What Happens When an Uber or Lyft Accident Case Goes to Trial?
Car accidents can change your physical, emotional, and financial life quickly. If you or a loved one was involved in an automobile accident involving an Uber or Lyft, you understand the added challenges of dealing with insurance companies and determining who is responsible for compensating you for the damages you have sustained.
The bulk of insurance claims is settled outside of the courtroom. Your Uber or Lyft accident case could go to trial if negotiations with the insurance company are unsuccessful. If negotiations falter, you may have to go to trial, and it will be essential to know what to expect.
Reasons Rideshare Accident cases go to Trial
Uber and Lyft accident cases may go before the court for several reasons. The first reason is that the claimant disagreed with the settlement offered by the insurance company. If the insurance company fails to provide appropriate compensation, the decision may be left in the hands of the court.
Another reason an Uber or Lyft accident might go to trial is that the person who caused the accident is in question. If you go before the court, you must gather and present evidence reinforcing your need for compensation. However, by going to court, the court will determine compensation and proof of fault.
What to Expect in an Uber or Lyft Accident Trial
Trials follow the same general format and so here is what you should expect when going to trial following an Uber or Lyft accident.
Jury Selection
Jury selection comes first. Both sides are allowed to question each potential juror to demonstrate any possible biases. If biases are found, or for any reason, possible jury members may be dismissed from serving on the case.
Opening Statements
Once the jury is selected, a date for the trial is also set. Each side will begin the trial by making opening statements. These will express what they intend to prove during the trial. Insurance companies normally want to blame the claimant for being at least partially at fault so they do not have to pay.
Presenting Evidence
Your attorney will illustrate your case before the court and bring evidence supporting your claim. Many times, the lawyers for the other party will try to dispute what is presented on your behalf. Both sides can present evidence and poke holes in each other’s cases through questioning and their own evidence.
Closing Arguments
Once both sides have made their case, they are each allowed one more chance to convince the jury that their side is the right side. Closing arguments are what that final plea to the jury is called, and in the hands of a skilled litigator, these can be masterful.
Jury Deliberations
Once the final arguments are made, the jury will gather to review the evidence and discuss the case. When they have come to a resolution, the decision is passed along to the judge so that you and your lawyer will understand where you stand.
Appeals
If the plaintiff or the defendant disagrees with the ruling, they have the right to appeal. If you win the ruling and the defendant does not pursue an appeal, your restitution may take between 15 and 40 days to make its way to your bank account.
Contact Brady, Reilly & Cardoso, LLC
If you or someone you care about has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, Brady, Reilly & Cardoso, LLC understands how overwhelming dealing with insurance companies can be. We are here to help you through negotiations and litigations if they become necessary.