You tapped an app for a convenient ride, but your trip ended in a collision. If you’re stressing about filing a claim against a massive corporation, let an experienced Meridian rideshare accident lawyer manage the claims process for you.
The attorneys at Richard Schwartz & Associates have fought for Mississippi residents for over four decades and have the skilled advocacy needed to handle your case. Contact our Meridian office at (601) 286-2774 for a free consultation and discover how our team can help you move forward.
Meridian Rideshare Accident Guide
- Why Choose Richard Schwartz & Associates as Your Meridian Rideshare Accident Lawyer
- Understanding Your Rights After a Rideshare Collision
- How a Meridian Rideshare Accident Lawyer Helps Your Case
- Common Scenarios in Uber and Lyft Accidents
- Protecting Your Claim from the Start
- FAQ for Meridian Rideshare Accident Lawyer
- Take the First Step Today
Why Choose Richard Schwartz & Associates as Your Meridian Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Richard Schwartz & Associates offers a combination of experience, proven results, and a deep connection to the communities we serve. Our firm has the resources and the dedication to manage every aspect of your case.
Decades of Mississippi Experience
We have a long history of representing clients in complex personal injury cases, both here in Meridian and throughout the rest of the state. Our attorneys have a unique perspective on how insurance companies operate and the tactics they use to devalue claims.
We apply this knowledge and experience to every case we accept. Our lawyers work diligently to build a strong foundation for your claim.
A Winning Record
Results speak for themselves. Our attorneys have recovered over $1 billion for clients throughout Mississippi, demonstrating our track record of substantial settlements and verdicts for those injured through no fault of their own.
Each case receives personalized attention from our team, and we fight for compensation to help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Our Commitment to Meridian
Richard Schwartz & Associates is a part of the Meridian community. Our Meridian rideshare attorneys have firsthand knowledge of the city, from the heavy traffic along Tom Bailey Drive and Front Street to the family activities at Bonita Lakes Park.
This local connection matters. A local attorney offers accessibility and a personal commitment that large, out-of-state firms cannot match. Our presence here means we’re always ready to answer your questions and provide updates on your case.
The legal team at Richard Schwartz & Associates is ready to discuss your rideshare accident claim. A dedicated Meridian rideshare accident lawyer can review the details of your case and explain your options. Call us today at (601) 286-2774 to start the conversation.
Understanding Your Rights After a Rideshare Collision
Rideshare accident claims involve multiple parties and complicated insurance policies. Companies like Uber and Lyft carry commercial insurance policies that may apply, but accessing that coverage presents challenges.
An attorney from our firm can help you pursue compensation from all available sources and clarify the process for you. We manage communications with insurance adjusters and legal representatives, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Handling Complex Insurance Policies
Rideshare companies have multi-layered insurance policies. The coverage that applies often depends on the driver's status at the time of the collision.
For example, the available insurance limits may change depending on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger. An attorney evaluates these factors to identify the correct policy and coverage limits.
We handle the process of filing a claim under these commercial policies, which differ significantly from standard auto insurance claims.
Identifying All Liable Parties
The rideshare driver may not be the only party responsible for your injuries. A successful claim requires identifying every individual or entity whose actions contributed to the accident. We investigate the incident to determine if other parties share fault.
We explore all potential sources of recovery. This comprehensive approach strengthens your ability to secure the full amount of compensation related to your damages.
Here are some parties we may investigate:
- The Rideshare Driver: We examine the driver’s history, driving behavior, and adherence to company policies and traffic laws at the time of the accident.
- The Rideshare Company: Our team assesses the company's hiring practices, driver supervision, and technological platform for any contribution to the incident.
- Another Motorist: We investigate the actions of other drivers involved in the collision to determine if their negligence caused or contributed to your injuries.
- A Vehicle Manufacturer: If a vehicle defect, such as faulty brakes or tires, contributed to the crash, we explore potential product liability claims.
- A Government Entity: We examine factors such as poor road maintenance, inadequate signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals that may indicate public entity liability.
How a Meridian Rideshare Accident Lawyer Helps Your Case
Hiring a Meridian rideshare accident lawyer from our firm provides you with an advocate dedicated to your case. Our team manages deadlines, gathers evidence, and builds a claim designed to achieve a favorable resolution.
We proactively communicate with you throughout the entire process, and you’ll receive regular updates and have direct access to your legal team to ask questions.
Investigating the Accident
A thorough investigation forms the bedrock of a strong personal injury claim. Our team moves quickly to preserve crucial evidence before it disappears. We collect and analyze police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage from traffic cameras or dashcams.
This detailed investigative work allows us to reconstruct the accident sequence and establish a clear picture of fault. We use this evidence to counter any attempts by the insurance company to shift blame or deny your claim.
Calculating Your Full Damages
To pursue fair compensation, we first must calculate the full extent of your losses. These damages include more than just your immediate medical bills. Our legal team works so that every loss is accounted for, preventing you from accepting a low settlement offer that fails to cover your future needs.
Key areas of your claim that we will examine include:
- Medical Costs: This consists of all past, present, and future medical treatment related to the accident, such as hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
- Lost Income: We document any wages you have lost due to being unable to work during your recovery, including salary, bonuses, and commissions.
- Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or diminish your ability to earn a living, we calculate the long-term impact on your income.
- Pain and Suffering: We assess the physical pain and emotional distress you have experienced as a direct result of the collision and your injuries.
- Property Damage: Our team can assist with claims related to the repair or replacement of your vehicle or any personal property damaged in the accident.
Common Scenarios in Uber and Lyft Accidents
Rideshare accidents can happen in many different ways. As a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, your legal rights depend on the specific circumstances of the collision. An experienced lawyer analyzes the facts to determine the best path forward for your claim.
Our Meridian rideshare attorneys have experience handling a wide range of car accident cases and understand the unique legal issues associated with each scenario.
Another Driver Caused the Accident
Often, the driver of another vehicle is at fault for a collision involving a rideshare vehicle. When this happens, you generally first file a claim against the at-fault driver's auto insurance policy. However, those policies often have limits that may not cover all of your damages, especially in cases of serious injury.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or their policy is insufficient, Uber or Lyft's Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply. We help you access this additional layer of coverage.
Your Rideshare Driver Was at Fault
When your Uber or Lyft driver's negligence causes an accident, the rideshare company’s commercial insurance policy typically provides coverage. The amount of coverage available depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash, and the highest liability limits usually apply when a passenger is in the vehicle.
We handle all negotiations on your behalf, pursuing a claim directly against the commercial policy.
You Were a Pedestrian or Bicyclist
Pedestrians and bicyclists face a high risk of severe injury when struck by any vehicle. If a rideshare driver hits you, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. The applicable insurance again depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
Our team advocates for vulnerable road users and will protect your rights, fighting to hold the negligent driver and the rideshare company accountable.
Protecting Your Claim from the Start
The actions you take in the days and weeks after a rideshare accident affect your ability to recover fair compensation. Insurance companies for all involved parties begin their own investigations immediately. You can take steps to protect your legal rights during this critical period.
Following your doctor's treatment plan is one of the most important things you can do. It not only helps your physical recovery but also creates a clear medical record of your injuries.
Discussions With Insurers
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly and helpful, but their job is to protect their company’s financial interests. They often try to get recorded statements early on, hoping you might say something that could be used to devalue or deny your claim later.
You don’t have to provide a recorded statement, and it’s best to let your lawyer handle all communications with insurance representatives. An attorney knows how to provide the necessary information without jeopardizing your case.
Medical Documentation
Consistent medical treatment creates a strong record connecting your injuries to the accident. Failing to see a doctor or gaps in your treatment history can give the insurance company an excuse to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.
Storing Evidence
Keep all medical paperwork, bills, and receipts organized and up-to-date. This documentation serves as direct evidence of your damages. We use these records to build a comprehensive demand for compensation.
You can gather some evidence that your lawyer can later use, including:
- Photographic Evidence: Keep any photos you took of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
- Witness Information: Make a note of the names and contact details for anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Official Police Report: Obtain a copy of the official accident report from the law enforcement agency that responded to the scene.
- Medical Records: Keep a file with all of your medical bills, reports from your doctors, and receipts for any out-of-pocket health expenses.
- Proof of Lost Wages: Gather pay stubs and a letter from your employer detailing your regular pay rate and the time you missed from work.
FAQ for Meridian Rideshare Accident Lawyer
How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Meridian Rideshare Accident Claim?
You likely have a valid claim if another party’s negligence caused your injuries and you suffered quantifiable damages as a result. This includes situations where your rideshare driver, another motorist, or even the rideshare company itself acted carelessly.
A free consultation with a Meridian rideshare attorney at Richard Schwartz & Associates can help you evaluate the strength of your case.
What Is the Difference Between a Rideshare Claim and a Regular Car Accident Claim?
Unlike a typical car accident with standard personal auto policies, a rideshare claim may involve large commercial policies with multiple layers of coverage. Determining which policy applies requires a careful analysis of the driver's activity at the time of the collision.
What Is the First Step I Should Take After a Rideshare Accident in Meridian?
Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, even if they seem minor at first, and then report the accident to the police if they didn’t respond to the scene. After you have addressed your immediate medical needs, contact a Meridian rideshare accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Can a Meridian Rideshare Accident Lawyer Help Me if the at-Fault Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured?
If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages, your attorney can file a UM/UIM claim on your behalf. They’ll manage all communications with the large corporate insurer and advocate for your interests at every step in the claims process.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Rideshare Injury Lawsuit in Mississippi?
Mississippi generally allows three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation, so act quickly and speak with a lawyer soon after your accident.
Take the First Step Today
Your choice of legal representation is a critical decision that impacts your future. You need a law firm that prioritizes your well-being and has the resources, experience, and determination to represent you against large corporations and their insurance carriers.
With a trusted Meridian personal injury lawyer on your side, Richard Schwartz & Associates is ready to put our 44 years of experience to work on your behalf. Let us handle the legal challenges while you focus on healing. Contact our Meridian office today at (601) 286-2774 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a dedicated member of our team.