Table of Contents
Lyft, Uber, and Waymo have become convenient, budget-friendly alternatives to local mass transit. The majority of rides complete without any incidents. However, if you are caught up in one of the rides that includes a car accident, you suddenly find yourself in a complex situation where special rules apply to insurance payouts. It is in your best interest to connect with attorneys understanding rideshare accidents and their complexity. A rideshare settlement calculator is an excellent tool for estimating fair compensation for your troubles.
Calculate How Much You Are Owed
Invest five minutes of your time to get an estimate of how much money you might be owed. While a settlement calculator could never take the place of a consultation with an attorney, it is a useful tool to gauge what types of compensation you may be eligible to receive.
The MKP Law Group, LLP, routinely works with clients who have been injured because of someone else’s negligence. The friendly staff works with you to ensure you get the medical help you need and the financial compensation you deserve. Because our law firm exclusively represents injury victims, our team has decades of experience in settlement calculations, negotiations, and, when necessary, litigation.
Understanding Rideshare Accident Settlements
Until you are caught up in a rideshare accident, it is diffcult to realize the nuances of insurance settlements in these cases.
- Tiered insurance coverage. Your rideshare driver will have insurance coverage. However, it depends on the ride stage whether (and how much) you can recover in a settlement.
- Question of liability. Once you received medical care and the bills start to come in, whom do you hold responsible for the expenses? Is it the rideshare driver, their company, or the insurance of the other driver involved in the accident?
- Insurance coverage variations. Your rideshare driver has their personal car insurance. The rideshare company has its own insurance. Which company should handle the payment of your expenses related to the rideshare accident?
Rideshare accident statistics show that Lyft, Uber, and Waymo likely contribute to a 3% annual increase in traffic deaths. This means that 987 people lose their lives each year because of rideshares. This figure will rise because there is a 37% increase in year-over-year ridership. If you break this down further, consider that Uber alone logged 29 trips per second in 2021 to 2022.
As noted by the MKP Law Group, LLP, team, “Our attorney’s knowledge of the law ensures that you recover all that you are entitled to after your accident. We also ensure that the proper paperwork is submitted on your behalf and that no deadlines are missed.”
Types of Damages Awarded in Rideshare Accident Cases
As with other vehicle accidents, there are specific types of damages to which you may be entitled in rideshare accident cases.
Economic Damages from Rideshare Accidents
These damages are financial and provable with receipts. Examples include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and projected future medical costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Although more complicated, non-economic damages are a considerable aspect of your rideshare claim. Courts will consider pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of quality of life.
Special Circumstances Governing Your Ride
Your settlement will be impacted by the rideshare period. Besides that, you may be looking at multiple party liability. Moreover, you may be entitled to punitive damages.
A Closer Look at the Complexity of Rideshare Liability
We have already alluded to three distinct rideshare periods that have a bearing on your case. Insurance coverage differences are based on these periods.
- The driver has activated the rideshare application and is waiting for a ride.
- The driver has accepted a ride and is on the way to pick up the rider.
- The rider is now in the car, and the driver is heading for the requested destination.
Each period affects insurance coverage and payout limits.
California’s Unique Rideshare Laws Govern Settlement and Legal Actions
Besides recognizing the three ride periods already mentioned, California imposes a statute of limitations of two years for personal injury claims. It is critical to file a claim within this timeframe. Additionally, the state is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning you may be entitled to compensation even if you are partly at fault in the accident. As a result, it is in your best interest to work with an attorney who understands comparative negligence, its adverse impact on possible settlements, and how to appeal insurance company decisions.
What are the Factors Affecting Your Rideshare Settlement Amount?
The law recognizes the severity of injuries as a primary factor affecting a settlement amount. Besides that, there are questions of clear liability vs. shared fault, the quality of the documentation you can provide, the insurance policy limits in effect at the time of the accident, and the potential for multiple liable parties.
How MKP Law Group Maximizes Your Recovery
Because of our experience with rideshare cases, we have a thorough understanding of the complex insurance situations that are frequently a part of these situations. Our team can identify all liable parties and apportion comparative negligence if needed. Of course, clients also benefit from the firm’s negotiation expertise and ability to fight for fair settlements.
FAQs
FAQs
How much money can I get from a rideshare accident?
Depending on your case’s economic and non-economic losses, estimates suggest possible settlements from about $25,000 to $1 million.r
Why are rideshare accident settlements often complicated?
Comparative negligence and three rideshare periods with different insurance coverages complicate rideshare accident cases.
How much can I sue for after an Uber or Lyft accident?
A suit should cover your damages. In rare cases, you can also request punitive damages.
How does a rideshare settlement calculator work?
A settlement calculator lets you input specific factors that affect your case. Examples include medical expenses and lost wages. The calculator then uses a multiplier method to assign dollar amounts to pain and suffering.
What should I look for in a rideshare accident lawyer?
Because talking to a rideshare attorney is an excellent way to understand your legal recourse, select a firm specializing in personal injury cases. Moreover, you want to work with a team that has assisted other rideshare accident victims in recovering damages.
Can I sue both the driver and the rideshare company?
If the driver is the primary liable party in the accident, you may have a case for suing them. Uber, Lyft, or Waymo liability insurance comes into play when the driver was on duty, even if they were not at fault in the accident.
Is there a calculator to estimate my potential rideshare settlement?
Yes! Use the calculator on this website to give you a better understanding of possible settlement figures. Just remember that these numbers are estimates. Discuss your case with an attorney to understand the aspects influencing a likely settlement.
What can I do to maximize my rideshare accident settlement?
Keep good records, do not throw away any letters you get from healthcare providers, and consult a law firm working with personal injury victims.
