An Uber or Lyft collision may leave you with serious injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages. These financial pressures add a heavy weight to your recovery. You need a steadfast advocate to help you pursue the compensation you need. A rideshare accident lawyer provides the clarity you need.
If you have questions about who is responsible for your injuries and medical bills, a rideshare crash attorney can get you the answers. At Law Bear, we offer a free case evaluation to help you find qualified legal representation; call us today at (309) 365-6510.
Potential Liable Parties in Rideshare Wrecks
After an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, several parties may be responsible for your injuries. A thorough investigation uncovers the facts of the case to identify the liable parties. An attorney gathers evidence to build a clear picture of how the accident happened and who caused it.
The unique nature of rideshare services means liability often extends beyond just the drivers involved. The rideshare company itself may also be responsible. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer examines the case from all angles.
The Rideshare Driver
The rideshare driver is often the first person considered in terms of liability. Like any other driver, they have a duty to operate their vehicle safely. If they act negligently, they may be held responsible for the resulting accident.
Negligent actions include distracted driving, speeding, or violating traffic laws. A driver who is texting, using the rideshare app while moving, or driving under the influence puts everyone on the road at risk. Your lawyer investigates the driver’s actions leading up to the crash.
If your attorney determines the rideshare driver at fault, you typically can file a claim against their personal auto insurance policy or the rideshare company’s policy. The applicable policy depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
The Rideshare Company
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft also may be liable in certain situations. These companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are safe and qualified. They must conduct background checks and maintain safety standards.
Negligent hiring may be a factor if a company employs a driver with a history of poor driving or criminal offenses. Your lawyer examines the rideshare company’s vetting process for the driver involved in your crash to determine if it failed in its duty to protect the public and its passengers.
Furthermore, the company’s massive insurance policies may come into play. These policies cover accidents involving their drivers. Your rideshare accident lawyer manages the oversight of applicable coverage, which is a central point in any rideshare accident claim.
Third-Party Liability
Sometimes, another driver on the road is entirely at fault for the accident. A third-party driver may run a red light and hit your Uber or Lyft. In this scenario, the at-fault driver is the primary target for a claim. Your attorney can pursue a claim against the negligent driver’s auto insurance policy.
When multiple parties are at fault in a rideshare accident, a lawyer can help identify and hold all responsible parties accountable.
The Complexities of Rideshare Insurance Policies
Insurance coverage for rideshare accidents is not always straightforward. It depends on the driver’s activity at the exact moment the crash occurred. Rideshare companies provide different levels of coverage for different phases of a driver’s work.
A rideshare accident lawyer helps determine which insurance policy applies to your specific case. This determination is a major factor in the pursuit of compensation. The goal is to identify all available sources of recovery.
The three phases of coverage include:
- App Is Off: When a rideshare driver uses their vehicle for personal reasons and isn’t logged into the app, their own auto insurance policy applies to any accident.
- Accepted a Ride: Once a driver logs into the app and accepts a passenger’s request, the rideshare company’s commercial insurance policy activates.
- En Route/Transferring a Passenger: This phase offers Uber and Lyft’s highest coverage, often $1 million in liability, protects victims from the moment the driver is on the way to the pickup location until the passenger has been dropped off at their destination.
These insurance layers may seem complicated, but a legal professional brings clarity to the situation. They identify the driver’s status and demand that the appropriate insurer cover your damages.
What Damages Can I Pursue in a Rideshare Claim?
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be able to recover compensation for a wide range of damages. An attorney helps you create a full accounting of your losses to present to the insurance company.
Economic damages are tangible financial losses with a clear monetary value. Non-economic damages are intangible losses related to the personal impact of the injury. A strong claim seeks full payment for both types of damages.
Common examples include:
- Medical Bills: This compensation covers all costs related to your medical treatment, from the initial emergency room visit to ongoing physical therapy and future medical needs.
- Lost Wages: This payment addresses the time you were unable to work due to your injuries, including salary, hourly wages, and other benefits.
- Property Damage: This compensation covers the cost of repairing or replacing your personal property that was damaged in the accident, such as a phone or laptop.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or reduce your ability to earn an income in the future, you may seek compensation for your loss.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress you have experienced as a result of the accident and your injuries.
- Emotional Anguish: This payment addresses the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, fear, or depression that develops because of the traumatic event.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, activities, or life events that you previously enjoyed, you may receive compensation.
How a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Strengthens Your Claim
After a rideshare crash, you’re up against a large corporation and its team of lawyers. Law Bear connects you with a qualified local rideshare accident lawyer who can act as your advocate and guide. The Bear’s Got Your Back.
A lawyer’s involvement sends a clear message to the insurance companies that you are serious about your claim. They work to build a strong case designed to achieve a fair outcome.
Here are some ways a rideshare crash attorney helps:
- Investigating the Accident: Your lawyer collects and analyzes all evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements, to build a solid foundation for your claim.
- Identifying Liable Parties: They work to determine every party responsible for the accident, from the drivers to the rideshare company itself.
- Calculating Your Damages: An attorney documents all of your economic and non-economic losses to demand full compensation.
- Negotiating With Insurers: Your lawyer handles all communication and negotiations with insurance adjusters, protecting you from tactics designed to reduce your settlement.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can take your case to court to fight for your rights.
4 Common Pitfalls To Avoid After a Rideshare Crash
Your actions after a rideshare accident affect the outcome of your claim. Avoiding certain mistakes protects your right to seek compensation. Insurance companies may look for any reason to deny or reduce your claim.
Protect your claim:
- Don’t Give a Recorded Statement: You’re not obligated to provide a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance adjuster without consulting your attorney.
- Don’t Accept a Quick Settlement: The first offer from an insurance company is often far too low and will not cover the full extent of your losses.
- Don’t Post on Social Media: Insurance companies may review your social media profiles for posts to question the severity of your injuries.
- Don’t Delay Medical Treatment: Seek prompt medical attention for your injuries and follow all of your doctor’s treatment recommendations.
Key Legal Rules That Affect Your Claim
A few key legal rules influence the outcome of your claim. Your lawyer manages these legal standards, ensuring your claim meets all state and local requirements.
Statute of Limitations
The law sets a firm deadline for filing a lawsuit after an injury, called the statute of limitations. You must file your claim before this window closes; otherwise, you lose your right to pursue compensation through the courts.
Contact a legal professional well before the deadline approaches so they can file all necessary paperwork on time.
Comparative Negligence
In some accidents, more than one person may be partly at fault. The legal rule of comparative negligence addresses these situations, allowing fault to be divided among the responsible parties. The rules for comparative negligence vary from state to state.
A court might find that another driver was 80% at fault and you were 20% at fault for the accident. Your final compensation amount is reduced by the percentage of fault you have.
FAQ for Rideshare Accident Lawyer
What Should I Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident?
Focus on documentation. Obtain a copy of the official police report and gather all the information you collected at the scene, including driver details and witness contacts. Report the crash in the rideshare app, as this creates an official record with the company.
Keep a dedicated file for all medical bills, receipts for related expenses, and correspondence from insurers. Follow your doctor’s orders precisely and attend all follow-up appointments, as this shows the extent of your injuries.
Finally, before speaking with any insurance adjusters, consult a rideshare accident attorney who can advise you on how to proceed with your claim.
Can I Sue the Rideshare Company if I Was Injured as a Passenger?
As a passenger, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the rideshare company. Liability often depends on the circumstances of the accident and the driver’s status. The company’s insurance policy covers your injuries if the driver was negligent while transporting you.
A lawyer can also investigate whether the company was negligent in its own right, for instance, by hiring a driver with a known history of reckless driving.
How Does a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Help My Case?
A rideshare accident lawyer provides critical support by managing every aspect of your claim. They conduct a full investigation to establish fault, calculate the total value of your damages, and identify all applicable insurance policies.
They act as your advocate, handling all negotiations with powerful insurance companies to protect you from lowball offers. Should a fair settlement be impossible, they can represent you in court.
What if the At-Fault Driver Was Uninsured?
If the at-fault driver was an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you still have options for recovery. If you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, the company’s insurance policy typically includes Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
This coverage pays for your damages in this exact situation. If you were in another vehicle that a rideshare driver hit, this same UM/UIM coverage may apply. A lawyer can help you file a UM/UIM claim to pursue the compensation you need.
How Does a Rideshare Crash Lawyer Determine Fault in a Rideshare Accident?
Evidence used to establish fault includes the official police report, statements from witnesses, photos or video from the scene, and data from the rideshare app. Occasionally, lawyers hire accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash dynamics.
An attorney uses this evidence to build a compelling argument that clearly demonstrates who was responsible for causing your injuries.
Take the First Step Today
A dedicated rideshare crash lawyer highlights your path forward, providing the clarity and direction you need. They stand as a steadfast advocate in a turbulent time, fighting to protect your interests. If you were injured in a rideshare crash, take the first step toward stability today.
Law Bear offers free case evaluations and will connect you with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in your area. Call us 24/7 at (309) 365-6510 to find the help you need.