Rideshare services can be held liable for accidents that involve carelessness. For many accident victims in Cincinnati, going up against a big company and trying to figure out the civil justice system is too much to take on. There are a number of rules that you must follow to protect your right to compensation, and it can be hard to know whether the other parties in the lawsuit are playing fairly.
Fortunately, you have the option of working with a Cincinnati Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer from our firm. From determining whether you have a case to helping you pursue compensation, your lawyer will guide you through the legal process while making sure that you stay informed at every step. The Fitch Law Firm LLC offers a free consultation so you can learn more about how we help clients.
How to Determine When a Rideshare Service Is Liable for Your Accident
The relationship between rideshare services, drivers, and passengers can get complicated. Because rideshare drivers are independent contractors and not employees, many states have passed laws to clarify when a rideshare service is liable for injuries that happen through its service. This includes performing background checks on drivers and maintaining good records about operations.
The Driver and the Rideshare Company
There are many different ways that a rideshare accident can happen, and the circumstances of your accident can determine who is liable for your injuries. If you were involved in an accident and the rideshare driver is at fault, for example, then the driver and the rideshare company can be held liable.
In some situations, you may be involved in an accident even though you are not riding in a rideshare vehicle. If a rideshare driver hits you while you are crossing the street, for example, then you can still file a lawsuit against the driver and the rideshare service.
The Other Driver
However, if another driver was responsible for the accident, you may first need to pursue compensation from the other driver. If they do not have insurance or lack enough insurance to cover your expenses, then you can seek coverage from the rideshare driver’s insurance company. One of the best ways to figure out who is responsible for your injuries is to speak with our law firm about your case.
For a free legal consultation with a uber and lyft rideshare accidents lawyer serving Cincinnati, call 614-963-2808
Making an Insurance Claim After a Rideshare Accident
Because Ohio law requires rideshare services to carry a certain amount of insurance, many accident victims often wind up filing a claim to recover policy benefits. You can still pursue compensation in a civil claim regardless of whether you file an insurance claim, however. You are not required to choose one or the other.
Minimum Insurance Requirements
In Ohio, rideshare services are required to carry certain minimum auto insurance policy limits to protect passengers, according to Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §3942.01. A rideshare service must carry at least $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $100,000 per collision. They must also maintain $25,000 in property damage coverage.
A rideshare company must also carry at least $1 million in total liability insurance. Because medical bills and lost wages can add up fast, it is often the case that an accident victim needs to file an insurance claim and pursue a lawsuit to get enough compensation to cover their expenses.
A Lawyer from Our Firm Can Handle the Insurance Company
The rideshare laws can be confusing, and it can be hard to know who owes you compensation and who to hold liable. A Cincinnati Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer from our team can help you figure out who to name as a defendant and which insurance policies apply to your injuries and damages. Learn more about getting the compensation that you are entitled to with the Fitch Law Firm LLC.
Cincinnati Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me 614-963-2808
Why You Should Consider Working With a Lawyer
There are many ways that a lawyer can take the stress and confusion out of a rideshare accident for you. First, if you were severely injured, then a lawyer can take on the daily tasks associated with your case like searching for evidence, answering phone calls and emails, and making sure that you are filing important documents with the court on time.
Your lawyer can also help you make sure that you seek every penny of compensation the liable party owes you according to Ohio law. Because so many accident victims have not dealt with the civil justice system before, it can be hard to know what types of damages you can recover and what you need to do to make sure you get them. Your lawyer will work with experts to determine how much compensation you deserve and how much the accident will continue to cost you going forward.
A few other ways that your lawyer will help include:
- Finding eyewitnesses and taking their statements
- Reviewing insurance policies
- Helping you make a statement with the insurance company
- Preparing you for any depositions or court appearances
- Speaking with the court on your behalf regarding your case
- Making sure that the other parties are playing by the rules
- Helping you understand legal jargon and the laws that apply to your case
- Preparing for trial
- Negotiating a settlement
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Call Our Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation
We can help you if you are confused or feel overwhelmed about your legal options after a rideshare accident. You can call the Fitch Law Firm LLC now for a free consultation to learn more about working with one of our Cincinnati Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyers. Call (513) 407-4521 to get started today.
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