Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Arkansas, offering convenience and affordability for millions of riders. However, the rise of rideshare vehicles on the road has also led to an increase in accidents. If you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Arkansas, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and how Osborne & Wilmoth Law Firm can assist you in navigating the complexities of rideshare accident claims.

What Are the Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Uber and Lyft accidents occur when a rideshare vehicle is involved in a collision, whether during a pickup, drop-off or while transporting a passenger. These accidents can be caused by many factors, including:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers may be distracted by their phones or other passengers, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Speeding, running red lights, or other reckless driving behaviors often lead to crashes.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol significantly impairs a driver’s ability to react safely on the road.
• Poor Road Conditions: Hazardous road conditions, such as icy or wet roads, contribute to accidents.
• Negligence of Other Drivers: Another driver’s negligence may cause a crash with the Uber or Lyft vehicle.

Rideshare accidents can result in serious injuries, such as whiplash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or, in some cases, wrongful death.

Who Is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

One of the most challenging aspects of Uber and Lyft accident claims is determining liability. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have their own insurance policies, but the situation can be complicated. Liability may depend on several factors:

• Driver’s Status: If the driver was “on the clock” (the app was active and they were en route to pick up a passenger), the rideshare company’s insurance may cover the accident. If the driver was off-duty or not using the app, personal insurance may apply.
• Negligence of Other Drivers: If another driver caused the accident, their insurance might cover the damages.
• Vehicle Condition: In cases where vehicle maintenance issues or defects are the cause of the accident, the vehicle manufacturer or maintenance provider could be liable.

Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Arkansas

If you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Arkansas, it’s essential to take specific steps to protect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine right after the accident, injuries may not be immediately apparent. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Call the Police: Report the accident to local law enforcement. A police report can be crucial in establishing fault and providing an official record of the incident.
• Collect Evidence: If possible, gather evidence from the accident scene, including photographs of the vehicles, location, and any visible injuries. Obtain the contact information of any witnesses.
• Exchange Information: Get the names, contact details, and insurance information of the Uber or Lyft driver and any other drivers involved in the accident.
• Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft: If you were a passenger, report the incident through the rideshare app. If you were another driver involved in the accident, report it to Uber or Lyft as well.
• Consult a Lawyer: Contact a skilled Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at Osborne & Wilmoth Law Firm as soon as possible to discuss your case.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, which can include:

• Medical Expenses: Includes hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, prescriptions, and other medical costs related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work, you may be compensated for lost income, including past and future wages.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress resulting from the accident and your injuries.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, such as impaired driving, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages.

A lawyer from Osborne & Wilmoth Law Firm can help you assess what types of compensation you are eligible for and work to recover the maximum amount possible for your injuries.

The Importance of Hiring a Skilled Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Handling a rideshare accident claim can be complicated, as it involves multiple insurance companies and legal nuances. Here’s how hiring an experienced lawyer can benefit you:

• Investigating the Accident: We will investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining police reports.
• Determining Liability: Our team will help identify who is responsible for the accident and which insurance policies are liable for covering your damages.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to offer a low settlement or deny your claim. We will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Representing You in Court: If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your rights in front of a judge.

Why Choose Osborne & Wilmoth Law Firm?

At Osborne & Wilmoth Law Firm, we have extensive experience representing clients in Uber and Lyft accident cases in Arkansas. Our team is dedicated to providing personal, professional, and aggressive legal representation for our clients. When you choose us, you can expect:

• Comprehensive Legal Guidance: We’ll guide you through the legal process, explain your options, and keep you informed at every step of your case.
• Dedicated Advocacy: We will fight to secure the compensation you deserve and won’t settle for less than what you are entitled to.
• No Fees Unless You Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we successfully recover compensation for you.