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Why Are Witness Statements Crucial in Rideshare Accident Claims?

  • November 29, 2024
  • 3 min read
Why Are Witness Statements Crucial in Rideshare Accident Claims?

The rideshare market in the US is estimated to be worth billions. A good number of American adults have used rideshare apps at some point in their lives. Uber and Lyft have the highest market share and are not strangers to lawsuits.

There are over a million car accidents every year in the US. Using a rideshare app doesn’t necessarily keep you safe from them. You should consult a rideshare accident attorney if you find yourself in one.

Who is responsible for a rideshare accident?

There are multiple parties involved in rideshare accidents, and it can get complicated to determine who is ultimately responsible. The parties that can be held liable for an accident may include

  • The rideshare driver
  • A third party
  • The rideshare company
  • The auto shop/mechanic

Liability depends on various factors, such as whether the driver was working within the scope of their employment, the actions of other drivers, or whether any company policies were violated.

For example, if the rideshare driver was distracted or driving recklessly while using the app, the driver may be liable. However, if another vehicle caused the crash, the other driver may be responsible.

In some cases, the rideshare company could be held accountable, especially if the driver was negligent or if there was a defect in the app.

Passengers may even bear some responsibility if they were distracting the driver or interfering with the vehicle’s operation.

Ultimately, each case is unique, and liability will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the accident.

The importance of witness statements

Witness statements are a critical part of car accident claims, as they provide evidence for the course of events that caused the accident. This can indicate liability and degree of damage caused.

In order for a car accident claim to be accepted, the plaintiff must establish negligence, i.e., prove that a party had a responsibility to act a certain way and was negligent in meeting that responsibility.

Both the courts and insurance companies accept photographs of the event, medical reports, police reports, and witness statements as evidence of negligence.

Witness statements provide an unbiased source of information on the accident. If there are conflicting reports from the defendant and the plaintiff, witness statements can help clarify what happened, as they have no relation to those in the crash.

Witness statements also help to corroborate information on the severity of the crash. This can help bolster the plaintiff’s claims and other evidence.

Witness statements can help plaintiffs reach a favorable conclusion, not only in court but also with the insurance claims process.

Conclusion

Rideshare accidents can be complicated due to the involvement of multiple parties. This can be solved in part by the statements of witnesses, and hence they are crucial in a rideshare accident claim.

Having legal assistance in handling a rideshare accident is critical, as you can easily be cheated out of a claim if you’re not aware of your rights and the legal processes involved. This legal professional will be by your side, from the moment of filing the claim to winning fair compensation.

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Jinal Shah

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