Uber and Lyft Negligence Lawyer

What Is a Ride Share Negligence Attorney?

What is rideshare?

Ridesharing services, facilitated through websites and mobile applications, offer convenient transportation solutions from one location to another. These platforms enable users to book vehicles for their journeys, providing visibility into the assigned driver and vehicle details. Among the most popular rideshare applications are Uber and Lyft.

Being involved in a car accident, particularly as a passenger, can be a frightening experience. Questions may arise, especially if the driver is affiliated with a rideshare company like Uber, Lyft, or another taxi service. Uncertainty may also arise if the accident involves another driver, leaving passengers unsure of the necessary steps to take.

Our clients ask us these types of questions after being involved in a rideshare accident. Rideshare accidents could get very complex, especially if there are multiple parties involved. Give us a call today to discuss your specific rideshare accident and injuries.

What Causes Rideshare Accidents?

Rideshare accidents can occur due to various factors, often stemming from the negligence of the rideshare driver. This is a prevalent cause of accidents involving passengers in services like Uber or Lyft. Examples include:

• Distracted driving: Engaging in activities like using a phone, adjusting the radio or GPS, eating, drinking, or conversing with passengers while driving can lead to accidents due to distractions.
• Failure to properly maintain the vehicle: Vehicles used for ridesharing must undergo regular maintenance checks, including fluid levels, tire conditions, and overall vehicle health. Neglecting maintenance can lead to mechanical failures and accidents.
• Reckless driving: Some rideshare drivers may prioritize completing as many rides as possible to maximize earnings, potentially incentivizing risky driving behaviors that endanger passengers and others on the road.
• Fatigued driving: Operating a vehicle while fatigued poses similar risks to driving under the influence of alcohol. Fatigue can impair reaction times and decision-making abilities, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Failure to adhere to traffic laws: Disregarding traffic laws, such as speeding, running red lights, or illegal maneuvers, not only poses a risk to other road users but also constitutes negligence on the part of the driver, potentially leading to accidents and injuries.

How does a rideshare claim work?

Navigating rideshare claims can be complex, particularly when determining the appropriate party to file the claim with. Initially, locate the rideshare company and reach out to their claims department. This can typically be done online through a claims form link or via mail.

When filing your claim, be sure to provide documentation such as medical bills, invoices, and records. These documents are crucial in assessing the extent of injuries sustained in the rideshare accident.

Following the claim submission, a claims representative may request additional documentation. In such instances, it’s advisable for your attorney to communicate directly with the claims representative.

We strongly advise having a rideshare attorney by your side from the outset of the claims process. This ensures smoother navigation through the process, particularly as you may have other priorities to manage post-accident, such as attending medical appointments for your injuries.

When Is It Possible to Sue Uber or Lyft after an Accident?

• When Your Driver Is at Fault: If your Uber or Lyft driver bears responsibility for the accident, their commercial or personal auto insurance may cover your injuries, provided they have the appropriate coverage. However, many drivers lack this coverage, and their personal insurance policies often exclude coverage for accidents that occur while driving for rideshare services. Consequently, relying solely on your driver’s insurance may not fully compensate for your losses, and pursuing legal action against them may prove fruitless.
• When the Other Driver Is at Fault: If the accident was caused by another driver, you may pursue a claim against their insurance through court or mediation. However, navigating this process can be challenging, and without skilled legal representation, you may struggle to recover the compensation you deserve. An experienced attorney can guide you through the complexities of the legal system and help you secure the damages owed to you.

Who is responsible for my rideshare accident lawsuit?

There are various different parties that could be held responsible for your Uber accident. other parties in a lawsuit could involve:

• Uber: in certain circumstances, Uber could be liable for their employee’s negligent actions. In order to hold Uber accountable, you must show that the driver was an employee, and was on the clock at the time of the accident. This means that the driver should have been driving a customer or driving to a customer at the time of the incident.
• Third parties: in some cases, third parties, such as other pedestrians or other oncoming vehicles and drivers could be held responsible if they caused the accident. But, extensive investigation must be done to determine exactly which party the responsible party may be. 

In ride-share accidents and lawsuits, multiple insurance companies may be involved, including the individual driver’s personal car insurance, Uber’s insurance, and third-party car insurance. To navigate this complex landscape and determine liability, it’s crucial to have a trusted attorney by your side. Contact us today for a free one-on-one case evaluation, where we can provide expert assistance in identifying responsible parties and advocating for your rights.

What type of license does an Uber or Lyft driver need?

Despite common misconceptions, there are no specific licenses, certificates, or training requirements for individuals to work as Uber or Lyft drivers. The primary prerequisite is that the driver possesses a valid driver’s license.

WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF RIDESHARE PROGRAMS?

• Uber
• LYFT
• GoJek
• Careem
• Ola
• Via
• BlaBla Car
• Bridj