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Rideshare Accident Lawyer

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$450+ Million Recovered



Legally Reviewed by:

Jonathan Rosenfeld

J.D

  • Over $450 Million worth of case results

  • Awarded The Best Lawyer in 2024 by U.S. News

  • Nationally Recognized in Legal Community

Rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, have revolutionized transportation, offering convenient and efficient alternatives to traditional taxis. However, the increase in rideshare usage has also led to a rise in accidents involving these vehicles. Navigating rideshare accidents can be daunting, especially when dealing with multiple parties and insurance policies.

This is where a skilled ridesharing accident lawyer becomes invaluable. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we specialize in understanding the rideshare laws, ensuring that injured victims receive the compensation they deserve. 

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

Choosing Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for your rideshare accident case ensures you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Their seasoned legal team specializes in rideshare accidents and has a strong track record of obtaining substantial settlements and verdicts for clients. 

$4,000,000

Fatal rideshare passenger accident

$3,500,000

Rideshare passenger shot by driver

$2,855,000

Pedestrian hit by a rideshare vehicle

$2,000,000

Rideshare driver sexual assault case

$1,680,000

Motorcyclist hit by a rideshare vehicle

$1,000,000

Hip and foot injury exiting a vehicle

We thoroughly investigate each case to ensure all aspects of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully considered. With Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, you benefit from their expertise in navigating the complexities of rideshare accident claims, our commitment to your financial recovery, and their compassionate support throughout the legal process.

Understanding Rideshare Accidents

The rise of rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft has undoubtedly transformed urban transportation. However, this convenience has not come without significant safety concerns. The following rideshare accident statistics shed light on the impact of rideshare services on road safety in the United States:

  • According to a study by the US National Bureau of Economic Research, there has been a 3% annual increase in vehicular deaths linked to the prevalence of rideshare services. This equates to approximately 987 additional roadway deaths each year attributed to the presence of Uber and Lyft drivers. [1]
  • On a positive note, ridesharing has reduced US traffic deaths related to alcohol by 6.1%, highlighting the role of these services in providing safer alternatives to driving under the influence. [2]
  • According to Uber’s safety report for 2019–2020, there were 91 fatal incidents resulting in 101 deaths. Thirty-two percent of these crashes involved at least one high-speed vehicle. Twenty-three percent involved alcohol-impaired driving. [3]

Types of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents can come from a wide range of scenarios. Understanding these different types of motor vehicle accidents is crucial for determining liability and pursuing appropriate compensation. Below are some of the primary types of these accidents our law firm handles.

Collisions with Other Vehicles

One of the most common types of rideshare accidents involves collisions between the rideshare vehicle and another car. These incidents can occur for many different reasons, such as driver negligence, adverse weather conditions, or mechanical failures. Determining liability in these personal injury cases requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Passenger Injuries

Passengers inside a rideshare vehicle are particularly vulnerable in the event of an Uber or Lyft accident. Injuries can range from minor bruises to severe trauma, such as broken bones or head injuries. If you’re a passenger injured in an accident, establishing legal responsibility is essential for securing compensation for medical expenses for emergency medical services and other treatment, lost wages, and property damage.

Driver Injuries

Rideshare drivers themselves are at risk of injury while on the job. These injuries could stem from auto accidents involving other vehicles, a single car crash due to road hazards, or even assaults by passengers.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents

Accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists can be particularly serious, often resulting in significant injuries or fatalities. These incidents may occur if an Uber or Lyft driver fails to observe traffic signals, does not yield the right of way, or operates the vehicle recklessly. In these cases, the injured party or someone nearby should call for emergency services right away so the victim can seek medical attention.

Anyone involved in a rideshare accident, whether a passenger, Lyft/Uber driver, or pedestrian, should seek legal advice from a Lyft and Uber accident lawyer to navigate these cases effectively.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Accidents can arise from many different factors, each contributing to the complexity and potential severity of the incident. Below are some of the primary causes of accidents involving rideshares:

Negligence and distracted driving are leading causes of rideshare accidents. Drivers who fail to adhere to traffic laws, use their mobile phones while driving, or become otherwise distracted pose significant risks to passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians. Activities such as texting, setting up GPS, or engaging in conversation can divert a driver’s attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

Fatigue is a significant risk factor for rideshare drivers, who often work long hours or late-night shifts. Drowsy driving impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and can even lead to the driver falling asleep at the wheel. Fatigue-related accidents can be just as dangerous as those caused by impaired driving, making it a critical issue in the rideshare industry.

Regular maintenance is imperative to ensure the safety and functionality of a rideshare vehicle. Poor vehicle maintenance, such as neglecting brake repairs, tire replacements, or other mechanical issues, can lead to accidents. Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can occur suddenly and without warning, often resulting in severe accidents.

External factors like road hazards and adverse weather conditions also contribute to rideshare accidents. Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and debris can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Inclement weather, including rain, snow, fog, and ice, can further exacerbate driving conditions, reducing visibility and increasing stopping distances for rideshare drivers. 

Who is Liable for a Rideshare Accident?

Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be complex, involving multiple parties and factors. Some of the parties most often found liable include: 

The Rideshare Driver

In many accidents, the rideshare driver is at fault. Personal liability and insurance coverage play a critical role in determining the rideshare driver’s responsibility in these accidents. Rideshare drivers are required to carry personal auto insurance, but this coverage may not always extend to incidents that occur while the driver is working.

Rideshare companies typically provide supplemental insurance policies that cover liability from the moment a driver accepts a ride request until the ride is completed. However, the extent of this coverage can vary, and drivers may still be personally liable for damages, particularly if they are found to be negligent.

The Rideshare Company (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

A rideshare company may also be held liable for accidents through its own insurance policy or in cases of negligent hiring practices. These companies are required to provide comprehensive insurance coverage for their drivers, which typically includes liability insurance for bodily personal injury and property damage. This coverage is designed to protect both the driver and the passengers during a trip. 

A rideshare company is generally not liable through vicarious liability because their drivers are independent contractors, not employees, though this is subject to change based on ongoing litigation.

Third-Party Liability

The other driver involved in the accident may also bear responsibility. In situations where other drivers involved cause or contribute to a rideshare accident, their insurance company could be responsible for covering damages. This includes instances of reckless driving, traffic violations, or other negligent actions on the road that lead to a collision with a rideshare vehicle.

Government entities responsible for road maintenance can also be held liable in certain circumstances. For example, if an accident is caused by poor road conditions, such as potholes, insufficient signage, or lack of proper road maintenance, the governmental body in charge of maintaining those roads may be held accountable.

A personal injury attorney can help determine who is liable for an accident that takes place while using rideshare services. 

Proving Negligence in Rideshare Car Accidents

To successfully claim damages in a rideshare car accident, it is essential to prove that the rideshare driver or the company acted negligently. The following elements must be established to demonstrate negligence:

  • Duty of Care: The rideshare driver has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and adhere to traffic laws to protect their passengers and others on the road. This is the case with all drifters on the road, so this is easy to prove. 
  • Breach of Duty: A breach occurs when the rideshare driver fails to meet the required standard of care. An example might be a rideshare driver texting while driving, which distracts them and reduces their ability to react to road conditions appropriately.
  • Causation: It must be proven that the rideshare driver’s breach of duty directly caused the accident. For example, if a rideshare driver runs a red light and collides with another vehicle, their action is the direct cause of the subsequent injuries.
  • Damages: The claimant must show that they suffered actual damages due to the car accident. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from injuries sustained in the rideshare accident.

The Role of a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

When dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare car accident, the expertise of a rideshare accident attorney is incredibly important. Here’s how we can help:

Investigating the Accident

A ridesharing accident lawyer plays a critical role in investigating the facts surrounding an accident. This involves gathering comprehensive evidence, such as a police report, witness statements, app data from the rideshare platform, and photos from the auto accident scene. 

By reviewing these records, legal professionals can construct a clear and compelling narrative of the events that transpired. Additionally, they work closely with accident reconstruction experts to gain a clear understanding of how the collision occurred.

Determining Liability

Determining liability in a rideshare accident is often a complex process that requires a thorough analysis of various insurance issues. A rideshare accident attorney must navigate the policies of rideshare companies while identifying all potentially responsible parties. By examining these factors, a personal injury attorney can establish a solid basis for liability and ensure that all avenues of compensation are explored.

Calculating Damages

Once liability is determined, a rideshare accident attorney will calculate the full extent of damages. Accurate damage calculation is essential for securing comprehensive compensation for the victim and their family. If you don’t know what you’re entitled to, you can’t be certain that you aren’t leaving money on the table.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Dealing with multiple insurance claims can be overwhelming for accident victims. A dedicated lawyer fights for fair compensation by negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of their clients. This often involves challenging initial settlement offers and ensuring that the compensation accurately reflects the true extent of the damages suffered.

Filing a Lawsuit and Litigating in Court (If Necessary)

If negotiations with insurance companies fail to result in a fair settlement, a rideshare accident lawyer is prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit and represent clients in court. This includes managing all legal proceedings and presenting a compelling personal injury case to ensure that injury victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Seeking Compensation After a Rideshare Accident

Navigating the aftermath of a rideshare car accident can be complex, but it’s helpful to get an overview of how the process works and what you can expect. 

Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage

The ridesharing company’s insurance coverage provided by rideshare companies is essential for protecting both drivers and passengers in the event of an accident. Coverage can vary significantly depending on the status of the rideshare app and the stage of the ride.

Periods of Coverage

  • App Off: When the rideshare app is off,  the driver’s personal insurance is the primary source of coverage. Rideshare company insurance does not apply during this period.
  • App On, No Passenger: When the app is on, but no passenger is in the vehicle, both the driver’s personal auto insurance and the rideshare company’s contingent liability coverage may apply. This is typically lower than the coverage during active rides.
  • Passenger Pick-Up/Drop-Off: From the moment an Uber or Lyft driver accepts a trip to the time the passenger is dropped off, the rideshare company’s commercial insurance coverage is generally in full effect. This includes coverage for bodily injuries, property damage, and underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage.

Types of Damages

When seeking compensation after a rideshare car accident through a personal injury claim, it is crucial to understand the types of damages that may be recoverable.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses resulting from the accident. This includes:

  • Medical Expenses: Costs associated with hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, prescription medications, rehabilitation services, and any other healthcare-related expenses.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery from the accident.
  • Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of vehicles and other personal property damaged in the accident.
  • Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Any additional costs incurred as a direct result of the accident, such as transportation to doctor’s appointments and costs for adaptive medical equipment.
  • Future Economic Losses