Find the Best Rideshare Accident Attorney Near You
If you sustained injuries in a rideshare accident, you may be able to pursue financial compensation for your losses. Selecting a personal injury attorney can be an overwhelming process. When it comes to finding the best rideshare accident attorney near you, it’s important to find someone who is experienced with your type of personal injury case. Here are some effective steps to guide you in your search:
Ask for Recommendations
Ask friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues for recommendations. Someone you know may be able to recommend an experienced lawyer who handles cases like yours. Seek out individuals who have been in similar situations and have successfully navigated their car accident cases.
Legal Directories
Explore reputable legal directories. For example, you can utilize online directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or the State Bar Association to help you identify qualified rideshare accident attorneys in your area. Ensure you check the Arizona State Bar Association to make sure the lawyer does not have any disciplinary issues. Look for lawyers with positive reviews and high ratings and see what clients are also saying about them across Google Reviews and Yelp.
Specialize in Uber and Lyft Accidents
Focus your search on attorneys who specialize in rideshare accidents. An Uber and Lyft attorney is more likely to be well-versed in the legal complexities associated with rideshare accidents.
Schedule Free Consultations
Most personal injury attorneys in Arizona offer a free consultation. Select your top lawyer candidates and contact them to set up free case evaluations. You may want to narrow down your list of candidates to 3-6 choices before scheduling free consultations. During your free case evaluation, you can discuss the details of your case, and assess their knowledge and approach. Pay attention to each lawyer’s communication style and how comfortable you feel discussing your case with the attorney.
When Do I Need an Arizona Rideshare Accident Lawyer?
Whether you are a rideshare driver, passenger, or another party involved in the accident, it’s crucial to seek legal counsel if you sustained injuries in a rideshare accident. If you encounter difficulties dealing with insurance companies, especially those of rideshare companies or other involved parties, an experienced attorney can fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
Insurance claims in rideshare accidents can be complex, and having legal representation ensures you are not taken advantage of during the negotiation process.
How to Prepare for Your Case Reviews
Preparing for case reviews with potential rideshare accident attorneys is vital to making an informed decision. Consider the following steps to ensure productive consultations:
Gather relevant documents:
Collect all documents related to the rideshare accident, including accident reports, medical records, insurance information, and any communication with involved parties.
Providing comprehensive documentation allows the attorney to assess the strength of your case more accurately.
Prepare a list of your questions and concerns:
Compile a list of questions and concerns you want to discuss during the consultation. This can include inquiries about the attorney’s experience, their approach to handling cases, and potential timelines.
Clear communication is essential to building trust and understanding expectations from both parties.
Ask about the fee structures:
Inquire about the lawyer’s fee structure during the consultation. Understanding how fees are calculated and what services are covered is crucial for avoiding surprises later in the legal process. Most personal injury attorneys in Arizona operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer will only get paid if they win your case.
Evaluate communication style:
Pay attention to the attorney’s communication style and whether they make an effort to explain legal concepts in a way you can understand. A lawyer who is approachable and communicative can contribute significantly to a positive attorney-client relationship.
Questions to Ask Arizona Rideshare Accident Attorneys
When meeting with potential Arizona rideshare accident lawyers, asking the right questions can help you make an informed decision. Below are questions to consider asking your attorney.
- How many cases have they handled, and what were the outcomes?
- How involved will they be in your case, and what steps will they take to ensure your interests are protected?
- Request success stories or references from past clients. This can provide insights into the attorney’s track record and the level of satisfaction among previous clients.
- Clarify the attorney’s fee structure, including whether they work on a contingency basis.
- Ask about the costs involved and any additional expenses you might incur during the legal process.
Steps To Take If Your Uber Or Lyft Driver Gets In A Car Accident
Navigating the aftermath of a rideshare accident involving your Lyft or Uber driver requires careful steps to protect your well-being and legal interests.
- Move to a safe, well-lit location.
- If there are injuries, call emergency services immediately.
- Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible.
- Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, and any relevant road conditions.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the rideshare driver and any other parties involved. This includes names, phone numbers, insurance company details, and driver’s license numbers.
- Notify the rideshare company about the accident as soon as possible. Both Uber and Lyft have specific protocols for handling accidents involving their rideshare drivers.
- Consult with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer who will protect your rights and best interests.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Suffered in Rideshare Accidents?
Common injuries sustained in rideshare accidents include:
- Whiplash: Sudden stops or collisions can cause whiplash, resulting in neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and contusions are common soft tissue injuries, often affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- Fractures: Impact during a rideshare accident can lead to fractures in bones, especially in the arms, legs, or ribs.
- Head injuries: Trauma to the head may cause concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal injuries: Accidents can lead to spinal injuries, including herniated discs or damage to the spinal cord.
Who is Liable in a Rideshare Accident Case?
According to Uber’s 2019-2020 Safety Report, there were 101 motor vehicle fatalities that occurred across 91 fatal auto accidents that involved an Uber vehicle. Uber claims that 94% of these accidents were the result of the actions of third-party drivers.
Determining liability in a rideshare accident is complex because multiple parties are involved. Here are some parties that may share liability in an Uber/Lyft accident case.
The Rideshare Driver
Lyft and Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees, which can lead to legal challenges when pursuing a rideshare accident lawsuit. If the accident resulted from the rideshare driver’s negligence, they may be held liable. This could include actions like aggressive driving, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws.
The Uber or Lyft driver is offline
If the driver does not have the rideshare app on, their personal auto insurance coverage applies.
The Rideshare Company
Rideshare companies are classified as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). During certain situations, Uber and Lyft both offer insurance coverage for property damage and injuries to riders and other third parties that are involved.
Coverage is available when the rideshare driver is online and waiting for a trip request
If an Uber/Lyft driver causes an accident, the following liability insurance covers the cost of injuries and other damages.
- $50,000 per person and $100,000 per auto accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
Coverage when the Lyft/Uber driver is on the way to pick up a rider or is transporting passengers
Both Uber and Lyft offer $1,000,000 insurance coverage during this period.
Rideshare companies may also be held liable if the accident was caused by issues related to their platform, such as inadequate driver screening.
The Insurance Companies
Insurance companies, both of the rideshare drivers and other involved parties, play a crucial role. Determining liability often involves negotiations with these insurers.
A Third-Party Driver
If another driver not associated with the rideshare was at fault, their insurance would be involved in the liability determination process.
Damages You Can Recover in a Rideshare Accident Claim
According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA), motor vehicle accidents cost the United States about $340 billion in 2019. In a rideshare accident claim, you can pursue damages including the following:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Emotional trauma
- Childcare services
- Household services
- Mental distress
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death
Why You Need an Attorney in Your Uber/Lyft Accident Case
- Having legal representation is a proactive step toward protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve after a Lyft/Uber accident.
- Rideshare accident attorneys will advocate for their clients to ensure they receive the maximum compensation possible.
- Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. An experienced attorney will negotiate on your behalf to hold the liable parties accountable.
- Personal injury attorneys gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to support your claim.
Call the Best Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ
When searching for the best rideshare accident attorney in Phoenix, AZ, look for a lawyer with expertise in rideshare accident cases, a track record of success, and a commitment to advocating for your rights.
At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping personal injury victims get fair compensation for their injuries and losses. If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Phoenix personal injury law firm. We can guide you throughout the entire process and help you hold the responsible parties liable for your losses. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
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