In recent times, most people prefer to use rideshare services to get to their destination. Uber and Lyft are famous ridesharing services in the U.S. Rideshare services also pose some unique challenges when it comes to accidents and fatalities.
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may think of handling your case on your own without hiring a rideshare accident lawyer. However, this could be an expensive mistake. In this blog post, we are going to discuss the seven reasons why you shouldn’t handle a rideshare accident case on your own.
You may not know the full extent of your damages
After a rideshare accident, you will suffer physical, emotional, and financial losses. These include medical bills, lost earnings, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. You may not be aware of the full extent of your damage, particularly if you have long-term or permanent injuries.
You may underestimate the future expenses of your treatment and recovery. That’s why it is important to hire an experienced attorney who will help you assess the actual value of your rideshare accident claim and get the maximum compensation.
You don’t have the necessary skills and resources
Dealing with a rideshare accident case on your own requires a lot of expertise, effort, and time. Rideshare laws and regulations differ for each state. It is difficult to know and understand which law will apply to your rideshare accident claim. An experienced attorney has the skills and resources to handle these tasks easily.
You do not have experience handling insurance companies
Dealing with the insurance company is a big challenge in a rideshare accident case. Generally, rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, such as the rideshare company’s insurance, the driver’s personal insurance, and your own insurance.
Every insurance company will try to reduce their liability and pay you as little as possible. They will use several tactics, such as
- Delaying or denying compensation
- Lowballing your rideshare accident claim
- Asking you to sign a release form
- Give a recorded statement
An experienced lawyer will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf. They will suggest whether to accept a settlement offer or take your case to court.
Difficulty in determining liability
Determining who is liable for your injuries is a complicated process in a rideshare accident. This is because a rideshare accident includes multiple liable parties, such as:
- The rideshare company
- The rideshare driver
- A third party
- The vehicle owner
- The vehicle and spare parts manufacturer
Every party will have a different percentage of fault and responsibility for the accident. In this circumstance, an experienced attorney will help you identify the liable parties and prove their negligence. They will handle any arguments or defenses that the other parties may raise.
You may miss the statute of limitations
After a rideshare accident, you may not know when to file a claim. If you delay, you will miss the chance to file the rideshare accident claim within the deadline. All US states have statutes of limitations for each type of case.
The statute of limitations also differs from one state to another. When you miss this deadline, you will lose your right to sue and recover compensation. An experienced attorney will help you file your rideshare accident claim on time.
You may not have access to an expert witness
As a victim, you may not have the resources to hire an expert witness. An expert witness plays a major role in a rideshare accident claim. An expert witness is someone who has specialized knowledge or experience in a relevant field. The best thing about expert witnesses is that they will give opinions or testimony that will support your rideshare accident case.
For instance, an accident reconstruction specialist will recreate your rideshare accident to show how the accident occurred and who is legally liable for your injuries and damages.
An attorney will help you find and hire well-experienced expert witnesses who can support your rideshare accident case.
You may have trouble reaching a final settlement
Reaching a final settlement may not be easy to achieve on your own. You will face many challenges.
You have a greater chance of losing your compensation and legal rights without the assistance of an attorney. Hiring an attorney will help you get fair compensation.
See more money and finance-related posts here
