Comprehensive Rideshare Accident Legal Support

INJURED BY AN UBER OR LYFT DRIVER?

If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, our rideshare accident attorneys work hard to ensure that rideshare companies are held accountable for any negligence that led to an accident. We believe that rideshare drivers should be held to the same standard of care as other commercial drivers.

If you were injured in a rideshare accident and need legal representation, our team is here to help. Call Mike Slocumb Law Firm at (888) 302-3669 to schedule a free initial consultation with our rideshare accident attorneys.

What Does "Rideshare" Mean?

Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, are transportation services that allow drivers to work as independent contractors. These drivers use their own vehicles to transport passengers to and from various destinations. Passengers are able to request rides through a rideshare company's app and are notified when their ride is arriving.

Rideshare companies have become very popular throughout the country. Many people prefer using a rideshare service over using a taxi or calling a traditional taxi service. Rideshare rides are often cheaper, and rideshare drivers are required to undergo a background check.

What Causes Rideshare Accidents?

Rideshare accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Rideshare drivers may make unsafe decisions behind the wheel, such as driving while fatigued or driving while distracted. Passengers may also cause an accident by being careless or by doing something unsafe in the vehicle.

Navigating the Legal Landscape of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers can be complex due to several factors. These complexities arise from the unique nature of the ridesharing business model and the various parties involved.

Some key complexities include:

• Insurance Coverage: One of the most significant complexities is determining insurance coverage. Rideshare drivers are typically considered independent contractors, and their personal auto insurance policies may not cover accidents that occur while they are driving for commercial purposes. Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage for their drivers, but the extent of coverage depends on the specific phase of the ride (e.g., app on but waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or during an active trip). This can lead to disputes between personal insurance carriers, rideshare companies, and other involved parties about who should pay for damages and medical expenses.
• Determining Fault: Establishing liability in rideshare accidents can be challenging. It may not always be clear whether the rideshare driver or another driver involved in the accident was at fault. Additionally, multiple parties may share responsibility for the accident, such as the driver, the rideshare company, or other road users.
• Third-Party Involvement: Rideshare accidents can involve multiple third parties, such as other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists. This can complicate the process of determining fault and handling insurance claims, especially if there are multiple injuries and property damages.
• Lack of Witness Information: In some cases, there may be no witnesses to the accident or limited access to information about the event. Rideshare drivers are continuously on the move, and passengers often change frequently, making it challenging to collect comprehensive eyewitness accounts.
• Confidentiality and Data Access: Rideshare companies may not readily share crucial data, such as driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, or information about previous incidents involving a driver. Access to this information may be limited due to privacy and confidentiality concerns.
• State and Local Regulations: Rideshare regulations vary from state to state and even within cities. Understanding which laws apply in a specific accident can add complexity to the legal process.
• Pre-existing Injuries: Determining whether any injuries reported by the involved parties were pre-existing or caused by the accident can be difficult. Insurance companies might dispute the extent of injuries to avoid paying claims.
• Time Sensitivity: Gathering evidence and testimony promptly is essential in any accident case, but it can be more challenging with rideshare accidents because drivers may quickly return to driving or change locations.

Maximize Your Compensation for Uber & Lyft Accidents

Our team is prepared to fight for your rights. If you were injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, you may be eligible to file a claim for personal injury. In many cases, these claims can be settled out of court, which can help reduce the financial burden associated with an injury.

To learn more about your legal options, please contact us or call (888) 302-3669 today for a free consultation.