Rideshare accidents can lead to a wide variety of injuries, both minor and serious. These injuries can have a tremendous impact on the lives of those who suffer them, and they could be particularly costly in some cases. For those who find themselves in that situation, a lawyer can be helpful in seeking compensation. With the range of injuries that are possible in these situations, we consider some common injuries in rideshare accidents in California.
Common Rideshare Accident Injuries
There are a number of injuries that could result from a rideshare accident. Some of these include:
- Cuts and lacerations. While on the minor end of the spectrum of injuries one could sustain in a rideshare accident, cuts and lacerations from shattered glass or other shrapnel can pose some real risks. Deep cuts could lead to significant blood loss and the complications that come from that. There is also a risk of infection. Long-term, these wounds could lead to scarring and disfigurement.
- Soft tissue injuries. The blunt force of the impact of a rideshare accident could lead to various soft tissue injuries. This could be minor bruising, but it could also lead to sprains, strains, or tears in muscles, tendons, or ligaments. While it is possible to sometimes fully recover from these injuries, in other cases they can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.
- Another injury caused by the blunt force of an accident is a fractured or broken bone. These can occur anywhere, but the extremities and ribs are common. Facial fractures are also a risk from the force of the airbag or another contact point in the car.
- Common to many car accidents is whiplash. Most car accidents involve sudden stopping or another kind of jarring movement that sends a person’s head into motion, pulling on the neck. This can lead to significant damage to the many soft tissues in the neck. It is not uncommon for symptoms like neck pain, dizziness, and headaches to last for weeks or months.
- Head Injuries. In particularly violent car accidents, it is possible that a rider could experience trauma to their head. This could lead to a concussion and the many symptoms that they could produce. A more severe traumatic brain injury can cause long-term impairment and cognitive issues.
- Back and spinal cord injuries. A car accident can lead to significant force being pushed through the middle of the body. The pressure that this puts on the back and spinal cord is substantial and often leads to damage. Some of these injuries are minor soft tissue injuries that can be recovered from. Others, especially those impacting the spinal cord, can create serious issues that can last for quite some time, potentially even for life.
FAQs
Q: Can Someone Be Held Liable for a Rideshare Accident in California?
A: Someone can be held liable for a rideshare accident in California, typically under personal injury law. In most situations, the liability in accidents belongs to one of the drivers, but there is a possibility that the rideshare company could be liable as well. Although less common, there are also occasions when the local government responsible for the roads is liable, or even a parts manufacturer or installer.
Having a good lawyer is critical to ensuring that you hold the proper parties to account for your injuries.
Q: What Costs Should Be Compensated Regarding Rideshare Accident Injuries?
A: The costs that should be compensated regarding rideshare accident injuries are those that can be shown to have a direct link to the accident. These will be compensated in two forms of damages. Economic damages address the costs, such as lost wages, medical bills, and property damage, that have an obvious financial component. This includes future expenses, such as ongoing medical care or future lost wages.
Non-economic damages address those with a less clear financial element, such as pain and suffering and other psychological costs.
Q: What Should You Do if You Are Injured in a Rideshare Accident?
A: If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, the first thing to do is get medical treatment. Assuming that paramedics have cleared you at the scene of the accident, it can still be a good idea to let your doctor make a full examination in case there is anything that they missed. It is also wise to contact a lawyer as soon as you can. They can help you seek compensation for the injuries that you sustained.
Q: Should I Settle My Claim if I Have Been Injured in a Rideshare Accident?
A: Whether or not you should settle your claim if you have been injured in a rideshare accident depends on the specifics of your situation. In general, the benefit of settling is that it can be a quicker process than going through a full battle in the courts. It also avoids the inherent risks that are involved in going to the courts, where you may receive nothing.
With a settlement, you are at least guaranteed to receive something. However, a settlement could be less than you may receive if you were to win in court, so you will need to weigh these options when deciding whether or not to settle.
Rideshare Accident Injuries Are Costly, But We May Be Able to Help
The costs after a rideshare accident can add up quickly. The more significant the injuries, the greater the costs. From medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering, these costs are the legal responsibility of those who caused the accident according to California’s personal injury law. The process of collecting what is owed can be complicated and challenging. That is why it is critical that those who have been injured have a California rideshare accident lawyer representing them.
For more than three decades at Kreeger Law Firm, we have been fighting for fair and full compensation for our clients. We have helped those injured in rideshare accidents reach a settlement for restitution or fought for their compensation in court when a settlement couldn’t be reached. If you need a team dedicated to getting what you are owed after a rideshare accident, contact us today.
