When you book a rideshare trip (like Uber, Lift, etc.), you entrust your safety to someone else. While these services are convenient, there is always the risk that a vehicle accident will occur—especially when you consider that drivers may be fatigued, rushing to maximize their profits, or distracted by their phones.

If you suffered injuries due to the negligence of a rideshare driver/operator, you are likely entitled to make a claim for monetary damages.  The strength and value of your claim, however, may hinge on the steps you take in minutes and days after your crash.  What may seem like only a minor misstep, can ultimately hurt your claim and cost you.

In this article, we look at a few mistakes claimants commonly make and provide you with tips on how to avoid these costly errors:

Admitting Fault

Admitting fault at the scene can be a mistake, especially when the facts are unclear.  It is not uncommon for time to reveal additional contributing causes of a crash or expose negligent actions that were not readily apparent at first.  This advice extends to communications you have with insurance companies, on social media, and with friends or family. If you are considering making a personal injury claim stemming from the negligence of a rideshare operator, it is best to retain an attorney soon after your crash and let your attorney communicate on your behalf. Assuming responsibility for a wreck can be a mistake that clouds the real facts, jeopardizes your claim, and hurts your credibility.

Settling Too Quickly

It may be tempting to accept an insurance carrier’s initial settlement offer, even if it is low, when you have mounting medical bills and lost wages.  You may also be eager to put the claim behind you and move on.  However, taking an early and unfair settlement offer is rare the right move.  An attorney can help you decide the best course of action, how to address some of your debts without accepting the insurance companies low offer, and whether it makes sense to hold out for a better settlement offer.  It is typically beneficial to wait until your attorney has had an opportunity to fully investigate your claim, hire appropriate forensic experts, and has a full grasp of your past and future damages.

Failing to Preserve Evidence

Gathering evidence to support your claim is a crucial step in building a strong rideshare accident claim. From taking photographs of the wreckage to writing down eyewitness statements, there are many types of proof you can collect immediately after the collision. If your injuries prevent you from taking these steps on your own, contacting a lawyer as soon as possible could be a wise decision as he or she will usually visit the scene themselves to gather evidence on your behalf.

Ignoring Your Doctor’s Orders

In Florida, personal injury claimants are required to take sufficient steps to mitigate their damages. As such, you will need to do everything in your power to ensure that you do not inadvertently contribute to your losses. For instance, you should always follow your doctor’s orders. Failing to do so may cause the defense to argue that your damages are worse than they would be if you followed your doctors orders.

Speak to a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Miami Today

Were you hurt in a wreck involving a rideshare driver? It may be wise to reach out to a Florida Uber and Lyft accident attorney.

At Viñas & DeLuca, PLLC, we have decades of collective experience representing personal injury victims, arming us with the necessary knowledge and expertise to provide reliable guidance. Not only can we handle the logistics of your claim, but we can also provide tenacious representation at all stages of proceedings. Dial (305) 372-3650 or jump to our contact page HERE to request a free case review today.