Ridesharing services are so common today that most people do not think twice about jumping on their favorite ridesharing app and grabbing an Uber or Lyft to their destination. While these services are convenient and often cost-effective, accidents can happen.
If you are hurt and facing a large number of medical bills as a result of an accident while using Uber, Lyft, or another ridesharing service, you have the right to hold the company or driver responsible for your losses.
A Chicago Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation to the fullest extent of your injuries. They understand what insurance laws apply, as rideshare companies often have different levels of insurance based on where you were at the time of the accident. They can examine the details of your case and explain what options you have for recovering compensation. For a free case review, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444.
Causes of Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accidents
Just like any other car accident, there are a number of circumstances that can lead to an accident in an Uber or Lyft. In many cases, these accidents are the result of someone behaving negligently. Some of the primary factors are:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving occurs anytime something causes you to take your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or even your attention off your driving. While the most common type of distracted driving that makes the news is texting and driving, it is not the only distraction that causes accidents. Other common distractions, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) include phone use, eating food while driving, or using a GPS.
Drowsy Driving
Fatigue is also another major problem for Uber and Lyft drivers. Many Uber and Lyft drivers hold the job on the side and have another full-time job as well. They may also work for multiple ridesharing companies and work long shifts for many days in a row. If a driver is tired, it can make it difficult to stay sharp and react quickly to avoid an accident. It also makes it hard to focus on the road.
Aggressive Driving
In an attempt to reach their destination rapidly to pick up more passengers, some Uber and Lyft drivers may speed or weave in and out of traffic to make better time. This behavior is extremely dangerous and can increase the likelihood of an accident. As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes, speeding reduces the driver’s ability to react quickly enough in order to avoid a crash. It also increases the likelihood of severe injuries.
Establishing Liability in an Uber or Lyft Rideshare Accident
These cases can often be confusing because it is not always clear who is responsible for damages in an accident. If you are hurt because an Uber or Lyft driver hit you with their car while you were driving, walking, or biking, you have the right to pursue compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.
You may be able to seek compensation through the driver’s personal insurance policy, the insurance coverage provided by the ridesharing company, both the insurance of the driver and the ridesharing service, or your own insurance company.
Here is a basic look at how Uber and Lyft cover passengers during the ridesharing process:
App Is Off
If the driver is offline or the app is off, the driver’s own personal insurance coverage applies if they are in an accident.
App Is On
If the app is on and the driver is waiting on a ride request, both Uber and Lyft provide the same coverage:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damages per accident
Picking Up Passengers and During Rides
If the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger and gets into an accident or if a ride has already commenced and they have passengers at the time of the accident, Uber and Lyft both provide $1 million in total coverage. That means that if you are hurt in an accident while you are a passenger, you could file your claim through the Uber or Lyft policy.
A Chicago Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer can help you explore all the options that are available for recovering compensation. For example, if your losses exceed the driver’s personal insurance policy and the Uber or Lyft insurance is not an option, you may be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to find out what options you have.
For a free legal consultation with a Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accidents Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 794-0444
Recoverable Damages After an Accident
There are many damages you may be able to recover as a result of your accident. Some of the common types of damages victims recover in car accidents include:
- Hospital stays
- Surgical treatments
- Ambulance rides
- Medication
- Doctor’s examinations
- Wheelchairs and other assistive devices
- Therapies
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Property damage
Chicago Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
How an Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help
The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm offers a free consultation to help you understand what all of your options are after suffering injuries in an Uber or Lyft ridesharing accident. The consultation is entirely confidential and is entirely risk-free to you, as you have no obligation to move forward.
If you do decide to move forward with your case, our Chicago Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyers will conduct an investigation of the accident and gather important evidence, such as:
- Police reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Uber or Lyft driving history for that driver
We will also speak with your doctors, review your medical records, and collect all bills and receipts. This allows us to determine the full extent of your losses, from financial losses to the total cost of your pain and suffering.
We also will review the different insurance policies and see how they apply to your case. We can speak with the insurance company and negotiate compensation for your injuries.
To speak with a member of our team or get started right away, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444.
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