If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you might assume that the rideshare company’s $1 million policy will cover your injuries and damages. Unfortunately, collecting compensation after a rideshare accident is rarely that simple. The company’s insurance coverage only kicks in under certain circumstances, and injured parties are often left without a clear path to financial recovery for their losses. The Charleston Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Tiano O’Dell, PLLC, know that responsible parties rarely admit fault after a collision. We also understand West Virginia rideshare accident laws and how to navigate difficult defendants and their insurance companies. Contact our office for a free consultation and case evaluation with a rideshare accident attorney.
Our Rideshare Accident Practice
- Our practice is exclusively dedicated to handling personal injury cases in Charleston, West Virginia. Our specialized knowledge allows us to focus on injury law and gives us an advantage over other law firms that have a multi-focus practice. Our attorneys know rideshare accident laws and will make sure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
- We believe that we are defined by how we treat our clients. We understand that we work for our clients, and we provide personalized legal services in every case. We will always keep you up-to-date on your case status and will be available to address your questions and concerns.
- For more than two decades, we have taken on negligent and reckless defendants in Charleston car accident lawsuits. No case is too large, and no defendant is too powerful for our attorneys to handle. We fight for justice and maximum compensation for our clients in every case.
Facts and Circumstances Impacting Liability
As mentioned above, liability for your injuries and damages depends on several factors, and rideshare companies are only responsible for your losses under specific circumstances. Important facts in your accident include whether or not the Uber or Lyft driver was logged into the app, if the driver had accepted a job, and who was at fault for the accident. Additional accident details might impact liability, such as if the rideshare driver was adequately insured, if the at-fault driver was adequately insured, and if you were a rideshare passenger at the time of the accident.
What Are Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Policies?
Uber has auto insurance protection in place to help people who have sustained injuries in rideshare accidents. If your personal auto insurance does not apply to the accident, Uber has the following coverage available for drivers injured during a trip:
- $1,000,000 third-party liability
- Contingent comprehensive and collision
- Up to actual cash value of car with a $2,500 deductible
Lyft has the same levels of insurance coverage and similar terms.
What Compensation is Available After a Charleston Rideshare Accident?
If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else, you might be entitled to compensation for your losses in a personal injury claim. Financial recovery in a personal injury claim often includes compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future medical expenses, and loss of earning capacity. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may also be entitled to compensation for pain, suffering, and disability.
What if Another Driver Hits Your Uber or Lyft Car?
If you were injured as a passenger because another driver crashed into your Uber or Lyft ride, the at-fault driver’s insurance company would be responsible for damages. As a result, you can file a “third-party” claim directly with their auto insurance company just as you would after any other car accident that was not your fault. If the at-fault driver’s insurance does not completely cover your losses, the rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) insurance coverage will provide up to $1 million in coverage.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Charleston, WV
There are many reasons why rideshare accidents happen, but most involve driver error. For example:
- Speeding. The more trips a rideshare driver completes, the more money they make, which can lead to reckless behavior such as speeding.
- Traffic Law Violations. Uber and Lyft drivers may engage in other illegal driving behaviors, such as unsafe lane changes, tailgating, or running red lights.
- Distracted Driving. Drivers may be distracted while driving if they are texting, paying attention to their rideshare app or GPS, instead of focusing on the road.
- Fatigue. Uber and Lyft drivers often work long hours or even multiple jobs, increasing the risk of driving while tired or possibly even falling asleep at the wheel.
- Inexperience. New rideshare drivers or drivers that are unfamiliar with the areas they are traveling to are more likely to make a mistake.
- Driving Under the Influence. A rideshare driver’s judgment and reaction times can be significantly impacted if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Lack of Vehicle Maintenance. Rideshare drivers often use personal vehicles for their service. If they fail to regularly inspect their vehicle for safety or perform routine maintenance, it puts themselves and their passengers at risk.
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident
The steps you take after an Uber or Lyft accident are critical, not only to your health but also to your claim for compensation:
- Stay at the scene and try to remain calm. Call 911 if you or anyone else involved requires emergency medical care.
- If you think your injuries are minor, still notify the police. A police report can be vital to proving fault, and an insurance company will heavily consider an officer’s opinion on who caused the collision.
- If you are not taken to the hospital by ambulance, stay at the scene and take photos and videos, including the vehicles, their damage, and your injuries, for evidence.
- Exchange information with all drivers involved, ask which company they are driving for, and ask any witnesses for their contact information.
- Seek medical care as soon as possible. Medical records from immediately after the accident must link your injuries to the crash.
- Contact your auto insurer to report the accident.
Lastly, speak to a Charleston, WV Uber and Lyft accident lawyer as soon as possible. They will immediately investigate to help you determine fault, gather evidence, and navigate the claims process.
Contact Our Charleston, WV Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney
After an Uber or Lyft accident, you need a personal injury attorney with experience representing clients in rideshare accident cases. Contact an Uber and Lyft accident attorney at Tiano O’Dell, PLLC, to discuss your case, evaluate your potential claim, and protect your right to compensation for your losses. Whether you need assistance from a truck accident lawyer in Charleston, WV or are weighing the benefits of a motorcycle crash lawsuit, we can help. We know that unexpected injuries and losses can cause a significant disruption in your life and financial stability, and we want to help you secure the financial recovery that you deserve.