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 & Pettis 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.

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 & Pettis 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.

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 & Pettis today for the kind of specific knowledge that will help you get the best outcome from an unfortunate accident.