Rideshare Accident Lawyer Columbus, Ohio

The Friedmann Firm’s team is dedicated to helping you pursue compensation following a range of accidents, including those involving a rideshare vehicle. As a Columbus rideshare accident law firm, we want to ensure that your recovery is as smooth as possible. Personal injury claims are stressful and can be complex, and we are here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Over the last decade, ridesharing services have seen immense growth in popularity. They offer an affordable and convenient way for people to get around cities, whether they are visiting or using the service as a primary way to commute to and from work. Even with a ridership dip during the COVID-19 pandemic for both Uber and Lyft by 70% to 80%, rideshare services remain a popular way to travel. And with that rise in popularity also comes a rise in ridesharing-related accidents.

According to research from a University of Chicago Booth School of Business 2019 survey, the introduction of rideshare services into the United States has been associated with a 3% increase in the amount of motor vehicle fatal accidents and fatalities. The survey also found that there was an increase in pedestrian and bike fatalities in cities that introduced ridesharing services.

A rideshare accident is similar to any other kind of motor vehicle accident in the fact that if you received injuries through no fault of your own due to someone else’s negligence, you can seek to file a personal injury claim. That is where The Friedmann Firm is here to help.

Our experienced rideshare accident attorneys in Columbus, Ohio are here to help you in the aftermath of an accident. We take an aggressive approach to our representation to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation owed to you.

Skilled Legal Representation from Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Columbus, Ohio

Our Columbus rideshare accident law firm is made up of a team of experienced lawyers who understand the complexity of personal injury law. Car accidents in general make for a stressful time, and they can be even more so when a rideshare company or driver is involved. There are big questions to answer such as who is liable and what kind of damages you may be able to receive.

With that in mind, our Columbus rideshare accident lawyers are here to look over the details of your case, explain your rights to you, and provide you with legal representation should we decide to take your case. We have a full understanding of the relevant laws to each individual case we work on, and we use that expert knowledge to help you, allowing you to focus on your recovery instead of dealing with the stress of litigation.

Additional benefits of working with a skilled rideshare accident attorney in Columbus, Ohio include:

• Ability to negotiate with insurance companies for rideshare drivers and companies
• Ensure relevant deadlines are met
• Handle paperwork and evidence collection

Our main Columbus office is centrally located, allowing us to offer free and confidential consultations to individuals who have been involved in rideshare accidents.

Common Types of Rideshare Accidents

Depending on the kind of rideshare accident, the severity, and resulting injuries can vary quite a bit. But some of the most common types of rideshare accidents include:

These kinds of accidents can involve rideshare vehicles with only a driver in the car or with a driver and passengers. Following any accident, be sure to make sure that you are safe and that you seek medical attention.

According to Uber’s website, both drivers and riders are able to report an accident online. Lyft offers a similar online form.

Something to keep in mind when you are reporting an accident to a rideshare company is that you can speak with a rideshare accident lawyer in Columbus, Ohio at any time. Representatives from the rideshare company may not have your best interest at heart. We can offer legal advice on how to proceed, whether you are a driver or a rider that was involved in the accident.

Types of Damages You Can Recover from a Rideshare Accident

The main goal of filing a personal injury claim after a rideshare accident is to recover fair compensation for your injuries and other losses incurred. Depending on the details of your case, you may be able to receive damages such as:

1. Non-economic damages for things like emotional and psychological trauma from the accident, loss of consortium, and emotional distress.
2. Economic damages for any kind of financial loss. This includes medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and the case of wrongful death, funeral, and burial expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Be Considered a Liable Party in a Rideshare Accident?

Just as with any car accident, the liable party will depend on individual factors of each accident. But since Ohio is an at-fault state, the driver found to be at fault will be held liable.

In an at-fault state like Ohio, you will need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver and be able to prove that they were at fault. Fault is proven by showing four elements of negligence:

1. That the driver had a duty to follow traffic laws and to drive safely
2. That the driver breached that duty in some way such as driving recklessly or ignoring traffic laws
3. Their actions caused the accident
4. That you suffered injuries or damages because of the accident

To help prove negligence, it can be prudent to connect with a Columbus rideshare accident lawyer.

What Should I Do Following an Accident?

If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, here are a few steps to take afterward:

1. Report the accident to the police. This will create an official record of the accident and serve as evidence for your claim.
2. Seek medical attention. Getting medical care is important, even if you don’t feel hurt. You may have hidden injuries.
3. Report the accident to the rideshare company but be careful when speaking to any rideshare representative. You can refer them to your lawyer once they contact you.
4. Document the scene. Document by taking photos and videos of the accident scene and collecting contact info for eyewitnesses.

What Can I Expect to Pay in Attorney’s Fees?

The Friedmann Firm takes a number of our cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we charge our clients nothing until we achieve a case outcome that is beneficial to them.  Simply put, we keep a percentage of the settlement if/when the case settles and we are not paid until that happens.  If we do not successfully settle the case, the client does not owe us anything.

We are very clear about what percentage of a settlement or jury award we will take as a fee for any case we take on. Before taking on a case, we offer free consultations to potential clients where we go over the details of your case and answer any questions you have.  There is no risk to speaking to us, as all consultations are free and confidential and we will not call you repeatedly if you do not decide to move forward with our firm.