UBER & LYFT ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Rideshare Attorney Serving Phoenix and Las Vegas

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare platforms are convenient ways to travel, but there's always a risk of an accident. Although Uber and Lyft vet their drivers, collisions happen for many reasons. Maybe your rideshare driver caused an accident, or another driver hit the car. You could be a driver or pedestrian struck by an Uber or Lyft. You probably wonder what your legal options are in all of these scenarios.

Contacting a personal injury attorney after an accident is essential regardless of who was involved. However, the cases can become incredibly complicated regarding rideshare accidents. Not only are there multiple people involved in the accident, but the rideshare company plays a role as well. Seeking legal representation immediately is your best path forward.

Lloyd Baker Injury Attorneys represents clients involved in Uber and Lyft accidents. If you were recently involved in a collision, we're here to help. Here's everything you need to know about Uber and Lyft accidents in Nevada and Arizona:

Insurance Coverage for Uber and Lyft

Insurance coverage for Uber and Lyft drivers could be complicated, which is one of many reasons it's so important to have legal representation if you were involved in a collision. Drivers are independent contractors with private car insurance, but the rideshare company provides coverage in specific circumstances.

All drivers in Arizona and Nevada are required by law to carry a liability policy. Liability insurance provides coverage in cases of injury or death of another person and claims of property damage. Uber and Lyft also carry insurance and will cover damages if the rideshare driver is at fault. However, Uber and Lyft only provide full coverage if the driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger. When drivers are online and waiting to receive a ride, Uber and Lyft only provide limited insurance coverage.

If another driver is at fault for the collision, the at-fault driver's insurance should cover the damages. A basic liability policy doesn't always cover the entire costs associated with an accident, though. If the at-fault driver's insurance doesn't fully cover the damages for the rideshare driver and passenger, the rideshare company will cover the rest.

Injury coverage for a pedestrian hit by an Uber or Lyft is similar to coverage for a passenger. However, the rideshare company only offers maximum coverage when the driver has accepted a ride or when a passenger is in the vehicle. If an Uber of Lyft hit you while they weren’t actively transporting someone the driver might not have enough coverage to pay for all the damages.

Rideshare Passengers Involved in an Accident

Being injured in an accident as an Uber or Lyft passenger can be incredibly stressful. The accident was entirely outside your control and can lead to severe medical and personal repercussions. Not only do you have to worry about medical bills if you're injured, but you also may have to take time off of work while you recover.

Fortunately, you should be covered if you're involved in an accident as a passenger. Your driver must carry insurance, and the rideshare company provides significant coverage if your expenses exceed the driver's policy. Regardless of whether or not your driver was at fault, you should be able to seek compensation from Uber or Lyft if needed.

Pedestrians Hit By an Uber or Lyft

A pedestrian involved in a car accident can be catastrophic. If an Uber or Lyft hit you, you probably have significant injuries that require a lengthy recovery. Pedestrian car accident victims often seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The rideshare company’s full insurance coverage should kick in if the rideshare driver is transporting a passenger or on their way to pick up a passenger. The company will only offer limited coverage if the driver is active on the Uber or Lyft app but hasn’t accepted a ride. You'll also make a claim against the driver's personal insurance.

Drivers Hit By an Uber or Lyft

Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have become more common as the apps have increased in popularity. Rideshare companies conduct background checks and review motor vehicle records. However, even drivers with perfect records can make mistakes or act negligently. Uber and Lyft accidents may be widespread around major cities where few people own vehicles and around airports or other transportation hubs.

If an Uber or Lyft hits you, you're entitled to compensation for your injuries, just like if you were hit by any other vehicle. The process of determining the at-fault party will be the same. Your insurance company or lawyer will seek damages from the at-fault driver's personal insurance policy. They'll pursue payment from the rideshare company if the driver’s coverage is insufficient.

What to Do if You're Involved in an Accident

Being involved in an accident is extremely frightening. It can be challenging to stay calm and think clearly after a collision, but your top priority should be your safety. If possible, move your car to a safe location on the side of the road. If you have a head, neck, or back injury, it's better to stay put as long as it's safe. Certain injuries can worsen if you move, so you should wait until first responders arrive to remove you from the vehicle safely.

If you're severely injured, focus only on receiving the necessary medical care. If you have minor injuries and can stay at the crash scene, try to document as much as possible.

Take pictures of the vehicles involved and any signs or obstructions in the road that may have contributed to the accident. Any photos or videos that help you explain what happened can be beneficial.

Call the police to fill out an accident report. Police may not respond to a call for a minor accident, but they should arrive if anyone is injured. They'll speak to the victims and witnesses, and they'll also take photos documenting the scene of the crash. The police report can be instrumental in fighting your case.

Once you're safe and have received medical attention, it's time to call an Uber/Lyft attorney. The drivers' insurance companies will handle the claim, but a lawyer will help you receive all the compensation you deserve. Uber and Lyft may have massive insurance coverage for their drivers, but they also have the resources to fight cases and avoid making payments. You need solid legal representation on your side to recover damages for your injuries.

Your lawyer should handle communication with the insurance companies and other parties involved so that you can focus on recovering from the accident. Keep careful records of everything related to the case, including doctor appointment dates, medical bills, the police report, and repair records if your vehicle was involved in the crash.

Contact an Uber Lyft Attorney for Help

The aftermath of a rideshare car accident can be complicated. Multiple parties are involved, including the drivers, passengers, and company. Hiring an attorney is always a wise idea after a car accident, but it's crucial if the collision involves an Uber or Lyft.

Lloyd Baker Injury Attorneys represents clients in Nevada and Arizona who were involved in an Uber or Lyft collision. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver, we are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team is dedicated to advocating for individuals who have been through painful, traumatic, or life-changing accidents. We understand that every case is unique, and we take the time to get to know each of our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation with an Uber-Lyft attorney.

More info: I Was in a Car Accident With an Uber or a Lyft Driver, Car accident Do's and Dont's