where your condition is no longer expected to improve—the more you stand to gain in a personal injury case.

• The Effects of Your Injuries: Fortunately, not all injuries will impede your ability to earn a living. However, some serious conditions can affect almost every aspect of your life. Typically, the degree to which the injury impacts your income-earning potential and your day-to-day wellbeing will have a major influence on settlement estimations.

• Your Salary Before the Injury: When estimating fair compensation for lost wages, your attorney will look at how much you were earning prior to the accident. Your potential recovery will also vary depending on the number of days you were unable to work. If you suffered a permanent injury or disability, it’s possible that you cannot return to the same field. In such situations, your rideshare accident attorney may consult with vocational and financial experts to help outline your expected career trajectory and estimate the value of future lost earnings.

• Your Age at the Time of the Accident: If you suffered a permanent disability, your age will likely have a significant impact on the potential recovery in your case. For example, an accident victim in their early 20s will incur far greater costs over their lifetime than someone in their late 70s.

• Whether Punitive Damages Are Available: If the defendant’s actions were extremely reckless, intentional, or they attempted to cover up their negligence, you may be able to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages differ from compensatory damages as this type of financial award exists solely to punish the defendant rather than reimburse the plaintiff for their losses.

What Should I Do After a Rideshare Accident?

If you’re involved in a rideshare accident, there are certain steps you should take to make sure everyone is safe and that you do not inadvertently harm your chances of obtaining a fair settlement. Let’s take a look at some of these steps below:

• Contact Authorities: In California, drivers are required to report any wreck that results in injury, death, or property damage of at least $1,000 to the police or law enforcement within a day of the accident. Officers will not only help direct traffic away from the crash scene and contact emergency services if necessary, but will also write up an official report on the incident. This report could play a crucial role in the insurer’s decision to approve or deny your claim. Your attorney may also want to see this document to identify any evidence that could help strengthen your case. For instance, the report may include the locations of nearby surveillance cameras, names of eyewitnesses, or the officer’s observations on who or what was responsible for causing the crash.

• Take Pictures: Using your smartphone—if you are able to—you should document the crash scene. Snap photos of the positions of vehicles, property damage, your injuries, road markings, weather conditions, and anything else that could help prove liability and damages.

• Speak to Eyewitnesses: If the accident happened on a busy road, there’s a high likelihood that someone saw what happened. You should write down their names, contact details, and a description of what they witnessed. Their deposition could help corroborate your version of events and make it easier to identify the liable parties. Additionally, you should ask motorists in the vicinity of the accident scene if their dash cams may have recorded footage of the crash.

• Note the Locations of Surveillance Cameras: If you noticed any surveillance or traffic cameras near the accident scene, you should take notes on their locations. It’s possible that these cameras recorded footage of the collision taking place.

Speak to an Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney in Arcadia

The cost and convenience of rideshare services can quickly come to an end the moment you’re involved in an accident. At HPI, we can guide you through the claims process and help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other accident-related expenses. Call us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or click HERE to head over to our contact page and book a free consultation.=