
Recoverable damages after a rideshare accident include the cost of medical bills, long-term care needs for severe injuries, physical pain and suffering, and lost wages.
After an accident, you may face years of recovery alongside the trauma of the crash. Damages are meant to compensate and help you move forward.
Understanding what you can recover from an at-fault party, as well as what steps to take to maximize recovery, will help you take back control of your life. A Fort Myers rideshare accident lawyer can fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
What Types of Damages Are Recoverable After a Rideshare Accident?
After a rideshare accident, the available compensation will depend on the severity of your injuries and their ongoing impact on your life.
Below, we’ll cover some of the most common types of compensation after a rideshare accident:
Medical Costs
Rideshare accidents can lead to impactful injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, burns, lacerations, internal organ damage, and more.
You may be able to recover compensation for the immediate medical costs of your injuries, such as an emergency room visit and diagnostic exams, as well as ongoing medical costs. These may include hospital stays, physical rehabilitation, and prescriptions for pain management.
Lost Wages
If your injuries mean you can’t work or are unable to return to the same level of work, then you may be eligible to recover lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
These include transportation to and from appointments, home modifications if your injuries caused a disability, and hired help (such as childcare) needed while you recover.
Property Damage
If you were involved in a collision with a rideshare vehicle, then this may be the cost to repair or replace your vehicle. If you were a rideshare passenger, this may include damaged property such as your cellphone.
Non-Economic Damages
These are costs that are not necessarily financial but still affect your life. They can include compensation for long-term disabilities, scarring or other disfigurement, physical pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
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Who Pays for Your Injuries After a Rideshare Accident?
Your injuries and other losses are typically paid for by the at-fault party’s insurance provider.
The at-fault party could be:
- A rideshare driver or another vehicle’s driver, if they were speeding, distracted, or driving under the influence
- The rideshare company, in rare instances, if they did not properly vet their drivers
- In some cases, a city may be at fault if improper road conditions led to the accident
- Vehicle or auto parts manufacturers, if a faulty part caused the crash
Your Fort Myers rideshare accident attorney will investigate to determine the party, or parties, who are responsible for paying damages.
How Can a Lawyer Help You Recover Damages After a Rideshare Accident?
Maximizing recoverable compensation is essential to helping you move forward with your life. Your rideshare accident lawyer will fight for every penny you are eligible to recover.
They do so by:
- Investigating the accident: They will gather all available evidence, such as dashcam or surveillance footage, phone records of the drivers involved, eyewitness testimony, physical evidence like skid marks, and blood alcohol test results.
- Filing necessary paperwork: Insurance claims can be denied for missing or inaccurate paperwork. Your lawyer will ensure that paperwork is filed accurately and on time.
- Communicating with insurers: Your Fort Myers car accident lawyer will handle all communications between you and the insurance companies involved. This allows you to focus on healing rather than stressful interactions.
- Advocating for maximum compensation: From gathering receipts and medical bills to consulting with medical and financial experts, your lawyer will make a case for recovering the maximum compensation allowed.
- Appealing denied claims: If your claim is denied, your lawyer can appeal the decision.
- Taking your case to court: While most claims are handled out of court, your lawyer will be prepared to go to court when necessary.
What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident?
Your most important action, after any accident, is to ensure your safety. However, when you are able to do so, there are a few steps you can take to protect your right to compensation.
These are:
- Call 911: Medical responders will assess your injuries. Additionally, responding police officers will file an accident report. This can be crucial evidence for your claim.
- Take photos of the accident: Photos of the vehicle damage as well as your visible injuries offer time-stamped evidence for your claim.
- Report the accident to the rideshare company: If you are a rideshare passenger, report the accident online or through the company’s app.
- Contact a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer: The sooner you have legal representation, the sooner you can focus on recovering rather than fighting for what you’re owed. Per Florida Statutes 95.11, you typically only have two years to recover compensation after a car accident.
Don’ts After a Rideshare Accident
While we just covered actions you should take, there are also some to avoid, including:
- Arguing at the scene of the accident: Remain calm and avoid taking blame. When talking to police officers, stick to the facts.
- Ignoring medical advice: Following your doctor’s advice is essential for your recovery. It’s also an important factor in recovering compensation. If you fail to follow medical orders or stop treatment, an insurer may argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
- Talking to insurance adjusters: An insurance adjuster may try to speak to you quickly after an accident. You should direct them to your lawyer instead.
Reach Out to a Fort Myers Rideshare Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a crash, a rideshare accident attorney in Fort Myers can help you recover compensation. The legal team at Viles & Beckman brings more than 40 years of experience. We’ll support you throughout your case, and we are happy to answer your questions along the way.
We know how devastating injuries can be, and recovering full compensation for you is our priority. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
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