Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way we travel, offering convenience, affordability, and ease. However, with this new mode of transportation comes a host of legal issues that can arise when an accident occurs involving these services. One key player in navigating these complexities is the personal injury attorney.
Personal injury attorneys specialize in tort law which covers civil litigation for injuries or wrongs. They represent clients who have sustained physical or psychological injuries as a result of negligence or wrongdoing by another party – in this case, potentially a ride-share company.
Suing a ride-share company can be more complex than traditional auto accident cases due to the unique business model employed by these companies. Drivers are considered independent contractors rather than employees; thus making it challenging to hold the company liable for their actions.
The first step in suing a ride-share company is determining liability. This involves investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident thoroughly. Was the driver at fault? Was there a defect with the vehicle? Or was another road user responsible? Answering these questions will help establish who should be held accountable.
Once liability has been determined, your personal injury attorney will start building your case by gathering evidence such as medical records detailing your injuries and costs associated with treatment. They may also collect data from app usage logs and GPS tracking to establish timelines and locations pertinent to your case.
Another significant aspect is understanding insurance policies involved in ride-sharing operations. Typically, both drivers and companies carry insurance policies that cover different periods of a trip: when the app is off, when it’s on but no passenger has been accepted yet, and when there’s an accepted trip until its completion.
If you suffered an injury during an active trip period (from acceptance to completion), then theoretically both driver’s policy and corporate policy should cover you depending on their limits; however if it was during other periods then only driver’s own insurance might apply – again subject to individual policy details.
However, ride-share companies often fight tooth and nail to avoid liability or pay minimal compensation. This is where the expertise of a personal injury attorney becomes crucial. They will negotiate on your behalf, argue your case in court if necessary, and strive to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
In conclusion, while ride-sharing services have brought about many benefits, they also present unique legal challenges when accidents occur. Personal injury attorneys play a pivotal role in navigating these complexities and advocating for those injured due to negligence or wrongdoing associated with these services. Their knowledge of the legal landscape surrounding ride-sharing companies is invaluable in ensuring victims’ rights are protected and justice served.
Munley Law
510 Third Ave 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
14125345133
