While rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to get around Mesa and other cities in the Eastern Phoenix region, all those extra cars on the roads pose significant risks for both passengers and other drivers. An analysis by the CDC found that for every 100 rideshare trips in a given hour, the chances of an injury crash increased by over 4 percent. Worse, getting Uber or Lyft to pay you fairly after an accident their driver caused can be challenging, as these companies go to great lengths to protect their profits.
Don’t try to pursue your claim alone. Instead, get help from Valley Injury Team, and don’t pay us a fee unless we win your case. Our Mesa, AZ, car accident lawyers understand the special challenges rideshare claims pose and won’t rest in our fight for the money you need. Contact us today for a free consultation with an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer serving Mesa and Eastern Phoenix, and let’s get started on your case right away.
People sometimes think they can handle an Arizona personal injury claim themselves, especially when they assume it’s clear that the other party is in the wrong. However, Uber and Lyft accidents involve complicated legal issues that you don’t see in other personal injury cases. Here are just a few of the reasons it’s a smart move to hire an Uber and Lyft accident attorney:
Answering complex insurance questions – Uber and Lyft both cover accidents their drivers cause, but only in certain circumstances. In others, you might have to go through the driver’s own insurance provider. Proving that your Uber or Lyft driver caused the accident can be challenging, but an experienced attorney can handle that aspect of your case. If another party played a role in the crash, your attorney can also help you hold them accountable.
Understanding your claim’s true value – People frequently settle for less than they could in Arizona personal injury cases because they underestimate their claim’s worth. For instance, it’s crucial to anticipate and include the cost of future medical treatments you need in an Uber accident claim. Otherwise, you’ll be left paying those costs yourself. An Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can document all the ways you’ve suffered due to the crash to maximize your compensation.
Simplifying your life after a collision – You have a lot on your mind after an Uber or Lyft accident. The last thing you need is the stress and hassle of a personal injury claim. Hiring a lawyer means you have someone protecting your rights and fighting for the money you need while you focus on other matters, such as healing from your injuries and spending time with those close to you.
Both Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for when their drivers cause an accident. That said, how much coverage these companies offer depends on the circumstances of the accident.
If an Uber or Lyft driver is logged into the app and has an active fare, both companies cover up to $1 million for any injuries or property damage their drivers cause. On the other hand, if the Uber or Lyft driver is logged into the app but does not have a fare, both companies cover up to $50,000 per person (or $100,000 per accident) for injuries and up to $25,000 in property damage. Again, this coverage only applies if the rideshare driver caused the crash, and the companies will only provide this coverage if the driver’s own coverage is insufficient.
Finally, neither Uber nor Lyft covers accidents caused by a driver who is not logged into the app. In these cases, the Uber or Lyft driver is solely responsible for the injuries and property damage they cause.
The potentially liable parties for an Uber or Lyft accident include:
The Uber or Lyft driver – If the rideshare driver’s actions caused the crash, they could be personally liable for the accident, though Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance might also apply.
Other drivers – When another driver collides with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, that driver is responsible for whatever injuries or property damage they cause.
Uber or Lyft – Because Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, it’s difficult to hold the companies directly liable for a crash. However, there are cases where the companies can be liable for a crash, such as if they retained a driver known to be unsafe.
It’s essential to take proper precautions after an Uber or Lyft accident to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what to do:
Report the Accident to the Police and Uber or Lyft – A police accident report will likely be useful in your personal injury claim, so call 911 to notify local law enforcement about the collision. You’ll also need to contact Uber or Lyft to report the crash and file a claim. When talking to the police or the rideshare company, provide a basic description of what happened without discussing fault. Keep your statement short, and do not give a recorded statement to Uber or Lyft without talking to a lawyer first.
Seek Medical Attention – Even if you don’t notice any obvious injuries, see a doctor anyway. You may have internal injuries that haven’t manifested yet and could cause severe health complications. A doctor can check you for injuries you may not be aware of. Furthermore, you’ll need documentation of your injuries for your claim.
Save Your Medical Records and Receipts – These documents confirm the physical and financial effects of your injuries. It’s also a good idea to start a daily journal documenting your pain and how your injuries affect your daily life. This journal can help you recover compensation for your pain and suffering.
Don’t Discuss the Accident (Especially on Social Media) – Avoid discussing the crash with anyone other than your lawyer. Insurance companies can use anything you say against you, so your best bet is to not say anything. In particular, do not post about the accident on social media, as insurance companies can easily find your posts and use them to deny your claim or reduce your compensation.
Hire a Lawyer – Involving a lawyer right away gives you the strongest chance of recovering maximum compensation. Your lawyer can document your injuries, investigate the accident to determine the liable parties, and handle your insurance claim on your behalf.
The experienced Mesa personal injury attorneys of Valley Injury Team can help you pursue compensation for all your losses from the crash, including money for:
Lost income
Reduced earning capacity
Current medical expenses
Future medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Diminished quality of life
Damaged personal property
Arizona law gives you two years from the date of the collision to file your Uber or Lyft lawsuit. Our attorneys can help you take swift legal action to preserve your right to compensation.
If you suffered injuries in an accident due to someone else’s negligence or wrong doing, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. At Valley Injury Team, we fight tirelessly to protect your rights and seek the compensation you need. We’re proud to serve clients throughout the Phoenix area, including Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale and Queen Creek.
Valley Injury Team is committed to helping you understand your legal rights and options, reducing your stress and uncertainty, and giving you the support you need during this challenging time. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation.
