Overview
Our client, a 29-year-old graduate student, was riding as a passenger in a rideshare company on a Saturday evening in downtown Boston. The rideshare company driver, distracted by GPS directions, failed to see a legally parked vehicle on the side of the road and crashed directly into it at over 30 miles per hour. The collision caused significant damage to both vehicles and left our client with multiple injuries.
Despite the clear liability, the insurance companies involved initially tried to shift blame, citing a “lack of seatbelt use” and disputing the extent of the injuries.Injuries
- Concussion with short-term memory impairment
- Multiple rib fractures
- Torn meniscus in right knee
- Whiplash and ongoing back pain
- Emotional distress and anxiety related to rideshare use
Our Strategy
- Securing Rideshare Logs and Dash Cam Footage: We obtained a full report of the rideshare company trip, including time stamps, GPS coordinates, and internal notes from rideshare company’s own investigation. We also located surveillance footage from a nearby storefront that showed the crash and confirmed that the driver was at fault.
- Coordinating Medical Care: Our team helped the client receive care from neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists. We ensured proper documentation of all treatment, future care needs, and the emotional toll of the accident.
- Navigating rideshare company’s Insurance Tiers: Because the driver was actively transporting a passenger at the time of the crash, we were able to tap into rideshare company’s $1 million liability policy — despite initial resistance from the adjusters.
- Countering the Seatbelt Argument: We brought in a biomechanical expert who testified that the severity of injuries would have occurred even with a seatbelt, given the angle and velocity of the collision.
Outcome
After months of negotiation and a threat of litigation, we secured a settlement of $375,000 from rideshare company’s insurance carrier. This covered medical bills, lost academic time, pain and suffering, and long-term counseling costs. Our client was able to finish her degree without the burden of financial uncertainty.Result:
- ✅$375,000 Settlement Through rideshare company’s Insurance
- ✅No Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses
- ✅Full Compensation for Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
- ✅Client Able to Complete Graduate Program on Schedule
Reflections
Rideshare companies and their insurers don’t make things easy — even when liability is clear. At Maloney Law, we know how to cut through the red tape and fight for injured passengers. Whether it’s rideshare company, Lyft, or another platform, we make sure you’re not left paying the price for someone else’s negligence.