5 Biggest Mistakes Rideshare Victims Make Without a Lawyer

In recent days, cabs have become a big part of our lives. Due to the huge demand for cabs, we now have rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, which people have started using all the time. These services make it easier, especially for tourists who may not know how to find cabs in a new location. But the increase in demand has also led to an increase in the accident rates, which involve rideshare vehicles.

Florida, being a major tourist hub with cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, sees some of the highest rideshare traffic in the country. The state's busy roads and high population density only add to the risks faced by drivers and passengers alike.

If you are someone who is in Florida, you might already know how tricky and complicated Florida's rideshare insurance structure is. Or if you are new to Florida, the chances that you make mistakes or miss out on important points are high, which may affect your claim. So, if you're in a rideshare accident in Florida, don't forget to reach out to a rideshare accident lawyer in Florida.

Here are a few mistakes that rideshare victims make without a lawyer.

1. Not Seeking Medical Attention

Many times, people who have been in accidents tend to avoid medical treatment because they feel fine at that moment. Even if you have slight pain or injury, it is best to get it checked immediately, as there might be internal bleeding or other injuries that may affect you in the future. Some states, like Florida, have a limited time period during which victims can seek medical attention that qualifies for insurance benefits.

Also, when you delay your treatment, insurance companies may also say that the injury wasn't caused by the accident.

2. Failing to Report the Accident

As a passenger using a rideshare service, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not reporting the accident to the police, the rideshare company, and the insurance company. The incident should be immediately reported, irrespective of the severity of the accident. Failure to report the accident may affect the validity of the claim, as insurance companies may say that no official record of the accident exists.

3. Not Knowing Who Is Liable

When an accident occurs, it is not always the driver's fault. So, without proper details, we may not be able to establish liability on any party. In a rideshare accident, multiple parties like the driver, the rideshare company, or even third parties like manufacturers are involved.

Without the help of an attorney, we may blame the wrong person, which can void a legitimate claim.

4. Not Gathering Evidence

Everyone knows that for an insurance company or a court, evidence plays a vital role. But at times, most passengers or even drivers of rideshare service vehicles leave the scene without evidence. You can help give a lot of details of the case by clicking photographs of the scene, speaking with witnesses, or checking surrounding surveillance footage. Sometimes, not gathering the evidence on time may cause it to disappear or delay the claim proceedings.

We might also not know what the crucial evidence is, but an attorney will ensure that they get all the necessary evidence for you.

5. Setting for the First Offer

Insurance companies are never your friend. Their main aim is to save money for their company. The first offer they usually offer is lower than what you deserve. Also, once you accept an offer, you cannot seek further compensation. An attorney will analyze your damages and ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve.