Uber and Lyft solved the dilemma of needing someone else to drive for countless customers. However, that convenience comes with certain risks we should all be aware of: As these services grow in popularity, the number of Uber/Lyft car accidents involving rideshare vehicles has also increased. After those crashes happen, knowing what to do will influence your chances of pursuing fair compensation for damages.
What Should I Do Immediately After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
The first priority after any rideshare accident is safety. Call 911 and request an ambulance for serious injuries; otherwise, follow up with a medical provider for a prompt evaluation since some conditions may not show symptoms right away. Collect contact and insurance information from everyone involved, ask about getting a copy of the police report, and take photographs of the vehicles and scene if possible. If there were eyewitnesses, inform the responding officers.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Rideshare Accident?
Liability in a rideshare crash often depends on who caused the accident and the driver’s status at the time. If the Uber or Lyft driver was logged into the app and transporting a passenger or on the way to pick one up, the rideshare company’s insurance policy may apply. If they were using the car for personal reasons, their own insurance would likely apply. In some cases, another driver or third party may share responsibility for the collision.
What Type of Insurance Coverage Applies to Uber and Lyft Accidents?
Uber and Lyft provide varying levels of insurance coverage depending on the driver’s activity at the time of the crash. When the driver’s app is off, only their personal auto policy applies. When the app is on and the driver is available for rides, limited liability coverage from the company may apply. Once a passenger is in the vehicle or the driver is en route to pick one up, a higher level of liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may take effect.
Can Passengers File a Claim After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Passengers who are injured in a rideshare crash may file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance. This could involve the rideshare driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s policy, or another driver’s insurer. Passengers are generally considered blameless and may have several paths to pursue compensation for their injuries and losses.
What if the Rideshare Driver Was Not at Fault?
If another motorist caused the collision, an injured passenger or rideshare driver may pursue a claim against that driver’s insurance. However, if the at-fault driver lacks adequate coverage, Uber and Lyft’s uninsured or underinsured motorist protection may provide compensation. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages when the responsible party cannot fully cover the costs.
What Damages Can Be Recovered After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Injured claimants may be eligible to recover compensation for medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. The specific amount depends on the severity of injuries, the impact on the person’s ability to work, and other case-specific details. Each claim must be evaluated on its own facts, and compensation is typically pursued through negotiation or, if necessary, litigation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Rideshare Accident?
We recommend filing the insurance claim as soon as possible to preserve your rights. However, Arkansas law limits the amount of time an injured person has to file a personal injury lawsuit. This period, known as the “statute of limitations,” is generally three years from the date of the accident. Filing after this time frame could lead to a case dismissal.
Should I Contact a Lawyer After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Rideshare accidents can involve multiple parties and overlapping insurance policies, which complicate the claims process. An experienced Fayetteville rideshare car accident lawyer can determine liability, evaluate insurance coverage, and pursue the compensation you are entitled to under Arkansas law. Having professional legal guidance also means that you can focus on the healing process while they handle the legal steps.
A Fayetteville Uber and Lyft Car Accident Lawyer at Osborne Law Firm Skillfully Represents Clients Injured in Rideshare Crashes
If you were hurt in a rideshare crash, contact a Fayetteville Uber and Lyft car accident lawyer at Osborne Law Firm. For a free consultation, call today at 479-521-7727 or complete our online form. Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, we gladly serve clients in the surrounding areas.