After a rideshare accident, stress levels can be at an all-time high, making it difficult to figure out the next steps to take. This article highlights five common mistakes that could put your claim at risk and how to avoid them to help you secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
No one expects to be involved in a car accident. These incidents often come out of nowhere, making it difficult to make informed and well-balanced decisions in the moment. Furthermore, there are actions that can be taken as the claim progresses to avoid unnecessary obstacles that may minimize the amount of compensation you receive.
While every rideshare accident claim is different, there are many similarities among them that we can take advantage of learning from. Experienced attorneys have extensive knowledge of the missteps that often occur – and they use this to their clients’ advantage to pave the way for success.
Whatever the details of your situation, maintaining a level head and overall composure is critical to achieving the restitution you are entitled to. Don’t let avoidable mistakes derail your claim or reduce your payout. Keep reading to learn more about how to protect your rights, steer clear of common pitfalls, and maximize your settlement.
Mistake #1: Failure To Seek Immediate Medical Attention
One of the most common mistakes people make following an accident is failing to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injured right off the bat, you could be suffering from underlying injuries that take hours or days to materialize. Conditions such as internal bleeding and concussions may not show symptoms immediately, but delaying treatment can not only put your health at risk. It could also give the insurance company a viable reason to minimize or deny your claim.
Insurance adjusters often assert that if you didn’t seek prompt medical assistance, your injuries must not have been serious. To prevent this argument from having merit, get examined by a professional as quickly after the accident as possible. Additionally, be sure to document all visits, treatments, and diagnoses, as these records will play a key role in providing credibility for your damages.
Mistake #2: Not Reporting The Accident Correctly
Another major mistake is the failure to report the accident properly. If you are involved in an accident as a passenger, you should immediately report the incident to both the police and the rideshare company using their in-app reporting feature. Rideshare drivers must also notify their personal auto insurance providers along with their company’s insurer.
Failure to report the accident can make it easier for the insurance company to dispute the validity of your claim. They may say there is no official record of the event, the accident didn’t happen in the way you said, or that it never happened at all. Obtain a copy of all accident reports to keep in your records for later.
Mistake #3: Giving A Formal Statement To The Insurance Company
Following a rideshare accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company may attempt to contact you for a recorded statement. While it may seem like a routine and harmless part of the process, providing such a statement without legal protection can cause serious harm to your claim. Insurance adjusters are trained and encouraged to ask questions that may lead you to self-incrimination.
For instance, they could ask you to speculate the way in which the accident occurred or ask how you’re feeling so they can downplay the symptoms of your injury. Any inconsistencies in your responses could be used to reduce your credibility, minimize your settlement, or even deny your claim completely.
Before speaking with any outside parties, it is best to consult with a lawyer. In most cases, you are not legally required to make a recorded statement, and it’s often in your best interest to respectfully decline.
Mistake #4: Talking About The Accident On Your Social Media
While social media is a powerful tool for human connectivity, it can also be a major liability for individuals in the midst of a rideshare accident claim. Many people make the innocent mistake of posting their accident, injuries, or recovery process to their personal account – unaware that insurance companies and defense attorneys often monitor claimants’ profiles.
Even seemingly innocuous posts can be taken dramatically out of context and used against you. For example, if you say you have a debilitating spine injury but post a photo of yourself on vacation, opposing parties may argue that your condition isn’t as severe as you originally depicted.
To protect yourself and your claim, avoid discussing your injuries or the accident itself online. Instead, consider tightening your privacy settings and being mindful of what friends and family are posting about you as well.
Mistake #5: Settling Too Quickly
Insurance companies have been known to try and settle claims quickly – offering a lowball offer before you understand the full extent of your injuries and damages. While accepting a quick payout may be tempting, doing so may prevent you from securing the complete compensation you are entitled to.
In many situations, injuries take time to develop completely, and medical treatments can become more costly and involved than initially anticipated. Once you accept a settlement, however, you are, in essence, waiving your right to pursue further compensation – even if your condition gets worse.
Before agreeing to anything, speak with a skilled attorney who is qualified to evaluate your claim and determine whether or not the offer is fair. It is vital that all medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other future costs are taken into account before accepting any settlement.
Maximize Your Rideshare Accident Claim With Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A.
While pursuing a rideshare accident claim can be time-consuming and overwhelming, as long as you avoid these common mistakes and hire an adept attorney, your case will be stronger than ever. From the very beginning, be sure to seek immediate legal attention, report the accident correctly, be cautious when communicating with insurance companies, stay off social media, and take your time before accepting any settlements.
If you want to gain more clarity into the claims process, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is an invaluable step to take. At Fenstersheib Law Group, we pride ourselves on meeting every client wherever they are so we can make educated choices as a team. As your trusted legal advocates, we will stop at nothing to ensure you receive the care and attention you need to put this behind you once and for all.
Fenstersheib Law Group’s main office is located in Hallandale Beach, and we are pleased to provide in-person support at our secondary locations conveniently situated in Hollywood, Miramar, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa, and Jacksonville.
Ready to get started with a proactive legal strategy? Set up a free consultation with a member of our team by calling 800-TELL-ROBERT today.
No matter where you may be in the rideshare accident claims process, we’re here to provide you with the support you deserve. Don’t delay – your path to recovery starts here.
