Ridesharing has become a lifestyle. It has become the most convenient mode of transport for many. The global rideshare market reached $85.8 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $185.1 billion by 2026. Uber is the most famous ridesharing app in the world. As of 2022, Uber had 131 million users around the world.
There is a problem with this convenient mode of transport—car accidents. More cars on the road mean more accidents. Car accidents are already one of the leading causes of death in the US. Now, people have to worry about rideshare accidents too.
Rideshare accidents are not the same as car accidents. From determining liability to obtaining just compensation, every single step is complicated, which is why victims need to hire a rideshare accident lawyer. A lawyer can easily reduce the complexity of an accident case with their expertise.
Injuries One Can Sustain in a Rideshare Accident
Rideshare accident victims will sustain various injuries, depending on the type of accident. The injuries a victim can sustain are:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Internal Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Psychological Trauma
Whiplash
Whiplash is the most common car accident injury. It occurs due to the sudden back-and-forth movement that occurs during a car accident. Whiplash will cause stiffness and severe neck pain. Symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain
- Low back pain
- Stiffness
Whiplash can interrupt your daily life. Speak with a doctor to treat your injury. You can claim the treatment costs as compensation. The following treatments can cure your whiplash injury;
- Over-the-counter medications
- Physiotherapy
- Acupuncture
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is another common car accident injury. TBI occurs when your head strikes an object like the steering wheel. This is why it is important to wear seatbelts. Seatbelts can protect you from TBIs. Symptoms of TBIs include:
- Behavior/mood changes
- Dizziness
- Seizures
TBIs are much more serious injuries than whiplash. It also costs more to treat TBI than whiplash. Treatments for TBIs are:
- Rehabilitation
- Anti-anxiety medication
- Repairing skull fractures
Broken Bones
Rideshare accidents can lead to fractured bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. More than one bone could break, depending on the severity of the accident. You might not be able to go to work when you have broken bones. The lost wages can be claimed from the at-fault party. Broken bones heal only with a cast, time, and rest.
Psychological Trauma
When we think about car accidents, we always think about external injuries. But car accidents can cause emotional trauma too. Many car accident victims suffer from PTSD. Even the thought of getting in a car will scare them. Overcoming emotional trauma is not as simple as treating external injuries. You need to know a lot about emotional trauma to treat it effectively. Symptoms of emotional trauma are:
- Mood swings
- Visual images of the events
- Nightmares
It is important to treat emotional trauma as soon as possible. Consult a doctor to determine the severity of your issue. A psychiatrist is the person who can help you in such situations. Try not to be alone and be with your loved ones. Being with friends helps a lot.
A Lawyer Can Help
The first thing you need to do after getting medical attention is speak with a lawyer. A lawyer can help you to a great extent. They can get you compensation for your losses and provide emotional support. Going through the legal process with a lawyer is much better than doing it yourself.
Final Thoughts
Rideshare accidents can cause serious injuries that result in financial losses. Moreover, it can also cause emotional trauma. You can recover from these losses by filing a personal injury case. A lawyer can help you file a claim and obtain fair compensation for your losses.
