Uber/Lyft Passenger Injuries
Ridesharing apps such as Uber, Lyft, and Riide have become increasingly popular in Cincinnati, and in cities across Ohio, Kentucky and the rest of the country. However, along with a greater frequency of use comes a greater potential for accidents.
Many questions arise when a passenger is involved in an accident in an Uber or Lyft vehicle.
At the law office of Gregory S. Young Co., LPA, we provide free consultations to people who have been seriously injured in rideshare motor vehicle accidents. Our attorneys can take a look at your case and help you explore your options. Allow us to focus on the legal side of things so that you can devote your attention to making a recovery.
What Happens If I Get In An Accident Involving An Uber Or Lyft Vehicle?
When you are involved in an accident while travelling in your personal vehicle, your injuries will generally be covered by your insurance company and perhaps by the other driver’s insurance company. When you are involved in an accident while travelling as passenger as part of a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft, the issues become a little less clear.
A variety of factors may come into play. It is advisable to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible following an accident, to ensure all insurance-related issues are addressed and all avenues of compensation are explored.
Who Do I Sue When I Have Been Hurt In An Uber/Lyft Vehicle?
Both Uber and Lyft insure their drivers for up to $1 million when they are transporting passengers. This is significantly more than what the vast majority of drivers carry on their own personal insurance policies. However, in cases of catastrophic injuries, $1 million may not be nearly enough to compensate a victim for the full cost of damages. This is where things get a bit more complicated.
It may be possible to sue the driver under his or her personal insurance policy. However, most personal auto insurance policies do not cover a driver who is engaged in a commercial operation.
Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors to help shield them from liability, so suing them may not be an option. Finally, if you were injured as a passenger for a different ridesharing company, different rules may apply. The best thing you can do is to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible following your accident. We will help determine your options for moving forward.
Does Distracted Driving Play A Role In Rideshare Accidents?
Rideshare drivers use map apps in virtually every aspect of their rides, from connecting with passengers to getting directions and more. Concentrating on a phone while driving is a prime example of distracted driving, and Uber and Lyft drivers are not immune to the dangers associated with such behavior.
Oftentimes, a car accident in a rideshare vehicle involves distracted driving. It is important to share any information about distracted driving or any other dangerous driving behavior with the police and your personal injury attorney. This is important information that may be relevant to your personal injury case.
Do I Need A Lawyer To Represent Me After A Rideshare Accident?
After a rideshare accident resulting in injuries, medical bills can quickly become overwhelming. Additional complications – such as the inability to work temporarily or long-term – can add to the financial complexities victims face.
It is highly advisable to work with a personal injury attorney after a rideshare accident. There are many complex insurance issues to consider, and dealing with insurance companies can leave you with more questions than answers.
Gregory S. Young Co., LPA, offers a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case.
I Am An Injured Uber Or Lyft Driver: Can You Help Me?
Not only do we represent Uber or Lyft passengers, we also represent rideshare drivers who have been hit by other negligent drivers.
As a rideshare driver, you are supplying your own personal property to fulfill your job. When you are hit by another vehicle, you may face medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other monetary damages. We can help you explore all of your options for recovering compensation.
Who Can You Help After A Rideshare Accident?
We invite you to contact us after a rideshare accident involving any of the following scenarios:
- If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft car
- If you are an Uber or Lyft driver who was hit by another car
- If you are a pedestrian or bicyclist who was hit by an Uber or Lyft car
- If you are the driver of another car who was hit by an Uber or Lyft car
Read More On This Topic
- Uber/Lyft passenger injuries
- Avoid these 5 mistakes after an Uber or Lyft accident
- Who is liable when an Uber/Lyft driver hits your vehicle?
- Handling ridesharing accident injuries in Ohio and Kentucky
Contact Us 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week
Please contact us online or call 513-838-4562 in Cincinnati, 888-469-6437 in Dayton or Kentucky to schedule your free initial consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available.