Car Sharing Accidents – Actions You Must Take Following a Car Sharing Accident

Car-sharing becomes more and more prevalent as more drivers turn their car into a source of income. The basic idea is that you rent out your car and earn some money. However, what happens when your car is involved in a car-sharing accident? Do you need a car sharing accident lawyer?

What is Car Sharing?

Car sharing is a rapidly growing car rental business. Unlike traditional car rental agencies, car sharing is meant for people who want to rent a car for a short period of time, like a few hours or so, and want to only pay for their usage. Generally, you are billed for how long you have the car and the distance traveled.

Car sharing is also very practical for people who don’t own a car to access a car whenever and wherever without having to rely on traditional rental agency’s business hours. Because the cars are spread over the city, the chances of one being nearby are high. 

You can think of car sharing as “Airbnb for cars”. Basically, these cars can be used by anyone and even some corporations like GM have gotten in on the business. But the question remains. What happens if a negligent driver causes a serious accident? What if you are the victim, then who is liable? The driver? The car owner?

We will answer these questions and more in this article.

Growing Potential Accidents as Car Sharing Increases

A car sharing begins to spread across the country, the potential for a car accident increases. It won’t be long before car sharing becomes as ubiquitous as ridesharing apps like Uber or Lyft. 

Recently Inc. reported that car sharing accidents may increase dramatically over the next few years. They point out that accidents have tripled within the last few years, and this has lead to increasingly complex legal issues for drivers and passengers. 

What to Do If You Are Involved in a Car Sharing Accident?

Following these steps can mean the difference between life and death if you are ever involved in a car-sharing accident.

Seek Medical Treatment

First, call 911 to get emergency services on their way to the accident site as soon as possible. If possible, move both vehicles out of the way of traffic and use flares, cones, and hazard lights to warn oncoming drivers about the accident. 

Exchange Information & Document the Accident

Get the other driver and your driver’s information as soon as possible. Get their insurance and contact information for both the driver and the owner of the car. Be sure to get the police report as well. 

If you can, get any eyewitnesses to agree to give a statement to the police. Additionally, be sure to get any medical diagnoses, treatments or recommendations in writing from your doctor. All of this information will prove valuable if you must pursue a claim. 

Report Your Accident

When the police arrive, give them your version of the events and be sure to get a copy of the police report. Reporting your accident gives you an unbiased report from the police that your car sharing accident lawyer can then use in your case, should you need to bring your claim to court. 

Contact a Car Sharing Accident Lawyer

A car sharing accident lawyer is an expert in this kind of complex case. They will be armed with the experience and proven history needed to properly conduct your case. They can help you compile the information, file the necessary paperwork and deal with the insurance companies while you focus on recovery.

Should I Pursue a Claim with a Car Accident Lawyer?

Should you pursue a claim against the car-sharing company, or the car owner, or the car diver or any combination of the three? You may need to take some time to answer a few questions. Be sure that you are certain about filing a claim.

Your legal team will work hard to help you gain the right compensation from any liable party or parties. This can include medical costs, vehicle repair, lost income, and potentially damages for any other financial difficulties that result from the accident, like missed wages.

Our experienced car sharing accident lawyers can help assemble your claims while you rest easy. One the case is underway, your team will become your best ally in making sure that your case has a successful outcome.

Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with and will often try to get you to settle for much less than you are entitled to. Most insurance companies will try to get an injured party to sign a waiver to reach a quick and cheap (for them) settlement. This can mean that you get far less compensation than you deserve. A good attorney will help you negotiate the settlement and provide guidance on whether or not the offer is fair.

Who Is At Fault?

Companies for ridesharing services will often try to deflect their liability for accidents, and try to make the driver the responsible party. However, car-sharing companies may have different tactics. 

Car owners — whether a private party or not — can set their own prices and schedules for renting out cars. But they are also responsible for keeping the car well maintained and correcting any defects. Therefore renting your car out can result in potential liability for accidents

This is why it is so important to gather evidence after being involved in a car-sharing accident. You need to be sure that you have the proof you need to determine and prove fault and identify what party should be held responsible.

If you have any questions, or if you have been involved in a car-sharing accident, reach out to contact an experienced construction accident lawyer at Shirvanian Law Firm for a compassionate approach to your case. If you live in the Glendale area call us at 818-835-5396 or Contact Us here to schedule a consultation today.