The transportation industry has been revolutionized with the introduction of ridesharing services such as Uber, Lyft, and more. Now you can enjoy convenience from the tips of your finger at the touch of a button.
However, with the growing popularity of rideshare services, the number of accidents involving these vehicles has also risen. One of the impacts of sustaining severe injuries from a rideshare accident is losing your job or source of living, especially if your injury might take a very long time to heal or become a lifelong issue.
If you find yourself in such a situation, the next question that comes to your mind is “What do I do next?” And that’s where rideshare accident attorneys step in to provide the vital support that you’ll need.
The Complexity of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents are not the same as typical car accidents; they vary significantly. One of the biggest challenges of rideshare accidents lies in determining liability.
The possible culprits are usually the driver, the rideshare company, or even another party altogether. Also, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have unique insurance policies that provide coverage for their drivers, but the extent of this coverage can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident.
This is one of the major reasons why you might find yourself juggling multiple insurance claims, and this can be quite overwhelming, especially when you don’t have legal expertise to guide you through the complex process.
Steps to Address Lost Wages Due to a Rideshare Accident
Here are the steps to take if you have lost your wages due to a rideshare accident that you were involved in:
Document Missed Work
Keep a record of all workdays you were unable to attend due to the accident. If you’re able to, take a moment to write down how the injury or time away from work affected your day-to-day responsibilities.
This will be important down the road. Once you have that in place, reach out to your employer and ask for a letter that explains your absence.
The letter should verify the days you missed and the reason for the time off. This will serve as official proof that you couldn’t work because of the accident.
Gather Income Proof
You’ll also need to show your usual income to prove how much money you lost. Gather recent pay stubs, your tax returns, or bank statements that show how much you typically make.
If you’re self-employed, it’s a bit different but still possible. You can use invoices, contracts, or even financial records to show how much income you were expected to make, and then prove how much you lost due to your inability to work after the crash.
The more proof you have, the better. It shows just how much the accident impacted your ability to earn.
Consult an Attorney
Hire a personal injury lawyer who’s experienced in rideshare accident cases to guide you through the legal process and how to get your claims.
File a Personal Injury Claim
Include lost wages in your claim along with medical bills and other damages that you suffered as a result of the rideshare crash. You can also account for future wage loss if your injuries limit your ability to work long-term.
Choosing the Right Attorney
Here are some of the factors that you should consider when choosing an attorney for your case:
Experience
Experience should be the first factor to consider when opting for a rideshare attorney to represent you. You should opt for an attorney with a proven track record in rideshare-related cases.
Reputation
Online reviews and testimonials from past clients with similar cases as yours can also help you in choosing the right attorney for your rideshare accident case.
Local Expertise
Note that the state laws regarding rideshare services vary, so it’s vital to opt for an attorney who is familiar with your area’s regulations.
Communication
A good attorney takes the time to explain your options clearly and keeps you updated throughout the process.