Rideshare accidents can lead to severe injuries and substantial medical expenses. Proving liability in these situations can be complex, making it challenging to know where to begin. When seeking compensation, an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in Westerville can clarify the relevant laws and significantly increase your chances of a positive result.
At The Stuckey Firm, LLC, our experienced team is here to assist you. With over 30 years of combined legal experience, we understand the legal intricacies of these cases. Contact us today to set up a free case evaluation with a Westerville car accident lawyer who can advocate for you as you pursue compensation for your losses.
Liability in a Rideshare Accident in Westerville, OH
Rideshare companies take various measures to maximize profits and protect themselves from lawsuits. One primary strategy involves classifying their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This reduces the number of benefits they are required to provide while limiting the liability the companies face in accidents.
Regardless of the driver’s status during the accident, your primary source for compensation will be through the rideshare driver’s insurance policy. Rideshare companies require drivers to maintain their own insurance coverage for incidents that occur while driving.
The extent of the rideshare company’s liability largely depends on the driver’s status when the accident occurred. Three general scenarios outline liability in these cases. Our experienced Westerville personal injury lawyers can help you explore your options for seeking compensation.
Scenario 1: Driver Not Logged Into the Rideshare App
If the rideshare driver is not signed into the app when the accident occurs, the rideshare company has no liability for any damages. In this situation, if the driver is at fault for the accident, you will need to file a claim with their insurer.
If your compensatory damages exceed the coverage limits of their insurance policy, you may also pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the driver to secure additional compensation.
Scenario 2: Driver Logged Into the Rideshare App – No Ride Accepted
If the rideshare driver is logged into the app during the accident but hasn’t accepted a ride from a customer, the rideshare company’s insurance will partially apply. In this case, you will still start by filing a claim with the driver’s insurance provider. However, if your damages exceed their coverage, you can seek further compensation from the rideshare company’s insurer.
However, in this scenario, their coverage has relatively low limits, and you may need to file a lawsuit to get the full compensation you require.
Scenario 3: Driver Logged Into the Rideshare App – Ride Accepted
If the rideshare driver is signed into the app and has accepted a ride, the rideshare company’s insurance policy will fully apply, regardless of whether the driver has picked up the passenger. In this situation, the rideshare company’s insurance policy can cover up to $1 million in damages.
We Are Committed to Holding Negligent Parties Accountable and Putting Your Needs First.
Actions Our Westerville Rideshare Accident Attorneys Will Take on Your Behalf
Hiring an experienced attorney can greatly enhance your chances of recovering fair compensation. Our rideshare accident lawyers in Westerville will take numerous actions in your case to ensure you receive the money you need for your losses.
Once you hire the team at The Stuckey Firm, LLC, we will promptly initiate an investigation into your case. This will involve visiting the accident scene to gather evidence, interviewing potential witnesses, obtaining the official accident report from law enforcement, and reviewing your medical records to assess the extent of your injuries.
After completing our initial investigation and identifying all responsible parties, we will file a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim on your behalf. We will manage all negotiations with opposing counsel or the insurance company, striving to secure fair compensation. If necessary, we are always prepared to take your case to court to ensure you receive the money you need.
Professional. Personable. Proven effective.
Protecting Yourself Against Insurance Adjusters Following a Rideshare Accident
One of the worst mistakes injury victims make after a car accident is speaking with insurance adjusters before securing legal representation. Insurance companies teach their adjusters a wide range of tactics designed to help them deny or undervalue legitimate claims.
Keep in mind that insurance adjusters have far more experience dealing with these claims than you do. They know what works to help minimize claim values, which is why having a knowledgeable attorney by your side is essential. The best approach is to refrain from any communication with insurance representatives until you have hired an attorney.
Once you hire a lawyer, the insurance company will be prohibited from contacting you directly. This forces the insurer to work through your attorney, limiting their ability to use their usual tactics to hurt your case. By leveling the playing field, you will be in a stronger position to recover fair compensation for your losses.
“Everything he did was over and beyond what we would expect an attorney to do. He made it so that we didn’t have any worries.”.
Client | Auto AccidentFiling Deadlines in Ohio Rideshare Accident Cases
When seeking compensation after a rideshare accident, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with all relevant deadlines. In Ohio, the personal injury statute of limitations is generally two years. This means you have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action against the at-fault parties. Failing to meet this deadline can mean the loss of your right to pursue compensation.
To ensure you meet all deadlines in your case, it’s important to hire an experienced Westerville rideshare accident attorney soon after your accident. Your lawyer will determine whether any exceptions apply and ensure all required documents are completed accurately and filed well before the deadline.
Another critical reason for hiring an attorney quickly is that it helps them to collect evidence while it is still available. Critical evidence can be lost or destroyed if not gathered soon after the incident, and your attorney can speak with eyewitnesses and document their testimonies while the details are still fresh.
Professional. Personable. Proven effective.
Secure the Services of an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney in Westerville Today
After a serious rideshare accident, retaining the services of an experienced attorney is one of the best ways to enhance your chances of receiving the compensation you need. At The Stuckey Firm, LLC, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and will not hesitate to take your case to court if necessary.
Contact us today by phone or by filling out our online contact form to set up a free initial case review with a member of our legal team. We will review the specifics of your case, address your questions, and lay out your legal options.
Furthermore, you can find answers to many of your rideshare accident-related inquiries by checking our legal FAQs.
Get answers and help on your way, starting today.