Uber And Lyft Accidents
Transportation network companies, also known as ridesharing, use apps and websites to connect passengers with drivers who work for the ridesharing app. Companies such as Uber and Lyft have paved the way for convenient taxi-like services and help keep impaired drivers off the road, but riding in an Uber or Lyft comes with the same car accident risks as any other passenger vehicle. If you were injured in an accident with a ridesharing company, contact Counsel Hound today for a no-cost consultation and case evaluation.
Causes Of Uber/Lyft Accidents
Common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents include:
- Distracted Driving
- Scanning for passengers
- Driver Fatigue
- Parking in unsafe areas
- Failure to properly maintain the vehicle.
- Driving intoxicated
- Reckless driving
Uber/Lyft Accident Statistics
Uber reports that between 2017 and 2018, the company averaged 3.1 million trips per day in the U.S.[1] The University of Chicago found that the arrival of a ridesharing service is associated with an approximately 3% increase in motor vehicle fatalities and fatal accidents. This can be attributed to increased passenger vehicles on the road and ridesharing drivers staying on the road longer to search for more passengers.[2]Ridesharing companies do not operate under the same rules as taxis. Most ridesharing companies hire independent contractors and are not responsible for maintaining the driver’s vehicle. Uber is one of the most popular of these companies.
Stages Of A Uber/Lyft Accident Lawsuit
- Initial Investigation: If possible, take photos of the scene and write down witnesses’ names and phone numbers. No matter how minor the accident, always call 911. The police report may provide vital information for your case.
- Medical Treatment for Injuries: Receiving medical treatment is an essential step in creating a case. Be honest with your doctor about the severity of your injuries so the doctor can provide you with the necessary treatment. Always continue the treatment the doctor has prescribed, or insurance may see the discontinuation of treatment to indicate you are healed. Document each doctor’s visit so we can include your medical costs in the settlement or award.
- File Claim with Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company of the accident. Your insurance company should take the necessary steps to reimburse you for damages. If the ridesharing driver’s insurance company attempts to contact you for a statement or settlement, do not respond until after consulting with Counsel Hound. We are working with your best interest in mind, and you may be eligible for more than what the at-fault driver’s insurance company will initially offer.
- Counsel Hound Consultation: Fill out our contact form, and we will set up an initial meeting to discuss your options. We work with lawyers across the nation, and Counsel Hound will refer you to the best-suited lawyer for your case at no cost.
- Settlement Demand: After your medical treatment has been finalized, we will begin the settlement process to maximize your compensation for damages. This process may involve negotiations with the insurance company.
- Settlement or Lawsuit: Once a final offer has been reached with the insurance company, you will decide if you would like to settle or file a lawsuit. Your Counsel Hound lawyer will advise you on the benefits of settling or continuing a lawsuit for you to receive the compensation you deserve.
- Trial: If you decide to decline an offer for settlement, we will guide you through the discovery, mediation, and trial. During discovery, both parties will exchange information to build their case. After the discovery period, you may go through a mediation where a neutral third party helps to facilitate a discussion between both parties. This may provide a second chance to accept a settlement before the trial. If mediation does not resolve the lawsuit, we will move to trial and work to convince the judge and jury that the driver acted negligently, resulting in you suffering a loss.
Counsel Hound will connect you to the qualified representation you need to navigate this process successfully. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation and case evaluation.
Compensation
Lyft and Uber accidents can leave you with physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Our Counsel Hound-approved lawyers will work to maximize your settlement or award. Types of compensation you may be eligible for include economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages:
- If your crash required surgery, physical therapy, prescription drugs, medical equipment, etc., we would work to have you reimbursed.
- If the accident forced you to miss work or suffer a wage decrease at a new position, we would prove your losses with timesheets.
- If your vehicle was totaled during the accident, we would include the cost of repairs in the losses sustained.
- If you lost a loved one in an Uber/Lyft accident, we would work to recover funeral or burial costs.
Non-Economic Damages:
Some damages cannot be proved with lost wages, property damages, etc. You may face emotional suffering as a result of the accident. Our lawyers will work to include all available compensation in your case.
FAQs
Counsel Hound provides no-cost consultation and case evaluations.
Many states have a 2-year statute of limitations for personal accident claims. Contact Counsel Hound to see if your case qualifies.
Unexpectedly losing a loved one is a traumatic experience. Counsel Hound lawyers are here to support you through this process. You may be eligible for a wrongful death claim and may be able to recover medical and funeral/burial expenses as well as compensation for emotional pain and sufferin.
The police provide valuable resources before you even leave the scene. They will determine if any drivers were under the influence, had a suspended/expired license, expired/no insurance, etc. The police report will be extremely useful for building a case against the at-fault driver and provide photos and witness. There is also no way for you to verify if the other driver has given you valid information (name, number, insurance).
If the at-fault driver’s insurance company attempts to contact you for a statement or settlement, do not respond until after your consultation with Counsel Hound. We are working with your best interest in mind, and you may be eligible for more than what the insurance company of the at- fault driver will initially offer.
No-Cost Case Evaluation
Law is complicate matter. It can cause you a big problem if you ignore it. Let us help you!
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Law is complicate matter. It can cause you a big problem if you ignore it. Let us help you!