What if the Rideshare Driver Fled the Scene of the Accident?

Being in a hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling confused, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. While the actions of the fleeing rideshare driver seem unfair, there are still steps you can take to get help and seek fair compensation. It is important to follow the steps to get the most potential out of your case.

Work with a Sacramento rideshare accident lawyer right away for strategic advice tailored to your unique case. They can help you sort out the evidence you do have and possibly make your case stronger. You have a right to get your side of the story heard and potentially recover damages.

What to Do When Your Driver Fled the Scene of an Accident

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be scary. If your rideshare driver flees the scene after an accident, the first thing you should do is call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. Next, you should gather information like the make, model, color, and license plate, if possible, and notify the rideshare company immediately about the incident.

Even if you don’t have all the driver’s information, the rideshare company should be able to assist. All you have to do is provide them with details like the pickup location, destination, and time and give a description of the driver. The company keeps records that can help track them down.

You should also file a police report as soon as possible and supply the report to your insurance and the rideshare company’s insurance. Don’t forget to seek medical attention after a hit-and-run. You may feel fine initially due to adrenaline; however, problems like soreness, headaches, or other issues can develop later, so getting checked out quickly can properly document injuries.

How You May Still Seek Damages with the Insurance Company

Even if the rideshare driver flees after an accident, you may still make an injury claim. Rideshare companies carry insurance that can help compensate crash victims. Contact the rideshare company as well as your own insurer about the accident.

The rideshare company should have a record of the trip details to help track the driver. Their insurance may cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses; however, their coverage often has liability limits. If your damages exceed the limit, your own insurer may cover the remaining losses, but make sure to read policies closely to understand what each covers.

An attorney can help fully investigate the accident and also understand common disputes and denial reasons. With legal guidance, you can potentially recover appropriate compensation despite the driver fleeing. Demand letters and lawsuits are options if insurers unreasonably deny valid injury claims.

Potential Damages that You May Be Able to Recover

There are several types of compensation you may claim after a hit-and-run accident involving a rideshare driver. This includes reimbursement for medical treatment to address any injuries suffered. Save all receipts and records related to ambulance transport, hospital visits, prescriptions, physical therapy, and other care costs.

You can also seek damages for lost income if injuries prevent you from working if you provide pay stubs, tax returns, and other documentation to prove your typical wages. Calculations account for time missed so far plus future earning capacity reduction if disabilities linger. Make sure you also file for reimbursement of property losses if the crash damaged your vehicle, clothing, medical equipment, or other personal items.

On top of tangible accident expenses, you may potentially recover non-economic damages. This compensation is for intangible losses like emotional distress or pain and suffering. Thorough legal advocacy allows the potential to recover complete and fair damages, even when the liable party flees.

Types of Proof You Could Use

Provide the rideshare company with any details about the driver and trip from receipts or your account. Also, give police the driver’s description and report the hit-and-run for documentation. Capture photos showing vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, and injuries at the scene.

Medical records substantiate any trauma or expenses from the crash. Keep all hospital and provider invoices, treatment notes, scans, therapy plans, and prescriptions. Ask witnesses like passengers to write down exact memories of the accident right away, as their recollection of events can validate circumstances if the driver contests blame.

An attorney could coordinate obtaining video footage if area security or traffic cameras captured the actual hit-and-run. Phone records indicating you contacted authorities can also help confirm the accident response. Together, various forms of evidence prove the liable party’s negligence despite their fleeing.

Statute of Limitations

If filing an injury lawsuit after a rideshare hit-and-run accident, act promptly. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years. This means you have two years from the crash date to take legal action or lose the right to recover damages. Starting the claims process quickly also helps secure evidence while fresh.

The clock starts ticking on the statute date of the actual accident, not when you discover additional losses later. For example, if you realize you need surgery a year after the crash for lingering pain, the original incident date still controls time limits. Meet with an attorney shortly after any hit-and-run crash to strategize pursuing available compensation through all avenues in a timely manner.

A lawyer can evaluate liability and damages to build a strong legal case before time expires. They also know how long insurers take to process and resolve certain claims if negotiating settlements. This helps develop an efficient timeline for demanding any compensation owed.

Build Your Case with a Sacramento Rideshare Accident Attorney

If you have been in a rideshare accident, contact a personal injury attorney right away to protect your rights. Don’t let an at-fault driver flee without accountability; they need to face the consequences, and you should not be left to deal with them on your own. Contact our team at Triumph Law for a free consultation to see how we may be able to help you with your case.