After a rideshare crash, you may not know where to turn for compensation. Rideshare companies try to avoid liability, making it harder to recover your losses. Working with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in Indianapolis will increase your chances of winning.
At Vaughan & Vaughan, we have a proven track record of securing significant wins for clients. For over 110 years, we’ve been helping Indiana accident victims rebuild their lives. Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free case review with one of our Indianapolis car accident lawyers.
Indianapolis Rideshare Accident Attorneys Can Establish Liability
Determining who is responsible for covering compensation after a rideshare accident can be tricky. If someone other than the rideshare driver caused the crash, you can seek damages from that person or their insurance company.
If the rideshare driver is at fault, how you recover your losses depends on several factors. Rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors to reduce their liability and avoid providing employee benefits.
Under agreements between rideshare companies and their drivers, the driver’s personal insurance is the first line of coverage. Whether you can pursue further compensation from the rideshare company depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Our personal injury lawyers in Indianapolis will investigate the crash and identify your options for recovering your losses.
The Driver Is Not Logged Into the Rideshare App
When the driver wasn’t logged in when the accident happened, the rideshare company isn’t liable. In this situation, you would seek compensation from the driver’s personal insurance. If your damages go beyond their coverage limits, you can pursue additional damages directly from the driver.
The Driver Logged Into the App but Has Not Accepted a Ride
If the rideshare driver is logged in but hasn’t accepted a ride yet, the rideshare company’s liability is limited. Your first step will be to submit a claim with the driver’s insurance provider. If your damages are over the coverage limits, you can file a claim with the rideshare company’s insurer.
The compensation available from the rideshare company in this scenario is minimal. In the case of a major accident, you may need to pursue a lawsuit to recover all your losses.
The Driver Logged Into the Rideshare App and Accepted a Ride
When the at-fault driver is logged into the rideshare app and has accepted a client, the rideshare company’s full insurance policy is activated. This applies whether the rideshare driver is on their way to pick up a passenger or already has one in the car.
For companies like Lyft and Uber, this policy can cover up to $1,000,000 for accident victims. Even so, your first step in seeking compensation will still be to submit a claim with the driver’s personal insurance.
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You Have a Limited Time to File Your Rideshare Accident Claim
If you’re pursuing compensation through a lawsuit, keep an eye on the filing deadline. In Indiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases allows victims up to two years to file a claim. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek damages.
However, consult an attorney even if the two-year limit has passed. Certain factors in your case might allow for an extension, or in some situations, the deadline could be shorter than expected.
Speaking with an experienced Indianapolis rideshare crash lawyer soon after your accident is the best way to avoid missing any important deadlines. Vaughan & Vaughan will review the specifics of your case, determine if any exceptions apply, and ensure all necessary paperwork is filed well within the time limit.
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Compensation You Can Recover After a Rideshare Collision
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to different types of damages. To maximize your claim, an experienced Indianapolis rideshare accident lawyer will identify all applicable damages. After reviewing your case, a lawyer will tell you more about how you get compensated for your injuries in a rideshare accident.
Economic Damages
Any losses from your rideshare accident that have a direct impact on your financial situation are considered economic damages. These damages are usually easy to calculate since they involve clear monetary costs.
Common economic damages after a rideshare crash in Indianapolis include:
- Property damage
- Lost earnings
- Lowered earning potential
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatments
- Money used to perform daily tasks you can no longer do
Our Indianapolis catastrophic injury lawyers understand how devastating serious injuries can be. If you were diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord damage, or other severe injuries, we will make sure your settlement covers the full extent of your losses.
Non-Economic Damages
All other losses from your accident fall under the broad category of non-economic damages. These are personal, not financial, and can be harder to quantify, making it more difficult to determine their value.
Non-economic damages after a rideshare accident include:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Decreased quality of life
- Permanent disability
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are quite different from compensatory damages. While the latter compensate accident victims for their losses, punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party. These damages are only awarded in rare cases, typically when the harm was caused by gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
Call an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney in Indianapolis Today
Hiring an experienced attorney is the most effective way to enhance your chances of getting the settlement you deserve after a rideshare accident. At Vaughan & Vaughan, we’ve successfully assisted many injury victims in getting the financial recovery they need from those responsible for their damages.
Call us today to discuss your options in a free consultation. We will give you all the information you need to know to make confident decisions about your case.
