Joe Osborne & Greg Francis, Personal Injury Lawyers & Founders of Osborne & Francis

Uber Accident Lawyers

Do You Need a Lyft or Uber Accident Lawyer?

Are Lyft and Uber accident lawyers for drivers or passengers? What happens if you’re hit by a rideshare driver? Who is responsible? We here at Osborne & Francis Law Firm can help explain the unique circumstances of rideshare auto accidents.

If you’ve been in an accident involving a Lyft or Uber car, a free and confidential phone call to our attorneys with rideshare accident experience could answer your questions, relieve your worries, and potentially start you down the road to getting tangible support for your injuries.

In the meantime, here are some important details and definitions.

 

Continue reading to learn how an attorney can help you with your car accident case.

Video Transcript

So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:

Number One: See a doctor immediately. 

A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.

A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care. 

Number Two: Write everything down.

Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain. 

You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered. 

Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.

Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them. 

So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.

Is a Lyft or Uber Accident Attorney for Drivers or Passengers? What About the Other Car? What About Pedestrians?

If you’ve been in a car accident, once you’ve received the necessary medical attention, the next step is reporting the incident, and possibly collecting an insurance pay out for your medical bills and car repairs. But if you are a passenger in or have been hit by a rideshare vehicle, then who’s responsible for that restitution? It may require hiring a Lyft or Uber car accident attorney to sort it out.

Is an Uber or Lyft accident attorney appropriate for everyone involved in a rideshare crash?

Lyft or Uber Passengers

Suppose you’ve ordered a Lyft or Uber to get from point A to point B, and during the ride time, your car was in an accident. Here are some reasons why you may want to speak to an attorney regarding your rights in this situation.

You Believe Your Lyft or Uber Driver Caused the Accident

  • If you feel that your driver was operating unsafely (distracted by their phone or the radio, going too fast in adverse weather conditions, or outright speeding), the question then becomes, “Why was this person allowed to drive me around?”
  • Pursuing the answer may reveal liability on the part of Uber or Lyft. This could not only lead to further restitution for your trauma or inconvenience, it could also mean holding negligent actors accountable. Additionally, your action today could help change policies so this doesn’t happen to someone else in the future.

You’ve Been Injured

  • Regardless of fault, if you have sustained injuries during a rideshare crash or car accident, it may be wise to contact an attorney.
  • You deserve to have any and all medical support covered, and may also be entitled to further care (like psychological support) if only you knew to ask for it. A knowledgeable lawyer can advise you on what you’re owed, and potentially pursue a lawsuit if you’re not receiving the support you need.

Don’t just take Lyft’s or Uber’s word on what you’re owed. Consult the attorneys at Osborne & Francis to make sure you’re not being taken advantage of.

Rideshare Drivers

While driving for Lyft or Uber, if you’ve become involved in a motor vehicle accident, you may need an attorney with experience in rideshare auto cases for the following reasons:

You Believe You Are Not at Fault

  • You need an advocate who will help make sure you are not blamed by Uber or Lyft for a crash with another vehicle. Similarly, the other driver may want to make it appear this accident is your fault to avoid responsibility and potentially bring a case against the rideshare company.
  • If you don’t think you were at fault in a crash as a rideshare driver, you still may be in need of help. How will your injuries be covered? What about damages to your vehicle? What about the income lost while your vehicle is out of service? If you’ve suffered damages while on the job, you deserve the same support that any other worker is entitled to.

You Believe You May Be at Fault

  • You don’t want to be caught unguarded in the crosshairs between the other driver and a powerful rideshare company.
  • If you believe you may be at fault, we definitely advise speaking to an attorney before continuing communications with other parties. This is because what you say can be used against you in court. Though honesty is important, necessary, and commendable, how you phrase the truth matters enormously. Ask a lawyer for help with making your statement so you do not inadvertently claim more blame or fault than you are responsible for.

You’ve Been Injured

  • Both Lyft and Uber have insurance policies that apply to their drivers and passengers. However, both also specify that if you’re not logged into the app at the time of the incident, it’s your own insurance coverage that applies.
  • Likewise, if you are waiting for a ride request, different coverage applies as opposed to when you’re en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting a passenger. If you’re unclear about where you stand, or where your injury support is supposed to come from, reach out to an attorney with rideshare experience to get clarity and/or take action as soon as possible.

Whatever your circumstances, do not assume any responsibility without calling a lawyer first. The consultation is free, and the information you gain could save you untold amounts of cost.

Those Involved in an Accident Where the Other Vehicle Is a Lyft or Uber Car

You are in the other car (whether driving your personal vehicle or riding in someone else’s) or you are a pedestrian, and an accident has occurred with an Uber or Lyft vehicle. Here are the circumstances that merit calling a Lyft or Uber car accident attorney.

You Believe You Are Not at Fault

  • Speaking with an Uber or Lyft accident attorney could be the preventative care you require, even if you’re not at fault and don’t think you’ll need one.
  • For example, a lawyer may have the knowledge to make sure enough evidence is gathered at the time of the accident that shows you were not at fault. This is in case the cause of the accident is later disputed by the other driver, or by the rideshare company trying to skirt responsibility.

You Believe You May Be at Fault

  • If you’ve crashed into a rideshare driver, calling a Lyft or Uber car accident lawyer can help protect you from either real or perceived accusations. For example, the other driver, their passenger, the rideshare company, or even your own passenger may blame you, causing you to feel bullied or intimidated. A lawyer can help provide clarity regarding responsibility.
  • Even if you believe you may be at fault and feeling guilty, it’s important to speak with an attorney to make sure you’re not taking on more fault than is fair. It’s also important to make sure that your own insurance company doesn’t abandon you (accidents happen, and that is exactly what insurance is for).

You’ve Been Injured

  • Whether your injuries are minor or severe, your priorities should be healing, not dealing with insurance company machinations surrounding a car accident.
  • Securing your own attorney can immediately reduce the amount of worrying you have to do, as there is a professional advocate looking out for you while you prioritize your recovery.

You Are a Pedestrian

  • The above sections apply not just to motorists and passengers, but pedestrians as well. If you’re on a sidewalk, crossing a street, walking through a parking lot, etc., and come into damaging contact with a rideshare vehicle, you may need to speak with a lawyer.
  • If you’ve been hit, if you’re being blamed for being in part of the road not meant for pedestrians, or if you have injuries that need support, you should call an attorney to make sure you’re not left out of the conversation just because you’re not in a motor vehicle.

There is an added layer of responsibility when you are injured or involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, namely the company behind the car and driver that impacted you. You don’t have to deal with this alone—reach out to experienced legal counsel as soon as possible.

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What a Damages Award or Settlement Could Mean for You

For those with injuries, you know that you need support to receive medical treatment. However, a judgement or settlement in your favor after a Lyft or Uber car accident could also cover the following:

  • Medical treatment and expenses: This includes hospital visits, relevant procedures, follow-up care, and therapy (be it physical therapy or psychological treatment).
  • Damages to property: Your vehicle, and the items inside of your vehicle, may need to be repaired or replaced.
  • Loss of income or profits: If you miss work because of an accident, or lose employment opportunities as a freelance or contract worker, those could be calculated and compensated for. Another example, if you miss an important business meeting because your rideshare to the airport was involved in a crash, that too may be considered when negotiating in a legal setting.
  • Pain and suffering: Car accidents can be traumatizing, terrifying, stressful, and could in many circumstances be the last straw in a day/week/year that has already been fraught with personal trials. Likewise, injuries can cause agonizing physical pain, or scars/limps/disfigurements that last a lifetime. Explaining these circumstances via the law can lead to extra damages rewards or a larger settlement for care.
  • Reduced quality of life and/or loss of consortium (marital affection): If the effects of a car accident leave lingering issues with your mind, body, or relationships, the law acknowledges and accounts for those damages. Examples include: PTSD symptoms, a new fear or reluctance to drive, or a marital stressor that puts a burden on your spouse or your family life and children.
  • Wrongful death: According to the University of Chicago and Rice University, Uber and Lyft are behind a sharp rise in US traffic deaths. If you have lost a loved one in an Uber or Lyft-related traffic accident, you can sue for wrongful death to hold the responsible parties accountable. Such a suit could also help provide for funeral and burial expenses, loss of income, and the pain and suffering you and your family must now live with.

It may not occur to the average person just how much is potentially covered in a settlement agreement or lawsuit, which is why selecting a lawyer with Lyft/Uber car accident case experience is essential. Contact an attorney from Osborne & Francis today for the kind of specific knowledge that will help you get the best outcome from an unfortunate accident.

Who is at fault in a Lyft or Uber car accident?

E. Holland

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Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!

C. Smith

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“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”

Alfred

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Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.

Erica F.

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"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"

T. Andrews

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“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”

J. Davis

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“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm — everything was done professionally exactly how I wanted. Due to COVID my personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out and I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. 100% satisfied.”

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Contact an Attorney with Rideshare Accident Experience
Osborne & Francis is a Florida-based law firm that does nationwide work protecting those harmed in car accidents, medical malpractice cases, and personal injury incidents. Reach out to us with your questions about the law and Lyft or Uber car accidents by calling (561) 293-2600, or by filling out our online contact form.

The changing traffic of the road could leave you feeling unsure of your rights in an auto accident. If you’ve had a run-in that involves the companies Uber or Lyft, and have suffered injuries or traumas that need support, an attorney with experience in rideshare accident cases could help relieve your worries and recover what you need from the appropriate parties. One phone call could be all it takes to set the wheels rolling.

It is unwise to assume insurance and rideshare companies have your best interests in mind, but your own lawyer from the office of Osborne & Francis is always on your side and no one else’s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is at fault in a Lyft or Uber car accident?

This question must be answered on a case-by-case basis. However, when it comes to responsibility for the cost of repairs and medical treatment, dealing with a rideshare company can get complicated fast. Call a Lyft/Uber accident lawyer at (561) 293-2600 to protect yourself from unfair blame and assert your rights regarding recovery support and/or auto repair.

Are Lyft and Uber accident lawyers for drivers, passengers, or the people in the other car?

Anyone involved in a Lyft or Uber car accident—drivers, passengers, and/or pedestrians—can seek the advice of an attorney, and probably should. It is unwise to assume insurance and rideshare companies have your best interests in mind, but your own lawyer from the office of Osborne & Francis is always on your side and no one else’s.

Are there special laws involved in Lyft or Uber car accidents?

While the laws of the road still apply, Lyft and Uber have certain liability rules when it comes to what kind of insurance coverage they offer (and when). Rideshare companies also have a measure of responsibility for making sure their drivers are as safe as possible (for the sake of the drivers, the passengers, and the other vehicles or pedestrians they encounter). Contact the law office of Osborne & Francis at (561) 293-2600 for detailed information.