Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Rideshare services are increasingly popular throughout the country. Instead of purchasing a vehicle or having to rely on public transportation, you can simply download a rideshare app and order a vehicle to pick you up and drop you off wherever you need at any time of day. Unfortunately, since rideshare drivers are not held to a higher standard the same way commercial truck drivers are, the risk of a collision may be greater than other transportation options. 

Fortunately, there are experienced lawyers who handle car accident cases you can turn to for help when you are seriously injured in a rideshare accident. 

Do not hesitate to connect with some of the nation’s top-rated rideshare accident lawyers when you need help holding the liable party accountable and negotiating with profit-motivated insurance providers. Reach out to our team to discuss your legal needs further. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service. Call today to explore your legal options for financial relief.

What Is a Rideshare?

Ridesharing is a form of transportation that allows you to match with a rideshare driver who will take you to your requested location for a set rate. Rideshare services have rapidly become one of the most popular ways to get around. Some people utilize rideshare services to get to work every day while others take advantage of rideshares where they have been out at night and do not want to risk drinking and driving. 

This increase in popularity is partially because of the accessibility of rideshare services. To access a rideshare, you must have some type of electronic device, have installed the rideshare app and created an account, and set up your virtual payment by Apple Pay, PayPal, debit, credit, or other valid payment method.

Lyft

One of the most popular rideshare service providers is Lyft. It was founded back in 2012 and has become one of the most well-known rideshare services across the United States and Canada. They are not as widely used as Uber, but they offer similar services and costs. However, Lyft offers many of the same services that Uber does, including food delivery and standard vehicle rides, but is unique in that it offers some ridesharing services that Uber may not, such as scooter rentals and bicycle sharing.

Uber

Uber is an international ridesharing service that is one of the most widely used across the globe. It was founded back in 2009 as “UberCab” but has since rapidly expanded to include the entire United States and more than 60 other countries. 

Initially, Uber gained popularity because it was easier to use and less expensive than calling up a taxi. These days, as long as you have the Uber app on your phone and have created an account, you can request a ride at any time of the day. 

Uber has several popular services available, including options to ride in specific types of vehicles, such as luxury vehicles. Some of the Uber’s notable services include:

• UberXL
• UberBlack
• UberSUV
• UberPool
• UberSelect

Is There a Difference Between a Rideshare and a Taxi?

There are significant differences between rideshare services and taxis. First, it is important to consider how you get a taxi. Depending on where you are in the country, you may be able to flag down a taxi cab to get a ride. Other times, you may need to call the taxi cab service and they will have a driver sent out to your home or business. 

Rideshare services are different. You can request Uber or Lyft directly through your phone or electronic device. With a rideshare, you can easily pay for your services through the app whereas taxis have installed payment systems within the vehicle.

Another big difference between rideshares and taxis is how employees are classified. Taxi drivers typically work for taxi companies and are protected through their employer’s insurance protection. 

However, Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors. They are not employees of the rideshare companies they work for and therefore do not have access to the same types of protection taxi drivers would be.

Taxi drivers typically use vehicles provided to them by the taxi company. Alternatively, rideshare companies require drivers to have their own vehicles and purchase their own auto insurance coverage. Taxi cabs are often classified as commercial vehicles while rideshare vehicles are not. 

These distinctions may seem irrelevant, but depending on the type of accident you were involved in, the injuries you sustained, and the cause of the accident, these differences could have a significant impact on your ability to recover compensation for your damages and hold liable parties accountable.

Requirements of Driving for a Rideshare Service Provider

Unlike public transportation or taxis, rideshare companies do not require their drivers to have any specialized driver training. To be approved as an Uber or Lyft driver, drivers must meet the following requirements:

• They must meet or exceed the minimum drivers licensing age where they live, OR, they must be at least 21 years of age if driving for Lyft
• They must have a minimum of three years of licensed driving experience for drivers younger than the age of 23, or at least one year of licensed driving experience if older
• They must provide proof of residency
• They must have a valid driver’s license
• They must provide proof of personal auto insurance coverage
• They must pass a criminal background check and review of their driving history

The criteria could vary depending on which rideshare company the driver is hoping to sign up with. Both Uber and Lyft also state that they require drivers to have vehicles that meet the company’s standards. 

For example, drivers can generally only be approved if they have a vehicle that is less than 15 years old and has four doors. Specific cities can set requirements as well. For example, in some cities, cars must have at least eight seats, while others do not allow rideshare vehicles to have commercial branding.

Uber And Lyft Drivers Are Not Specially Trained or Certified

As you can see above, there are no specific certification or driver training requirements drivers must have to be hired as Lyft or Uber drivers. Although the rideshare company will go through an initial training for drivers that teaches them how to pick up passengers and navigate the app, as far as specialized training goes, there is none. 

This means rideshare drivers are not held to a higher standard the same way commercial truck and public transportation drivers are. These drivers are required to obtain specialized licenses and certifications before they can transport passengers. 

Although Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services offer materials that are designed to reduce instances of sexual violence, human trafficking, and dangerous driving, these educational tools do not meet the standard of other professional driver training programs.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Your rideshare accident attorney will need to thoroughly investigate the cause of your collision to figure out who is responsible for your damages. Rideshare drivers are often assumed to be responsible. This is often the case as they may be more prone to drive drowsy or distracted. Rideshare drivers may be working several jobs which prevents them from getting a good night’s sleep, and they are required to use the rideshare app for work, so they may be more likely to use their electronic devices while transporting passengers.

Some of the most common ways rideshare drivers cause collisions or victim’s injuries include:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding
• Failure to stop at traffic lights or stop signs
• Failure to use turn signals
• Following too closely
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Dropping off passengers and dangerous areas

Rideshare drivers can also be held accountable for car accident victim’s injuries when they fail to make necessary vehicle repairs, such as purchasing new tires or getting recalled airbags replaced. However, it is important to remember that rideshare drivers are not the only cause of car accidents and injuries. If you were traveling in a rideshare that was hit by another vehicle, the other involved party may be at fault. 

Furthermore, there is the possibility that dangerous road conditions contributed to the accident. If road construction zones were not properly secured, the driver could not avoid a large pothole, or the area did not have sufficient street signs or lighting, the collision may have been unavoidable. Fortunately, after your rideshare accident lawyer conducts their investigation into the cause of your injuries, they will have gathered the evidence needed to support your case and established liability for your damages.

Who is Liable for Your Damages After a Rideshare Accident?

The cause of your rideshare accident will help your personal injury lawyer figure out who should be compelled to compensate you for your damages. If the rideshare driver in your case was at fault, you may be able to file a claim against Uber or Lyft’s $1 million auto insurance policy. However, this policy is generally only in effect during specific times. If your accident happened outside of these limitations, instead, you may need to file a claim against the rideshare driver’s personal insurance policy or even your own personal insurance if you purchased no-fault protection coverage.

If the rideshare driver in your case was not responsible for causing the collision, other parties could share the blame. For example, if an accident involving hazardous roads contributed to your accident, multiple parties could be at fault, such as:

• The state Department of Transportation
• Government road construction workers
• General contractors, subcontractors, and independent contractors
• Safety inspectors
• Government officials and agencies

Similarly, if defective motor vehicle parts were the cause of your injuries, the rideshare driver may not be at fault. Although the rideshare driver would be responsible if they failed to make necessary repairs, in some car accident cases, auto part malfunctions are impossible to avoid. Some of the parties who could be held accountable for vehicle defects include:

• Motor vehicle dealerships
• Auto parts designers and manufacturers
• Motor vehicle parts distributors and retailers
• Vehicle maintenance workers
• Safety inspectors and executives
• Other third parties

These are just a few examples of parties that may be held accountable for your damages after a car crash. Knowledgeable rideshare accident attorneys can uncover the identities of anyone and everyone who contributed to your auto accident so you increase your chances of recovering maximum compensation for your suffering.

Rideshare Accident FAQ

If you are feeling intimidated by the thought of moving forward with your rideshare accident claim, you are not alone. It is common for injury victims to feel overwhelmed and unsure whether they have grounds for legal action. We hope to help you feel confident and empowered as you fight to make the liable party pay. 

For this reason, we have compiled a comprehensive rideshare accident FAQ where we discuss some of the most common questions regarding Uber and Lyft accidents and rideshare claims. If you have additional questions we do not cover on this page, do not hesitate to contact 1-800-Injured for individualized answers.

What Are My Options if I Was Injured as a Rideshare Driver?

Rideshare drivers who suffer injuries are also entitled to fair compensation for their damages when they are not primarily at fault for causing the accident. You may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company if you have purchased rideshare insurance coverage as part of your policy. However, if you were actively transporting a passenger for Uber or Lyft at the time of the accident, you may be able to file a claim against the rideshare company’s $1 million auto insurance policy. 

There are also circumstances in which you may have the right to file a car accident lawsuit against the at-fault party. Your rideshare accident law firm will review the specific details of your case to determine which legal options are most likely to result in a favorable outcome.

What Do I Do After a Rideshare Accident?

The steps to take after your rideshare accident could have an impact on the outcome of your insurance and civil personal injury cases. Although every person’s case is different, here is a general idea of the steps you should take to protect yourself and your injury settlement:

• Call 911
• Report the accident to the rideshare company through the app
• Collect evidence to support your case at the accident scene if possible
• Obtain a medical evaluation and treatment immediately after the accident
• Reach out to an experienced rideshare accident lawyer for help

You should never give the insurance company a statement without your attorney present. The insurance company and rideshare provider are likely to reach out and ask you about your version of the car accident events. However, you can direct them to your personal injury attorney who can give them the facts they need without putting your settlement at risk.

How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Through 1-800-Injured?

One of the biggest reasons Uber or Lyft accident victims hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer for help is because they do not believe they can afford the costs. When you hire a criminal defense lawyer or family law attorney, you will need to put down a retainer to hire that. 

However, if this is not the case when you work with a reputable car accident attorney. Most rideshare accident attorneys will be willing to work with their clients on contingency agreements. You will not have to pay anything for their efforts unless or until they win your case. You will not have to cover any of the costs associated with pursuing your case either. The law firm working for you will cover court filing costs, hire accident reconstructionists, and pay for any other expenses that may come up along the way. Then, when they win your case, a percentage of your award will be allocated to cover your attorney’s fees.

Why Should I Hire an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney for My Case?

There are many benefits to having a ride with your accident lawyer working for you. Some of the most notable include:

• Protecting yourself from being taken advantage of by money-hungry insurers
• Ensuring you are accounting for every single last word calculating the value of your personal injury claim
• Legal guidance and support as you navigate complex rideshare accident claims
• Representation in civil court if your rideshare accident case needs to go to trial
• Accessing case status updates as needed

Who Can Be Sued for My Rideshare Accident and Who Will Compensate Me For My Losses?

Write your accident victims are most likely to recover the compensation they are entitled to when they can file a claim against Uber or Lyft’s $1 million insurance policy. However, these policies are only active during specific times and cover with specific limitations.

Lyft

Lyft’s third-party liability insurance coverage is only in a place where the driver’s personal auto insurance coverage does not apply. Most states require drivers to carry minimum amounts of bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage. Lyft offers its drivers:

• Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury liability coverage
• $1 million for third-party auto liability
• Collision and contingent comprehensive up to the cash value of the rideshare vehicle
• A $2,500 deductible 

Uber

Uber offers similar types and amounts of auto insurance coverage, including $1 million in third-party liability coverage, uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage, collision, comprehensive, and a $2500 deductible. However, this coverage is only in place if the Uber driver is actively working. They must be logged into the Uber app, waiting for a passenger, or transporting a passenger. If the accident happens outside of this timeframe, you will need to consider filing a claim against the Uber driver’s personal auto insurance policy.

How Long Will It Take to Settle My Rideshare Accident Claim?

It is difficult to say how long it might take to settle your accident claim without having reviewed the specific details of your case. Some of the factors that determine how long it may be before you receive your rideshare accident settlement include:

• The availability of evidence
• Whether multiple parties share liability
• Whether you are accused of sharing fault for the ridesharing accident
• The extent of your injuries
• Whether the rideshare driver was working for the rideshare company at the time of the accident

What Is My Rideshare Accident Case Worth?

Your personal injury attorneys will examine everywhere your life has been impacted by your rideshare accident and subsequent Injuries. Damages may need to be categorized as economic or non-economic to ensure you are compensated fairly for your suffering. Economic damages are financial and could include:

• Lost wages
• Medical expenses and future medical treatment
• Medical bills related to surgery, ambulance trips, and copays
• Loss of future potential earnings
• Personal property damages
• Vehicle repair costs
• Loss of household services

Non-economic damages do not have a financial value as their impact is often subjective. Examples of non-economic damages rideshare accident victims could recover include:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Diminished quality of life
• Loss of consortium
• Disfigurement and skin scarring

How Long Do I Have to File My Claim?

The amount of time you have to file your rideshare accident claim will vary on a case-by-case basis. Every state has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims that limits how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the insurance company will also have deadlines in place. Depending on the insurance provider, you could have as few as 48 hours to file a claim. For this reason, it is essential to get a rideshare accident attorney working on your case as soon as possible. This way, you do not risk losing out on compensation you might have otherwise deserved.

What Do I Do if I’m Accused of Being Partially At Fault?

Do not lose hope if you are accused of sharing blame for the accident. This is one of the top ways liable parties and insurance companies attempt to avoid being compelled to compensate injury victims for their damages. Every state has their own contributory negligence laws in place:

• In pure contributory negligence states, you will not be allowed to recover compensation if you share the blame
• In pure comparative negligence states, you can recover compensation for your damages despite sharing liability, but at a reduced rate
• In modified comparative negligence states, you will still be entitled to compensation if you are partially at fault, but only as long as your liability is not greater than the state’s threshold, and at a reduced rate proportionate to your percentage of blame

Get Help From Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorneys Today

Rideshare accident insurance negotiations can be notoriously overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with national insurance providers who have the resources to delay paying out on your claim as long as possible. 

Fortunately, with help from a dedicated rideshare accident lawyer, you can demand justice. Call 1-800-Injured today to take action against those responsible for causing your rideshare accident injuries. Fill out our online contact form or call us to take back control of your life. You can reach us by phone or through our convenient contact form to get started.