How Rideshare Companies Defend Against Accident Claims

Legal representation following a rideshare accident matters. After all, companies like Uber and Lyft have experienced legal teams and vast resources to defend against claims. Without professional representation, you risk being outmatched as rideshare companies have been known to employ strategic defenses to minimize payouts.

When a rideshare driver is involved in a crash, injured parties have a right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If you were hurt in a Florida Uber collision, share the details of your case with a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer. Attorneys are available to share common tactics used by rideshare companies to reduce injury compensation.

Common Defenses Used by Rideshare Companies

Denial of an employee’s status is one tactic that a rideshare company may employ to avoid paying a settlement. For example, rideshare companies frequently argue that their drivers are independent contractors, not employees. This distinction allows companies to limit their liability for accidents caused by their drivers. If the company can prove the driver was not engaged as a driver at the time of the accident, they may deny responsibility altogether.

The reality is that liability coverage often depends on the driver’s status in the app. For example, if the driver is offline, no company coverage is provided. When waiting for a ride, limited coverage applies, and when a driver has a rideshare passenger full coverage may be accessed. By challenging the timing of the accident, companies aim to reduce or avoid liability.

Blaming third parties is also possible. Rideshare companies might argue that another driver, pedestrian, or even the injured party was fully or partially responsible for the accident. And even if liability is established, rideshare companies and their insurers often scrutinize injury claims. They may argue that the injuries were pre-existing, exaggerated, or not caused by the accident.

Tips to Counter Adjuster Defenses

Evidence is key to strengthening an insurance claim. Take photographs, record the accident’s location, and obtain the rideshare driver’s information, including screenshots of the app showing their status. Witness statements and police reports can also be critical in building your case. This evidence can counter claims that your injuries are unrelated or less severe than reported.

Also, if a rideshare company attempts to shift blame to you or another party, legal experts can use accident reconstruction experts, surveillance footage, or other evidence to refute these claims. Proving the rideshare driver’s fault is often part of holding the company accountable.

A knowledgeable Boca Raton personal injury lawyer can navigate the complexities of rideshare accident cases. Bring detailed records of your medical treatment, expenses, and recovery process to the attention of a seasoned injury attorney. Then, they can negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your maximum compensation.

Were you hurt in a Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, or Pompano Beach rideshare accident? By staying informed and seeking skilled legal help, you can sidestep efforts to reduce your claim. To learn more about denial tactics and how to combat them, contact the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez. Call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.