If you don’t own a car, one of the best ways to get around is using a rideshare service. Whether you use Uber, Lyft or one of the other services, this can provide you with a way to get where you need to go in an economical way. Even if you own a car, rideshare services are useful if you want to go for a night out or need to get to the airport. Nevertheless, accidents involving rideshare vehicles can and do happen. Passengers who are injured while riding in a rideshare vehicle are going to want to know how to get compensated for your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you hold those accountable for the injuries you received in a rideshare accident.
What Happens After a Rideshare Accident?
In general, things aren’t that much different if you are injured while riding in a rideshare vehicle than if you are hurt as a passenger in most other vehicles. Here in Kentucky, it is crucial to get an accident report. This is why the first thing you should do is call 911 if the police are not already on the scene. The police will examine the accident scene, call an ambulance for any injured people, and also interview everyone involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses. Take the information from the police officer so you can obtain an accident report. You will need this for your insurance claim.
You should also get immediate medical attention. Even if you feel fine, there are some injuries that may not show up for a few hours and even days. Things like internal injuries are not readily apparent. In addition, the medical report from the hospital or physician who treats you will also provide vital evidence for your claim.
Rideshare companies have their own insurance policies, and also require their drivers to maintain their own insurance that is at least equal to the minimum levels required by Kentucky law. For example, Uber’s insurance policy will not apply when the driver is off duty, and is very limited when the driver is on duty but is not carrying a passenger. In your situation, Uber will cover up to one million dollars combined under its insurance policy for personal injuries. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may need to also look to the driver’s private insurance policy for compensation. So, you will need to get the rideshare company’s insurance information, as well as that of the driver. In addition, you will need to notify the rideshare company about the accident as soon as possible after the accident.
Will Your Personal Insurance Cover You as a Rideshare Passenger?
If you have automobile insurance in Kentucky, you may be able to get coverage for your personal injuries. As a no-fault state, Kentucky requires drivers to maintain Personal Injury Protection (PIP). People who are injured as rideshare passengers can use the PIP portion of their automobile insurance to cover their medical bills. However, your automobile insurance will not cover any other losses that you may suffer as a result of the accident, like lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How Can You Get Compensated for Your Injuries?
Automobile accidents can cause a variety of injuries to its victims. In addition to physical injuries that require medical attention, a victim may lose wages, become temporarily or permanently disabled, require long-term care, suffer mental and psychological injuries like PTSD, and have pain and suffering. There are a number of ways that you can get compensated for your injuries.
Your medical bills can be covered by your automobile insurance’s PIP. These can also be covered by the rideshare company’s insurance as well. If you are not fully reimbursed for this, then you can file a claim with the driver’s private automobile insurance.
For the other losses you may have incurred, your only recourse is to file a claim with the insurance policies of the rideshare company, your rideshare driver, and any other driver who was involved in the collision. If your claim is denied, then you can file a lawsuit against the rideshare company and all of the parties involved. This may delay your compensation, but it can often be the only way to get fully reimbursed for the injuries you sustained in a rideshare accident.
If You Are Injured as a Rideshare Passenger, Our Firm Can Get You the Compensation You Require
Each year, many people are injured in rideshare accidents here in Kentucky. If this happens to you, the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Dickman Law Office will help you get compensated for your injuries. Contact us today.
Posted in: Car Accidents, Personal Injury