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Lyft or Uber Accident Lawyer

Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are common among individuals of any age. It makes it simple to get from one place to the next without dealing with the difficulties of owning, renting, leasing, and operating a vehicle.

Uber currently employs over 3 million drivers, 327,000 of whom reside and work in the United States.

Between 2017 and 2018, 97 fatal Uber vehicle crashes resulted in 107 fatalities. Out of that total, the rider made up 21% of the crash victims, the Uber drivers 21%, and the other 58 % were third parties.  Being involved in an Uber accident can have its own nuances that make handling the case different than that of other car accidents.

Contact an uber accident lawyer from the Jones Firm with experience in rideshare accidents. If you were an accident victim wounded in a collision while traveling in an Uber or a Lyft, you have a right to claim damages, whether the driver was at fault or was struck by another careless motorist.

Why You should call an Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer

Liability, or the requirement to pay damages in a rideshare lawsuit, is based on negligence or wrongdoing. You usually must demonstrate that a rideshare driver hurt you deliberately or recklessly (negligently) for Uber or Lyft to be held responsible for your injuries.

In the past, there was a significant amount of uncertainty about who was responsible for incidents involving an Uber or Lyft driver. Now that drivers are typically held liable for carrying $1 million in liability for customers, Uber and Lyft offer insurance policies for those who cause auto accidents. The coverage is comparable to what is given to those who are hurt while riding in cabs.

Being in contact with rideshare or insurance companies without any legal claim could lead to the refusal of payment for injuries and lost wages altogether. The insurance company or representative will attempt to reach a settlement and find loopholes in the process due to you lacking the skills and tactics to negotiate with them.  

If you have been involved in a Seattle uber accident, your personal Uber accident attorney will be aware of the various factors and can support you in determining who is responsible for paying the appropriate compensation. They are also able to sue the insurance company if necessary.

Common Causes of Uber/Lyft Accidents

9 Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Distracted Driving

You are at risk of being involved in an accident if your rideshare driver is preoccupied with the road by anything, including texting or entering your route into a navigation device. Our ride sharing attorneys could support you if irresponsible driving contributed to your accident.

Scanning for Passengers

When drivers pick up passengers in unknown areas, rideshare accidents can happen. Some drivers may stop abruptly or make sharp bends while concentrating on determining the right place, which could lead to an accident.

Driver Fatigue

Many rideshare drivers work additional hours behind the wheel because it is a side job for them, contributing to their already demanding schedule. Our experience in rideshare accidents might help you get the settlement you deserve if exhaustion played a part in your accident.

Parking in Unsafe Areas

Rideshare drivers may park in unauthorized areas when fetching or dropping off customers, thus endangering other motorists and bystanders.

Failure to Properly Maintain Vehicle

A problem, like a flat tire or unresponsive brakes, could cause a risky car accident if your rideshare driver’s car has not received routine maintenance.

Driving Intoxicated

To avoid driving while inebriated, passengers frequently use ride sharing services, but occasionally their driver shows up in the same condition. If drunk driving contributed to your accident, immediately speak with an Uber or Lyft accident attorney.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving, such as speeding, tailgating, breaking traffic laws, etc., is to blame for excessive rideshare accidents. Contact us to hold your Uber or Lyft driver responsible.

Inexperience

Inexperienced drivers can compromise the safety of passengers. Checking a driver’s reviews is crucial before accepting a ride.

Violence

Although major ride sharing firms like Uber and Lyft conduct background checks on their drivers, this practice does not always ensure that dangerous people stay off the roads.

 

uber car accident attorney

What to do after an Uber/Lyft accident

Ridesharing apps typically offer very little guidance on what to do following an accident, and this guidance omits the crucial step (calling an Uber accident attorney).

But whether you receive adequate compensation for your injuries will depend entirely on your actions after your accident.

1. Report the Accident to the Police

A formal record or your Lyft or Uber accidents will be created with information that can support your claim if a police officer investigates the collision. Don’t skip this action!

2. Report the Accident to Uber

To presume that Lyft or Uber drivers will inform their employer of the collision is hazardous. Uber drivers have reportedly been removed from the platform after being involved in an accident. Your driver might be reluctant to take this chance.

The “Trip Issues” area of the app allows you to report traffic accidents as well as any other risky activity. You will then be able to receive benefits under Uber’s insurance policy.

When communicating with any ridesharing representative, we strongly advise you to exercise extreme caution. Send them to your Uber accident lawyer instead.

3. Document the Scene

Take your pictures of the situation while it is still vivid in your memory if you can. It is best to begin taking images as soon as possible because a lot can change even as you wait for the Police to get on the scene.

Ask any witnesses to the Lyft or Uber accident if they would be willing to submit their testimony. Asking them about what they witnessed at this moment could be taken as an attempt to influence the case. Therefore, ensuring that they understand this information is only required later.

If the Police are unable to attend the location, you might wish to take a screenshot of the Uber driver’s information, as you might need that information later. You might also want to get the insurance details of the Uber driver if they were the ones who caused the accident.

4. Seek Medical Attention

Visit an emergency room or a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t believe you are seriously injured but are in pain. An emergency department (or urgent care) visit will give you a better understanding of the full nature of your injuries and help you avoid any problems later on, as shock and adrenaline may prevent you from feeling pain or other symptoms.

Ensure that you have copies of any medical bills and other associated paperwork.

5. Contact an Uber Accident Attorney

Most individuals believe they only need Uber accident attorneys when their insurance provider is challenging to deal with. Insurance companies have experience in dealing with accident claims and know exactly what they can get away with.

During a trial or mediation, Lyft accident attorneys do much more than simply argue your case. The weight of having a professional on your side will be lifted significantly, allowing you to focus on healing.

If you have been hit by an Uber driver, you should start by gathering the following information:

  • the names and contact information of any witnesses
  • the name, license plate number, and insurance information of the ridesharing driver
  • the insurance information of any other party or vehicle involved in the collision
  • photos of all the vehicles involved in the collision
  • pictures of traffic signs, skid marks, accident debris, and photographs of your injuries.

Find out the driver’s whereabouts at the time of the collision by checking the app. Was their app turned on or off by the ridesharing driver? At the time of the crash, was the driver awaiting a request for a trip, or were they actively picking up or carrying passengers? When drivers are actively using the applications, Uber and Lyft insurance coverage begins. During various riding phases, coverage limits change.

Who is liable for damages after an Uber/Lyft accident

If your driver formally accepted your request on the app, you should be protected by Uber’s $1 million damage liability insurance. If your driver did not officially accept your trip request before the crash, Uber’s damage liability coverage would not exceed $500,000. They should make the initial payment if there isn’t another responsible driver. If the other driver, not the Uber driver, was entirely to blame, passengers are only eligible for a maximum of $250,000 in uninsured motorist benefits from Uber. Furthermore, Uber won’t pay for the fare if your driver wasn’t logged into the Uber app when you requested the ride. The driver’s personal insurance will probably deny the accident claim because they were using the car for business purposes when it was involved in an accident. Having a specialized Uber accident lawyer on your case will help navigate these issues.  You can take advantage of a free consultation at The Jones Firm the help determine which of these your Seattle Uber accident will fall into.

Contact Our Uber/Lyft Accident Attorney for Help with Your Claim 

Having our team on your side will give you the peace of mind that you need after a traumatic ordeal. Don’t hesitate to contact Dax Jones and his team of Seattle car accident lawyers at The Jones Firm today for your free consultation.

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