If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, call a ridesharing accident lawyer for a free consultation. Insurance coverage for these types of incidents can be confusing; nevertheless, we can ensure that you obtain the money you are entitled to for your injuries.
Call us, talk with us, or fill out our contact form. The consultation is free, and we never charge a fee until we win your case.
What Is the Difference Between a Rideshare Accident and a Regular Car Accident?
A ridesharing car collision poses a unique set of conditions. It's not the same as a standard passenger car accident, but it's also not the same as a typical commercial vehicle accident. Uber and Lyft drivers often provide transportation to rideshare passengers in their personal automobiles. Unlike taxi drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers do not need a business driver's license or commercial auto insurance.
The ridesharing firm, on the other hand, provides commercial insurance coverage while the driver is on the job. This indicates that the passenger was either in the car at the time of the accident or that a ride request was accepted. So, who is financially accountable for any injuries sustained as a consequence of the accident will depend on your specific circumstances.
Regardless of how the accident occurred, you should notify Lyft or Uber as soon as possible using their app.
Who Is Liable for Your Bills Following a Ridesharing Accident?
Uber and Lyft, for example, provide $1 million in liability insurance. However, there are certain restrictions on when this coverage applies and who is covered. Your liability may vary based on your specific circumstances.
If you are a ridesharing passenger and are injured in a single-vehicle collision, OR if your rideshare driver is at fault.
The company's insurance coverage will most likely cover your injuries. Even if your ridesharing driver was at fault and on duty at the time of your accident, the ridesharing business may contest the claim and reject culpability. This is why it is critical to have an experienced automobile accident lawyer on your side. Our firm has been obtaining the utmost compensation for wounded clients in all sorts of accidents for over 60 years.
Even if an Uber driver does not have a passenger in the vehicle, they are considered "on duty" from the time they accept a ride until they drop off their passenger. This includes time spent "en route" to pick up someone.
If you were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver who was not on duty, you may have to seek reimbursement via the driver's personal insurance policy rather than corporate coverage. Nonetheless, a skilled attorney at Munley Law will examine the accident and pursue all possible compensation for your medical costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.
What Caused Your Ridesharing Mishap?
Although rideshare drivers are subjected to extensive background checks, many are subject to the same accident risks as everyone else on the road. However, there are certain additional risks that Uber and Lyft drivers may face.
Because rideshare drivers sometimes work several jobs, they may be particularly vulnerable to driving fatigue. Drowsy driving has been found to have the same effect on alertness and response time as drunk driving.
Furthermore, ridesharing is powered by smartphone apps. Drivers rely on their cell phones for instructions, track their time on the road, and schedule their next pick-up. This strong relationship with their ridesharing applications creates an environment conducive to driving distraction.
Other irresponsible factors that contribute to a ridesharing accident include:
Speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights are all examples of aggressive driving.
Driving when impaired by drink or drugs
Inadequate road conditions as a result of weather or poor maintenance
Defective car components, such as worn tires or malfunctioning airbags
What Are the Qualifications for Driving for a Ridesharing Company?
Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft need their drivers to follow specific requirements in order to assist and assure the safety of the apps' consumers. Uber and Lyft both require their drivers to:
Meet the required minimum age. Drivers for Lyft must be at least 21 years old, while Uber drivers must be at least the minimum age for the city in which they work.
You must have a valid driver's license as well as evidence of residency in your city and state.
Have a minimum of one year of licensed driving experience (Uber requires three years if the driver is younger than 23)
Evidence of car insurance how
Pass a safety check, which includes a review of your driving record and criminal background.
Furthermore, vehicles utilized by Uber and Lyft must fulfill specific requirements. They must be four-door cars in decent condition that are fewer than 10-15 years old. Individual cities may also have their own criteria. To drive for Uber in Scranton, for example, the vehicle must be 15 years old or newer, a four-door sedan or minivan, and free of commercial branding. To drive for Lyft in Philadelphia, however, the vehicle must contain at least five to eight seats, including the driver's seat.
Drivers may be able to hire a car as well. Each rental automobile includes insurance coverage as part of the rental charge.
Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney
Obtaining adequate compensation for your injuries following an Uber or Lyft accident might be difficult. A ridesharing accident lawyer will investigate the specifics of the accident, answer your concerns, and ensure that the relevant people are held accountable. Call for a no-obligation consultation.
Rideshare Accidents: Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do After a Ridesharing Accident?
If you were a passenger in a rideshare car and were wounded in an accident, you should first report the accident to the ridesharing provider using their app, ideally at the site. Then, seek medical attention.
When you are able, call a rideshare accident lawyer to learn about your legal options.
Be aware that both the rideshare business and the insurance company will attempt to contact you in order to learn more about the accident. You are not required to communicate with them until you have first spoken with a car accident attorney.
If you were in a car hit by an Uber or Lyft driver and were gravely wounded, your first contact should be to a rideshare accident lawyer. They can assist you in obtaining the recompense you want to get back on your feet.
As a result of a rideshare accident, I was injured. What Should I Do?
If you were the driver in a rideshare accident and were injured, you may have a difficult time recovering compensation. Although you may work for Uber or Lyft, you are still considered an independent contractor and will not be eligible for workers' compensation.
You may also have issues with your own insurance carrier. Because you were driving the automobile for business reasons, your claim may be refused under your personal insurance unless you expressly acquired rideshare insurance coverage with your claim.
You may be able to submit a claim with the ridesharing company's insurance, though. For example, both Uber and Lyft provide liability insurance to their drivers. If your insurance company declines your claim, this coverage will kick in. However, as you can understand, dealing with any insurance company may be tough, so call our ridesharing accident lawyers for assistance.
Why Do I Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?
All vehicle accident cases are complicated, regardless of who was driving at the time of the collision. Insurance companies will frequently try to avoid paying you the entire amount owed to you for your injury. You may be excited to get a settlement payment so you can begin repaying your debts, but one check will not cover the majority of your expenditures.
It's usually a good idea to consult with a personal injury lawyer following any sort of accident that results in an injury. Not only will the attorney sit down with you and explain what your next actions should be, but he or she will also offer you an estimate of how much your claim is truly worth.
A car accident lawyer can also negotiate with your insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation. We have decades of expertise working with insurance companies all around the country and understand the strategies they employ to deny claims.
Finally, you can have a ridesharing accident lawyer defend you in court. Not all cases conclude in a settlement, and your case may wind up in court. If this occurs, you will want the services of a trial attorney who possesses the necessary abilities and expertise to win your case.
How Much Does a Rideshare Accident Attorney Charge?
Rideshare Accident Lawyers are paid on a contingency basis. This means that we will not be paid unless we obtain a settlement or verdict in your case. If we are unable to successfully resolve your claim, you will not be charged a fee. And, as usual, the initial consultation is free.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect After an Accident With an Uber or Lyft Driver?
Following any form of an automobile accident, you may be entitled to two categories of compensation: economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages comprise any monetary losses you may have suffered as a result of an accident. This includes, but is not limited to, medical costs, property damage, pay loss and earning potential loss.
Non-economic damages are non-monetary losses that you have experienced. Because there is no monetary value associated with these harms, they are more subjective. Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, loss of consortium, and mental agony are examples of these.
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, contact a rideshare accident attorney now for a free consultation. Choose wisely.