Motorcycle accidents can be overwhelming, but adding Lyft or Uber into the equation can be even more challenging. The hardest part of this process is navigating the aftermath itself, which is, unfortunately, a messy affair involving many parties and complicated insurance policies. Knowing what to do can be helpful in the recovery and the proper compensation.
Immediate Steps Post-Accident
The first step is to ensure safety. It is also essential to move away from traffic and check for injuries. It is important to call emergency services immediately to have a medical professional evaluate injuries. Law enforcement officers will document the scene, which is an essential record for the future. It will also help your hired motorcycle accident lawyer to make a case.
Photographs from the scene also play a vital role. Documenting the scene, the damage to the vehicles, the surroundings, and any visible injuries is key. Small things can become integral to recreating the events of the incident precisely.
Seeking Medical Attention
Regardless of the injuries or their severity at the time of the accident, seeking attention from a healthcare provider afterward remains the priority. Some side effects do not show up until weeks later, which can complicate everything. Reports from healthcare providers also provide medical evidence of injury.
Maintaining all records relating to medical history assists in determining the level of injury suffered as a result of the accident.
Contacting Legal Assistance
An attorney who understands motorcycle and ride-sharing accidents can make the claims process more manageable. Lawyers help navigate the complexities that come with insurance claims and potential lawsuits. These rights are ensured while marking compensation.
An attorney can also help determine who is responsible. Liability can involve drivers, companies, or even third parties with ride-sharing services, which adds to the difficulty. Legal expertise becomes a necessity in these situations to ensure claims are addressed with the broader picture in mind.
Grasping the Dynamics of How Insurance Works
Generally speaking, ride-sharing services have policies that cover accidents involving their drivers. However, the details depend on situations, such as whether the driver was driving for hire and who is at fault. Knowledge of these policies helps to understand how compensation may be possible.
Be careful about communicating with the insurance companies. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Claims adjusters are known to try to pay the absolute minimum, so it can be beneficial to have an attorney present to ensure communication does not lead to misunderstandings that could impact interests.
Gathering Witness Testimonies
Witnesses are essential in verifying details of what happened during the accident. Collecting the contact info of the witnesses who saw the accident allows for the pursuit of proof of the injuries. It becomes easier to remember events by stating a few unbiased observers.
Similarly, eyewitness testimonies can also disprove contradictory testimonies. Contradictions and discrepancies occur fairly often, making the case much more potent and further strengthening the plaintiff’s opinion.
Cost and Loss Documentation
Keeping meticulous records of all accident-related expenses is vital. Document all medical expenses and bills, repair bills, and even lost wages. They are the foundation for measuring overall losses, a key element of the compensation request.
It can also help to include any non-economic effects (for example, pain and suffering or emotional distress). All of these are necessary to determine the full extent of harm done and to seek the most appropriate settlement.
Negotiating Settlements
Dealing with insurance adjusters requires negotiating skills. Lowball first offers are quite common and they are a great reason to negotiate. Knowing what rights you have, as well as what the claim is truly worth, gives you a better foundation for standing your ground during these conversations.
It pays to have patience during negotiations. Settling too quickly could leave you with low compensation before you know it! Assessing offers with care is crucial so every dimension of the accident’s toll is taken into account before a settlement is made.
Conclusion
A motorcycle accident with a Lyft or Uber driver can turn life upside down. Focus on your health, gather evidence, and don’t rush into a low settlement. A motorcycle accident lawyer can handle the legal fight while you recover. With the proper support, you can push for fair compensation and move forward.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
