Using rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft has become commonplace for adults of all ages, from college students to retirees, to use Uber and Lyft rideshare services. It is a convenient way to get around, whether you have a license or a car or you just want to avoid the hassle of finding a place to park.
Unfortunately, just as climbing into any car is not without risk, neither is riding in Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service. Filing a personal injury claim for injuries you suffered in an accident involving a rideshare service can be complicated. The personal injury team at GED Lawyers represents accident victims, successfully recovering just compensation for their injuries. If you are recovering from such an accident, you can reach out to us anytime for a free consultation.
Rideshare Accident Victims Can Find Relief Under Personal Injury Law
A rideshare accident victim can seek to recover damages according to their state’s personal injury laws. The type of claim you file will play a part in the damages you can receive, but generally, you could recover financial and non-financial damages, such as:
- Present and future medical and rehabilitation costs
- Transportation costs
- Property repair or replacement costs of your vehicle or personal items (laptop, cellphone, watch, etc.)
- Physical therapy
- Mental health therapy
- Medical equipment (crutches, a wheelchair, etc.)
- Lost wages or self-employment income
- The value of your lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering damages (mental anguish, loss of quality of life, severe or permanent injuries, etc.)
Our injury attorneys will assess your damages and advise you on the compensation you could recover. If awarded, Uber and Lyft rideshare damages can vary according to the case. We will always protect your interests and rights and advise you throughout your case.
Our Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Guide You Through Your Claim or Lawsuit
Personal injury law protects those who have been injured in accidents that are the result of another person or entity’s negligence. Individuals who have been injured in accidents involving rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft may find the personal injury claims process particularly complicated due to the fact that many rideshare drivers are independent contractors.
As such, the accident may not be covered under the rideshare company’s insurance policy. Sometimes rideshare drivers are involved in accidents while in between fares or when they are not providing fares at that time.
It’s important to speak to a rideshare accident attorney if you get into a car accident with an Uber or Lyft. A lawyer with our firm can determine who is liable for paying your damages and the type of claim you must file to recover compensation. Navigating the process alone could leave you overwhelmed and result in a payout less than what you deserve.
Our Legal Team Will Take Care of Every Step in Your Rideshare Accident Case
When we take on your case, our auto accident injury lawyers will dedicate themselves to providing you with a just and proper resolution. Our legal team works together to seek the compensation you deserve. Your rideshare car accident case is our priority, whether you were riding in an Uber, a Lyft, or another ride-hailing service. That means we handle everything. The duties we handle for you include:
- Managing communications with the rideshare company, the at-fault driver, and the insurance company (You will not have to speak to the other party or parties.)
- Identifying the at-fault or liable parties
- Speaking to rideshare crash witnesses
- Gathering evidence and documentation (traffic footage, dashcam footage, photos, crash reports, medical records, etc.)
- Calculating the total value of your financial and non-financial losses
- Working toward a fair settlement offer in negotiations
- Suing the liable party in court, if necessary
- Keeping you current on your case
- Explaining all laws that apply to your case
Insurance Requirements for Rideshare Companies
Insurance requirements vary for rideshare companies across states. If you were injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft, you can consult with an attorney to find out what damages you could recover under your state’s laws.
In some states, a rideshare company, which may be called a transportation network company (TNC), must maintain liability insurance for its drivers during two distinct periods of work:
- While the driver is on duty, carrying, or headed to pick up passengers
- While the driver is signed in to the app but waiting to receive ride requests
Driver on Duty and Carrying or Traveling to Passengers
When a driver is transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up, the TNC must provide a $1 million liability insurance policy. The policy covers passengers and third-party accident victims for bodily injury and property damage. Drivers aren’t covered in this instance.
Driver on Duty But Not Yet Engaged in a Ride
In general, rideshare companies must cover drivers after they log in to a rideshare app, but they are not yet engaged in a ride request. The companies must provide $50,000, per person up to $100,000 per accident for injuries, $25,000 for property damage, and $10,000 in personal injury protection for drivers. This coverage kicks in only if the driver does not have enough insurance to cover the accident on their own.
Insurance While Drivers Are Off Duty
Depending on where they live and what company they drive for, rideshare drivers must have the minimum auto insurance coverage their state requires for all drivers before they can work for a ridesharing service. This coverage is the only protection drivers have if an accident occurs while they are off duty or not logged in to the Uber or Lyft app.
What Are the Time Limits for Filing a Personal Injury Case After an Uber or Lyft Rideshare Crash?
The statute of limitations – the legal time frame the civil court allows for filing an injury lawsuit – varies by state. In many cases, this deadline is firm. Generally, if you fail to file your personal injury claim within a specific number of years, unless there are extenuating circumstances, the court will refuse to hear your case at any time.
So, if you are contemplating filing a personal injury lawsuit, we encourage you to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible within the time frame allotted by your state.
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Rideshare Accident Happens
No one expects to get into an auto accident when they are on the road, no matter if they are behind the wheel or a passenger in the back seat. It can be jarring and scary. However, staying as calm as possible can help you navigate the post-accident process. Here are a few steps to take:
Dial 911 immediately. You should get to a safe place after the accident and call emergency services and the police. You should check yourself and others for injuries and receive any medical help when the paramedics arrive. You should also speak to the police about what happened and get a copy of the police report and your medical report. You will need these documents later, and they can help a rideshare accident lawyer prove your case if you hire one to represent you.
Document the scene for your notes. If you can, take photos and video footage of the crash scene, your injuries, the other vehicles involved, and anything else that can document the collision. Take note of anything that can help you prove how your accident happened and who may be liable for it. Get other people’s information, including the drivers, witnesses, and others who you think have information that you can use for your case.
Report the crash to the rideshare company promptly. It is important to let the company know about the accident. You should do this before speaking to an attorney or another insurer.
Consider contacting a rideshare accident lawyer. If you hire a rideshare injury lawyer to represent you, they can inform Uber, Lyft, or another company whose driver was involved in the accident. A lawyer can also handle all communications about your claim with the company and seek damages that can cover your losses.
We also advise that you do not accept any insurance settlement offers you receive until you consult an attorney and learn the extent of your injuries and recovery time. Our rideshare accident lawyer serving injured ride-hailing passengers can advise you on these offers and whether they can meet your post-collision needs. You are not obligated to take less than you deserve.
Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Our Rideshare Lawyers Can Help
If you have been injured in an accident involving Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service, embarking on the personal injury claims process can be daunting. We can help. At GED Lawyers, our experienced accident attorneys understand the complexities of the law and skillfully navigate the claims process to recover just compensation for our clients who have been injured in rideshare accidents.
Arrange for a free case review with a member of our team to discuss your rideshare collision case and the available legal options; call our office today or reach out to us online. GED Lawyers represents a diverse clientele, with multilingual services available in Arabic, Creole, Greek, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and other languages.
