Accidents in a Parking Lot – All You Need to Know
It may come as a surprise to many, but statistics say that one in five accidents occur in a parking lot. The numbers paint a grim picture, wherein as per the National Safety Council, over 60,000 people are injured in parking lots every year. Unfortunately, these accidents can also be fatal as 500 people die per year in parking lot accidents. Some of the common causes of parking lot accidents are: Drivers backing into each other: Primarily due to the lack of a full range of view, a collision while backing up is the most common cause of accidents in a parking lot. Cars pulling out of space: In a large and full parking lot, collisions can occur when a car is pulling out of its spot as the range of view is limited and neither driver is aware of the other car. However, it is the responsibility of the driver pulling out of the space to make sure that they have a way. Trying to take the same space: A lot of times with fewer spots and higher demand, two cars may collide while fighting for the same space. Pedestrian knockdown: It is likely that a pedestrian in the parking lot may be knocked down while walking towards their destination. This may occur if a driver is speeding or distracted. But why do so many accidents occur in a parking lot? Here’s what we know: Traffic laws do not apply to parking lots making them a “safe” space from penalties due to any violations. Distracted driving is more common in parking lots as the driver is off the road and their attention is diverted towards Hence, if you’ve been injured in a parking lot, you’re entitled to compensation. A capable and committed personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. These cases are quite challenging to navigate in terms of proving negligence, therefore, working with a personal injury lawyer is highly recommended. A top injury lawyer will make sure that all your costs as well as other peripheral losses, such as loss to income, deteriorated standard of living etc. are given in the settlement offered to you. Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, etc. will be duly covered under the compensation suit filed by the personal injury attorney. If you or someone you know has been injured as a pedestrian on a crosswalk due to a driver’s negligence, you need the top injury lawyers, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Have You Been in a Car Accident Due to Drunk Driving? Here’s All You Need to Know!
New York City is noted as being the most populated city in the US. High populations result in higher percentages of pedestrians, motor vehicles, and unfortunately, accidents. The New York City Police Department has noted that there were 7,733 reported collisions in January 2022. Among the contributing factors of injuries and collisions is driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated. As per estimates, drunk driving accounts for more than 10,000 lives every year in the US. This is a matter of great concern. A car accident attorney can vouch for these unfortunate numbers. It is important to remember that laws related to drunk driving and the resultant penalties vary for each state. Hence, if you’re in New York, here’s all you should know about drinking while intoxicated: Who is considered “legally drunk” in New York? Drivers of private vehicles/non-commercial drivers above the age of 21 years are considered legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is .08 or more. On the other hand, drivers of commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, etc.) are considered legally drunk if their blood alcohol level is .04 percent or higher. Drivers who are below the age of 21 years are considered legally drunk if a chemical test reveals that they consumed alcohol. What are the penalties for a drunk driver in New York? First-time offenders For a first-time offender whose blood alcohol level is between.08 but and .18 can be jailed for up to one year and a fine of $500 to $1,000 is levied. Their driver’s license is revoked for at least one month. A first-time offender whose blood alcohol level is more than .18 can face imprisonment of up to one year and are liable to pay a fine of at least $1,000. Their license is revoked for at least one year. Importantly, if an offender is placed on probation, they are mandated to use an ignition interlock device till the license is restored and all throughout the probation term. Second-time offenders Second-time offenders of DWI can face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $1,000 to $5,000 may be levied. Their license is revoked for at least one year. In the event where the first offense was due to a blood-alcohol level of .18 or more, the revocation period is at least 18 months. Third-time offender If a person is caught drinking under influence for the third time within a 10-year period can face up to 7 years in prison and an imposed fine of $2,000 to $10,000. In certain situations and due to varying factors, their license may also be permanently revoked. People who drive while intoxicated is not only a threat to themselves but also others on the road. Hence, they’re often the cause of many accidents that can cause either severe injuries or be fatal. This means that the person who causes the crash should pay you for all the damages caused. It is best to seek legal help from a car accident attorney to get the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving a drunk driver, you need the car accident lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber, today. Call us at 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
BRAIN INJURIES AFTER BEING HIT BY A CAR IN NYC: WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS?
One of the most unfortunate events to occur on the roads of New York City is to witness or be in a car accident. While some lucky folks get out of these situations safely, there are a number of people who suffer from serious brain injuries. If there is severe damage that occurs inside the brain of an individual, it is known as traumatic brain injury. Based on a 2016 report of the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Injury Prevention, more than 2.5 million people have had traumatic brain injuries after being hit by a car in the country. A personal injury of this nature can alter the life of any person to a great extent. Thus, compensation is a rightful claim of the sufferer. Facts about traumatic brain injury Imagine getting hit by a car in NYC with no fault of yours. People who get a blow on their heads run a serious risk of getting permanent brain damage. This is because the bruises can alter brain tissues in such a way that the sufferer might not be able to function properly. As a result, immediate medical care must be provided with MRIs, CT scans, surgical procedures, etc., performed by highly experienced doctors. It is because of this reason that people who get hit by a car in the city must file a personal injury lawsuit to get compensation for their present and future medical bills. Symptoms of traumatic brain injury Traumatic brain injuries can be mild and severe but, in both cases, the sufferer will be exhibiting signs from the moment the blow on her/his head is exposed to the elements. In milder cases, physical symptoms will include headaches, nausea, drowsiness, imbalance, slurred speech, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light or sounds. Mental issues can also arise in a mild TBI with unconsciousness, memory loss, mood swings, and sleeping problems as the most common symptoms. When it comes to severe traumatic brain injuries, the risk of permanent damage in the brain is very high. Seizures, loss of consciousness, loss of coordination, clear liquid leaking from the ears, and numbness in the extremities are signs of a serious injury to the head. People who suffer from a severe TBI often feel confused and agitated as well. Fatality in these cases is also a big possibility if the brain damage is beyond repair. Consequences of TBI While most injuries in a car accident can be cured or managed over time, a traumatic brain injury is an exception when there is serious damage present inside the sufferer’s brain tissues. A personal injury lawsuit must be filed in order to get justice for such a life-altering event in an individual’s life. Mentioned below are 3 types of consequences in this situation: Cognitive: Loss of memory that can be short or long-term, spatial disorientation, difficulty in concentrating on one thing, and issues in communication with others Behavioral: Anxiety attacks, on-set of depression, severe mood swings, impulsive actions, and aggressive behavior Physical: Impairment of speech, vision, and/or movement along with loss of smell and taste What can you do? Brain injuries of any kind should not be taken lightly. So, if you ever come across a car accident where the person might exhibit any of the symptoms listed above, please dial 911 and call for help. Taking a chance is not advised in this scenario whatsoever. As a witness to this accident, you must collect evidence by clicking pictures and recording videos. But if you are in a car accident, then it would be best to look for witnesses around you. The right approach would be to note down their name and contact information. You might feel alright in a mild brain injury, however, it is always better to get checked out at a hospital. A personal injury lawsuit should be taken forward that will provide you with compensation for: Medical expenses – From paying the ambulance to brain surgery expenses, you must get full compensation for every medical bill Rehabilitation – These are expenses covered in cases where the sufferer requires physical and cognitive rehabilitation to function normally again Lost income – From the moment of the accident to the recovery phase, the loss of income must be covered by the responsible individual Loss of ability to work – When the sufferer is no longer capable of earning, s/he must be provided compensation for sustenance In case you know someone, who has faced this legal issue, they can reach out to our personal injury experts at Siler & Ingber on +1 516-294-2666
Stay safe during the holidays when riding in an Uber or Lyft
We are in the holiday season, and it is that time of the year again where roads are full of people and celebrations are at their prime. Pubs and restaurants are full! However, to reduce drunk drivers on the road, ridesharing services offer a great alternative. But such a high surge in the traffic and of ridesharing apps also brings some risks with itself. Here are some dangers you should know about and be careful out there while having fun. Surge pricing: Uber and Lyft drivers may literally take you for a ride but they often take routes with higher traffic as it surges the price of the ride. Hence, even when alternate, less congested routes are available, your Uber and Lyft driver might use a more traffic-heavy route. Moreover, there is higher likelihood of accidents involving other motor vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians on roads that are heavily congested. Districted/tired driving: Higher demand of ridesharing apps means longer working hours for the drivers. This could lead to driving when they are tired and exhausted after long hours. Moreover, with continuous requests for rides, the drivers may get distracted by the notifications on their phone. This could make the passenger vulnerable to accidents. Driving in unfamiliar areas: Holidays and higher demand for ridesharing services compel drivers to go to unfamiliar areas. In such a case, they may not be aware about some area-specific situations such as on-going construction, a bicycle lane, etc. This may catch the driver be surprise and could lead to an accident. What should you do after the accident? If you’re in a ridesharing service, and meet with an accident. Here is what you should do: Call the police: The first step is to call the police to report the accident. The police should be informed even if there are grave injuries as a police report is mandatory to claim insurance. Seek medical attention: It is absolutely critical to immediately seek medical care to make sure that injuries get proper care and treatment. Even if you think the injury is minor, it is a good idea to just get it checked out. Sometimes, even minor pain/injuries can linger over a period of time. Importantly, safely keep all the receipts and other records of medical expenses to claim compensation/settlement at a later time. Take photos: If possible, take photos of the accident site as visual proof to what really went down at the scene of the accident. In case you cannot take photos yourself due to any reason, try and find a witness who is willing to do it for you. The photos can come in handy as a strong piece of evidence to prove negligence. Talk to a witness: If witnesses are present at the site of accident, talk to them and record (with their consent) their description of the accident. This can also become useful evidence. Report the accident: Once you have sought medical attention, report the accident to the ridesharing company as well as the concerned insurer. It will help them prepare for the next steps. Hire a Uber/Lyft accident lawyer: Since such accidents are becoming common every day, specialist lawyers such as Uber Accident Lawyer or Lyft Accident Lawyer are required to help you navigate the complexities of the law and get the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving Uber/Lyft, you need an Uber accident lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced Uber/Lyft accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
The Timeline of a Car Accident Claim
In the United States as well as specifically in New York, car accident claims account for one of the highest numbers of personal injury claims. Car accident attorneys are busy settling one case after another ensuring that the victim gets due compensation and a settlement that is fair to the pain, trauma, suffering caused due to the accident. Due to the high number of car accidents as well as the sensitivity of time involved with respect to the validity of the evidence, there is a proper timeline that needs to be followed in a car accident claim. Here is all you need to know about. Statute of limitations First of all, once a car accident occurs, the New York statute of limitations for injured car accident victims is three years. However, in the unfortunate event of the victims’ death, representatives generally have two years to file suit as per New York’s wrongful death statute of limitations. Hence, once the accident occurs, it is important to hire a car accident lawyer or file a suit as soon as possible. Although the statute of limitations is three years, it is advisable to move quickly as far as possible. Seeking medical care In parallel, it is pertinent that the victim seeks medical care immediately after the accident. Even if the injuries are not severe, it is important to go through a proper physical check-up to identify any internal or hidden injuries. Collecting evidence After stabilizing medically and once physically capable, the victim, with support of the car accident attorney should start collecting evidence. This includes photographs of the accident sites, witnesses’ accounts, medical bills, other relevant documentation such as loss of income, etc. Building the case This is the most important aspect of the process and involves preparing the settlement. It is recommended to hand over this process to a qualified and experienced car accident lawyer so that they leave no stone unturned in ensuring that you get the settlement you deserve covering all costs – short and long term – as well as other intangible aspects of emotional distress, trauma, etc. Negotiations Once the evidence is collected and the settlement is drawn out, the car accident lawyer will begin the process of negotiations with the insurance company of the at-fault party. More often than not, these cases are settled out of court, however, that being said, the insurer does not make it easy for the victim to get the due settlement. They find ways and means to reduce the compensations as far as possible. Hence, auto accident attorneys are best placed to lead this process. This process could last anywhere between one to two years. Lastly, if the negotiations do not conclude out of court, then the next step is to file a lawsuit against the insurer. This could become a long-drawn process lasting months after the negotiation stage. Importantly, once the case reaches the court, the set of guidelines and rules completely change and plying to them is important to conclude the case in the favor of the victim. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to someone’s negligence, you need the best car accident lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Be Careful Driving NY Roads on Blackout Wednesday
Blackout Wednesday, Drinksgiving, Thanksgiving Eve, Black Wednesday. Regardless of what you call the day before Thanksgiving, one thing is sure– it’s one of the deadliest days of the year. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving sparks a ton of excitement. College students are home from school, families have arrived from out of town, and many employers allow their workers the day off for an extended weekend. Unfortunately, this gathering day has garnered a harmful reputation as a drinking holiday, and most spend it out of the home. According to Upserve, on Blackout Wednesday, bars generally see a 270 percent increase in beer sales and a 114 percent increase in liquor sales. With more drinking parties that occur on a single night, your chances of becoming the victim of a drunk driving accident surge. With the AAA predicting more than 53.4 million people traveling this holiday, the risks for traffic accidents are already higher than ever. Americans are eager to see family members they missed during the pandemic, and will indeed be celebrating to make up for the lost time. It’s up to all New York City motorists to use caution and common sense on the roads on this holiday. Buzzed driving and drunk driving are reckless and unnecessary, not to mention illegal in every state. Help keep your community safe by staying informed and spreading the word about the danger of ”Blackout Wednesday” this week. Drunk Driving Trends on Blackout Wednesday The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (N.H.T.S.A.) reports that nearly one third of all traffic fatalities nationwide are caused by drunk drivers, all with blood alcohol levels at or above .08. In 2019 alone, 10,142 people were killed in drunk driving crashes. Most of these tragedies occurred during evening hours (midnight to 3:00 am), when drinking establishments wind down business for the night. Drunk driving fatalities always peak around holidays known for drinking, including the Fourth of July, Labor Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and the upcoming Thanksgiving Eve. From 2014 to 2019, the N.H.T.S.A. reported over 800 alcohol-related traffic fatalities on the days surrounding Thanksgiving; in fact, one-third of all fatal accidents that occur over this holiday break is the result of impaired driving. The Deadly History Behind Blackout Wednesday Sadly, Blackout Wednesday has been around for decades, but it wasn’t always known as a day for drunk driving. According to the StarTribune, the tradition of gathering for drinks the day before Thanksgiving started with small towns and villages. Neighbors would bounce from house to house, or walk to local pubs to visit with friends and family who were home for the holidays. There wasn’t too much travel involved, especially by car, so drunk driving rates were relatively low. Drunk driving accidents became heavily associated with Blackout Wednesday when holiday gatherings before Thanksgiving transitioned from homes to bars and restaurants. This required people to start driving, sometimes far distances, to meet with friends and family, often without adjusting any drinking habits. According to a study by Scram Systems, 52 percent of drunk drivers caught during the Thanksgiving period claim to drink more over the holidays compared to other times of the year, out of both desire and expectation. Binge drinking culture is highly encouraged among friend groups over the holidays, only making matters worse when it comes to safety on our roads. Drive Sober or Not At All The safest step you can take to reduce drunk driving accidents on Blackout Wednesday is never to drink and drive. There is no good excuse to drive intoxicated in a society with ridesharing services at your fingertips. Drunk driving is dangerous, no matter how few drinks you’ve consumed. Any amount of alcohol can impair your judgment behind the wheel, and it only takes a minor error to cause a catastrophic accident. While staying home is also one of the safest ways to reduce drunk driving accidents this holiday, we understand that New Yorkers are eager to leave their homes. If going out to celebrate Thanksgiving Eve is part of your plan, here are some steps you can take ahead of time to stay safe on your night out: Drink in moderation. Blackout Wednesday is heavily associated with binge drinking, as the namesake implies. Binge drinking is unhealthy and dangerous. The more you drink, the worse your judgment becomes. Drink responsibly to reduce your chance of making unsafe decisions you would never make sober, including getting into a car with a drunk driver or driving intoxicated yourself. Plan ahead. Don’t get caught out at the bar without a ride. Plan your rides and transportation routes before you leave to avoid risky decisions later. Call a ride. Between Uber and Lyft, there is never a reason to find yourself without a ride. Don’t take a chance of driving intoxicated, even if the ride is short. Call a ride to save a life. Report drunk drivers. If you see someone is trying to get behind the wheel and is clearly intoxicated, try to stop them if it’s safe. If the situation is out of your control, report the driver to local authorities. Do not let others drive drunk. From our team at Siler & Ingber, we wish all New Yorkers a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday. Have fun and drive smart! New York City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Our personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Siler & Ingber have over 30 years of experience representing accident victims in New York City. We protect your rights by maximizing recovery and securing the financial support our clients need to succeed on their road to recovery. Our winning attorneys know how to navigate through the claim process, using our experience as insurance defense attorneys. We are not afraid to fight and are fully prepared to take your case to trial to get a justified verdict over settling for less. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, our team at Siler & Ingber is here to help. With a
Five Types of Car & Truck Accident Damages You Should Know About
An accident caused due to someone negligence can cause a lot more than injuries. One of the most common accidents to occur in New York and its vicinity are motor vehicle accidents such as car accidents, truck accidents, bus accidents, etc. The injuries sustained in such an accident can vary from mild to severe, but there’s more to it. Let us understand the different types of injuries that you should tell your personal injury attorney about. Loss of Wages: An accident often leaves the injured person incapacitated to be able to go to work for a short or long period of time due to the injuries sustained and the recovery time required, hence, lose income. This is referred to as loss of wages. Any top injury lawyer will ensure that the loss of wages due to the accident are duly included in the settlement proposed to the at-fault party. Pain & suffering: Accidents are traumatic – physically and mentally. In that context, pain & suffering is an attempt to assign a monetary value to the physical and mental suffering that the victim wouldn’t have undergone if not because of the accident. The cost is calculated based on the evidence provided in relation to the accident. Essentially, these are non-economic damages and should be duly compensated. Medical expenses: These are the most straightforward type of expenses and refer to the medical bills borne by the injured party. It is important to note that some injuries require long-term treatment, and the personal injury attorney should be made privy to these so that they can be appropriately included in the settlement. Out-of-pocket expenses: These expenses refer to a variety of costs related to the injuries sustained by the victim. Examples of these expenses include transportation from home to the hospital for medical care, stay in a hotel in situations where medical expenses are sought out of the station, over the counter medication expenses, rental car expenses, parking fees, etc. Property damage: In various scenarios, a motor vehicle accident caused by a car, truck, etc., can lead to property damage, for example, if a car rams into a wall of a store on the roadside, etc. In such a scenario, in addition to the injuries sustained by the victim, any expenses related to the property and its repairs should also be covered under the settlement. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car or truck accident due to someone’s negligence, you need the top injury lawyers, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Importance of a Witness in a Car Accident Claim
A car accident is often a result of someone’s negligence. In such a scenario, the victim is owed compensation for the injuries they’ve incurred as well as other long- and short-term damages. In order to receive fair compensation, evidence is pertinent in a car accident claim. Evidence includes photographs, documentation such as medical bills, proof of loss of income/livelihood due to the injuries sustained, etc. Among the various evidence available, witnesses also play an important role, as agreed by car accident attorneys. Here is what you need to know about witnesses in a car accident claim. Types of witnesses There are two types of witnesses in a car accident claim: Eyewitness: refer to someone who was at the site of the accident, however, not one of the passengers in the motor vehicle that suffered or caused the accident. Their testimony is objective and a near first-hand account of what occurred at the site of the accident. Examples of eyewitnesses are pedestrians at the site of the accident, other drivers at the site of the accident, and employers/owners/customers of businesses in and around the area of the accident. If someone has been in an accident, car accident lawyers recommend that they try to talk to the witnesses and record their contact details to reach them at the time of filing the claim, and request their statement. Expert witness: In scenarios where claims are more complex than usual, and negligence cannot be proved with the evidence at hand, it is recommended to include expert witness testimony, for example, a medical professional who can confirm that the injuries caused are due to the accident. This can strengthen the claim and prove the negligence of the at-fault driver. Hence, in addition to maintaining medical records and expenses, it is pertinent to talk to the medical professional and seek their help, if required, as a witness. Impact of a witness on a case Both the categories of witnesses, as mentioned above, are important to a car accident claim. They build the evidence and strengthen it so that the victim can receive the compensation they deserve. Hence, witnesses, in addition to other evidence are critical to a car accident claim. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to someone’s negligence, you need the best car accident lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case
What to do after if you’re in a Rear-End Collision Accident
When a front of a vehicle crashes another vehicle from the rear, it is called a rear-end collision. The extent of the accident can vary from a minor bruise to a totaled car/vehicle. Moreover, it can also cause minor to severe injuries. In such a case, you’re owed compensation for the injuries suffered and other damages. A car accident attorney can help. Common injuries after a rear end collision Rear end collisions can cause physical injuries to the driver and other passengers. Here are the most common injuries after a rear-end collision. Neck injuries/Whiplash: Injuries to the neck, shoulder, and upper back are likely to occur in a rear end collision due to sudden jerk. Most often, the muscles/ligaments of the neck or shoulder stretch beyond range very quickly that causes straining or tearing of the tissue. If minor, these injuries can be cured with physiotherapy or medicines to reduce inflammation. However, a severe injury may need surgical intervention. Back or spinal injuries: The force and impact of a rear-end, especially if the vehicle was in speed, can cause severe back and spinal injuries. Spinal injuries are often serious and tend to take a long time to heal or become a lifelong condition. Bulging/herniated discs, facet joint injuries are common outcomes of rear end collisions. The treatment is often long-term and expensive. These conditions can also disrupt the day to day life of the victim. Fractured ribs: A rear end collision pushes the driver and other passenger forward. Depending on the severity of the jerk, people may end up with fractured ribs or other broken bones. In addition to being extremely painful, broken bones and fractured ribs take a long time to heal. They also restrict movement of the victim and hampers their ability to carry out daily tasks. In addition to the above, rear end collisions of high severity can also cause face disfigurement, paralysis, head/brain injuries, etc. While physical injuries do occur, such accidents also cause trauma that leads to an impact on the mental health of the victim. The post-accident trauma, medical expenses, losing income, etc. can put additional pressure on the victim’s mind causing distress. Steps to take after a rear-end collision If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, you deserve a settlement. This means that the person who causes the crash should pay you for all the damages caused. It is best to seek legal help from a car accident attorney to get the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving a rear-end collision, you need the car accident lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
What to do if you’re involved in an Uber/Lyft Accident
Uber and Lyft have become a popular choice for people in New York. The convenience of riding in a comfortable car without the hassle of parking or navigating the crowd of a bus or subway is truly a boon for the city resident. What do numbers say? Available data suggests that Uber, Lyft, and other similar ridesharing services account for nearly 20 million trips in NYC alone. Hence, accidents involving them are also common. Statistics suggest that rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have led to a 3% increase in overall car accident fatalities. Nearly 1,000 daily car accident deaths are due to the increasing number of rideshare vehicles on the road. Uber/Lyft accident lawyers are witnessing a rapid increase in accidents involving ride sharing cars. What are the causes of these accidents? Drunk/distracted driving Driving when tired due to excessive working hours Late night driving Rash driving You can be an accident involving a ridesharing service either (1) as a rider or (2) the driver of the car/vehicle the ridesharing car collided with. In both cases, the fundamental principle is to identify the fault. Hence, the following should be considered: The person has the responsibility of reasonable care (all drivers have a duty to drive carefully and obey all traffic laws) The person who breached the responsibility of reasonable care (the other person didn’t drive carefully or didn’t obey a traffic law) You were injured and suffered damages as a result of the other person’s breach What should you do after the accident? Here are the steps you should follow: Call the police: The first step is to call the police to report the accident. The police should be informed even if there are grave injuries as a police report is mandatory to claim insurance. Seek medical attention: It is absolutely critical to immediately seek medical care to make sure that injuries get proper care and treatment. Even if you think the injury is minor, it is a good idea to just get it checked out. Sometimes, even minor pain/injuries can linger over a period of time. Importantly, safely keep all the receipts and other records of medical expenses to claim compensation/settlement at a later time. Take photos: If possible, take photos of the accident site as visual proof to what really went down at the scene of the accident. In case you cannot take photos yourself due to any reason, try and find a witness who is willing to do it for you. The photos can come in handy as a strong piece of evidence to prove negligence. Talk to a witness: If witnesses are present at the site of accident, talk to them and record (with their consent) their description of the accident. This can also become useful evidence. Report the accident: Once you have sought medical attention, report the accident to the ridesharing company as well as the concerned insurer. It will help them prepare for the next steps. Hire a Uber/Lyft accident lawyer: Since such accidents are becoming common every day, specialist lawyers such as Uber Accident Lawyer or Lyft Accident Lawyer are required to help you navigate the complexities of the law and get the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving Uber/Lyft, you need an Uber accident lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced Uber/Lyft accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
