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A rideshare accident can change your life in an instant, leaving you with serious injuries and financial uncertainty. You may be dealing with the pain of a debilitating back injury, the emotional toll of disfiguring burns, or the overwhelming burden of mounting medical debt.
With a Rhode Island rideshare accident lawyer from Gemma Law, you have over 100 years of combined trial experience to help you seek justice and recover compensation.
Protecting Your Rights, Securing Your Future is not just our slogan; it is our commitment to every client we serve. We understand how difficult it is to work through the aftermath of a devastating rideshare accident, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Connect with your Rhode Island car accident lawyer now, or schedule your 100% free consultation today to learn more about how we can help you secure the fair compensation that is rightfully yours.
What Makes Rideshare Accident Claims So Complex
Rideshare accident claims often involve more complicated legal and insurance processes than traditional car accident cases. These claims require addressing issues such as insurance coverage gaps, shared liability, and unique policies specific to rideshare companies.
Your Rhode Island personal injury lawyer has years of experience advocating for rideshare accident victim’s rights and understands what it takes to address the nuances of these claims.
Rideshare Company Insurance Coverage
The insurance policies for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide coverage that is activated under specific circumstances. For example, when a driver is actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up, the company’s insurance generally covers accidents.
However, when the driver is logged into the app but waiting for a ride request, or if the driver is not logged into the app, limited or no coverage may apply.
Questions Surrounding Shared Fault
Rhode Island follows a modified comparative negligence system under RI Gen Laws § 9-20-4, which means your compensation may be reduced if you are partially at fault for the accident.
For example, if you are found 20% responsible for a rideshare collision and your damages total $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, leaving you with just $80,000.
Multiple Parties May Share Blame
In many rideshare accidents, multiple parties may share liability, making these claims even more complex. Potentially liable parties can include the rideshare driver, other motorists, or even the rideshare company itself. When liability is divided among multiple parties, it can impact how much compensation you are entitled to receive.
For a free legal consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer serving Rhode IslandCall 401.467.2300
What to Do If the Rideshare Company’s Auto Insurance Coverage Was Not Active at the Time of Your Collision
If the rideshare company’s insurance was not active during your accident, you may need to explore alternative options to recover compensation.
This often occurs when the rideshare driver is logged out of the app or using their vehicle for personal errands. Understanding your legal rights in these situations is crucial to ensuring that every loss is accounted for when calculating the value of your various claims.
File a Claim Against the Rideshare Driver’s Personal Auto Insurance Policy
When the rideshare company’s insurance is not applicable, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy may be your primary option for compensation. Rhode Island uses a fault-based system for auto insurance purposes, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance is typically responsible for covering damages.
Under 230-RICR-20-05-03.10, liability insurance is required for all drivers, including rideshare operators, when they are not actively using the app.
File a Claim Against Your Own Auto Insurance Policy
If the rideshare driver’s personal insurance is insufficient or unavailable, you may need to turn to your own auto insurance policy for coverage. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, if included in your policy, can help cover your damages in these situations.
Your Rhode Island rideshare accident attorney will carefully review your insurance policy terms to determine whether filing a claim against your personal policy is in your best interest.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against the Liable Party
When insurance coverage is insufficient or denied, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be the most effective way to recover compensation. This option allows you to seek damages directly from the at-fault party, whether it is the rideshare driver, another motorist, or another liable entity.
Under RI Gen Laws § 9-1-14, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Rhode Island Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me 401.467.2300
Be Prepared for Potential Challenges Along the Way
Filing a rideshare accident claim can come with a variety of challenges, from determining liability to dealing with complex insurance policies. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), rideshare-related accidents have increased in recent years, adding to the complexity of resolving these claims.
Understanding the potential obstacles can help you prepare and protect your rights throughout the process, some of which may include:
- Statute of limitations – Rhode Island law sets a three-year deadline for filing personal injury claims.
- Insurance disputes – Insurance companies may attempt to deny or undervalue your claim, arguing over policy limits or liability.
- Uninsured or underinsured drivers – If the rideshare driver or other motorists involved lack sufficient insurance, recovering full compensation can be more challenging.
When pursuing compensation, it is important to avoid discussing your accident or injuries publicly or posting about them on social media. Statements made publicly can be used against you by insurance companies or the defendant’s legal team.
Your Rhode Island rideshare accident attorney with Gemma Law will handle these legal challenges while you work through the trauma of your experience.
Turn to a Highly Experienced Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Rhode Island for Support Today
If you were critically injured in a rideshare accident, the aftermath can feel daunting as you work to recover from your financial, physical, and emotional traumas. Pursuing compensation from multiple insurance providers or liable parties can add even more stress to an already difficult situation.
Fortunately, your rideshare accident attorney in Rhode Island from Gemma Law is here to guide you through this challenging time, helping you maximize your financial compensation.
With decades of combined trial experience, we have a unique understanding of the rideshare accident claims process and who should be sued. We will conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of your wreck to identify all responsible parties and secure maximum compensation.
Complete our quick contact form or call us to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.
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