The New Mexico Department of Transportation estimates that there is one motor vehicle collision per every 11 minutes. While most of these accidents are caused by distracted, careless, and intoxicated drivers, there is another type of motorist who is contributing to the injury and fatality rates in the Land of Enchantment: the rideshare driver.
Last year, the University of Chicago completed a study that proves Uber and Lyft drivers are responsible for a 3% increase in traffic fatalities on a national level. Unfortunately, both peer-to-peer ridesharing companies are guilty of mass hiring inexperienced, dangerous, and occasionally felonious drivers to expand their profit margins.
Consequently, Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare drivers have contributed to a significant increase in:
- Traffic fatalities at night
- Pedestrian fatalities
- Weekend car accidents
Fortunately, an injured passenger has a few legal options after a devastating crash. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the collision, they may have grounds to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver(s) or the rideshare company. However, a potential claimant needs to recognize that rideshare drivers are considered “independent contractors,” not employees, which may protect the company and its insurer from liability claims. If you want to sue a company directly, you’re going to need the services of an innovative and experienced car accident attorney.
Of course, there are also 15 steps that you need to take after a rideshare collision to protect your right to damages:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Take screenshots of your rideshare receipt and make sure the picture documents the time of the accident.
- Make sure that everyone involved in the collision – drivers and passengers – are unharmed; if not, provide what assistance you can.
- Take pictures of your injuries, the drivers’ insurance information, the vehicles, and the accident scene.
- Help law enforcement officials complete their accident report.
- Write down the names and badge numbers of any officers at the scene.
- Talk to witnesses and take down their names and phone numbers.
- Do not leave the scene of the accident until the officers give you permission.
- Seek immediate medical assistance and ask the doctor to update your medical record.
- Request copies of your updated medical record and the accident report.
- Do not post any information or pictures regarding the accident on social media.
- Contact a qualified car accident attorney as soon as possible.
- Keep an ongoing log of your accident-related expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, etc.
- Do not accept calls from the defendant’s insurer; direct any claims adjusters to your lawyer.
- Take notes about how your accident injuries are affecting your personal life, daily activities, and career.
Explore Your Legal Options Today
Contact the car accident attorney at Michael J. Doyle, Attorney at Law if you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an accident involving a rideshare driver. Our firm can manage every detail of your case – no matter the complexity – from start to finish so that you can focus on recovering in peace. With our assistance, you can recover compensation that safeguards your standard of living and facilitates your physical recovery.
Contact Michael J. Doyle, Attorney at Law at (505) 219-2176 to discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable and experienced car accident lawyer.