Phoenix Lyft Accident Lawyer + Uber Accident Lawyer

In recent years, Lyft, Uber, and other rideshare companies have grown exponentially in popularity, largely because they offer easy transportation options and accessible convenience. Unfortunately, with more Uber and Lyft drivers on the roads, car accident cases have steadily increased.

Obtaining compensation from an insurance company after suffering injuries or property damage in an accident involving a rideshare company is more complicated than recouping losses from a regular auto accident case.

The experienced car accident attorneys at Alpha Accident Lawyers possess the necessary resources and experience needed to handle such complex circumstances. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, our Uber/Lyft accident lawyers in Phoenix can help you recover the compensation that you deserve.

How Rideshare Insurance Coverage Works

When an Uber or Lyft accident occurs because the rideshare vehicle was struck by another driver, then the other driver could be found liable. However, depending on the severity of the crash and if a passenger was present in the rideshare vehicle, Uber and Lyft may also be responsible for bodily injury coverage.

Uber and Lyft are part of a transportation network company (TNC), a business structure that utilizes mobile applications to connect passengers with drivers who are independent contractors. To ensure passengers' safety, Arizona law requires TNCs to carry liability coverage. Additionally, Uber and Lyft drivers are required to possess their own auto insurance.

Recoverable Damages After an Accident

The purpose of filing a personal injury claim is to recoup losses, as well as prepare for potential future losses. Other parties who are found liable will be legally responsible to pay back these damages. After an accident, victims can recover:

• Lost wages from not being able to work while recovering from sustained injuries
• All medical bills from treating sustained injuries
• Future medical expenses for ongoing treatment
• Property damage for belongings that were destroyed
• Emotional and physical pain directly caused by the accident
• Compensation to surviving family members for wrongful death

Determining Liability After a Car Accident with Lyft and Uber

Any accident involving multiple parties will present its legal challenges, let alone car accidents with an Uber and Lyft driver. Typically, the negligent driver will be responsible for paying back damages. However, in Arizona, state laws place liability on the party whose negligence had a direct correlation with the collision. Referred to as comparative negligence, multiple people or drivers could be found liable for damages.

Ultimately, compiled evidence and witness testimonies will help prove which party played a larger role in causing an accident. Examples of negligent behavior from an Uber/Lyft driver or a third-party driver include failure to observe traffic rules, speeding, texting while driving, and drunk driving. Everyone operating a motor vehicle owes a duty of care to not endanger others and drive in a reasonable manner.

An experienced personal injury lawyer from Alpha Accident Lawyers will investigate your Uber/Lyft accident case and help you recover compensation. Begin by scheduling a free consultation with our Phoneix law offices, and we can begin building your winning case.

What Qualifies for Uber and Lyft Insurance

After an Uber/Lyft accident, different insurance policies from various policyholders may be utilized, consisting of the rideshare company, Uber or Lyft drivers, or another party. This is all dependent on the crash details, like when and how the Uber/Lyft accident took place. Because ridesharing companies hire drivers as independent contractors, the available insurance after an accident will vary based on the "period" during which the crash took place.

No Period

The driver does not have the application turned on.

When an Uber or Lyft driver gets into an accident and is not logged on the app, they are considered to be off-duty. In that case, the rideshare companies will not be held liable for damages.

However, the insurance of the rideshare driver will have to cover damages. If another driver also contributed to the crash, then his or her insurance coverage will also be utilized.

Period 1

The driver has the application turned on but has not accepted a ride.

When an Uber or Lyft driver gets into an accident and is logged on the app, they are considered to be on duty. In that case, if an accident occurs with another vehicle, the rideshare company could be held partially liable for damages.

This Period only concerns Uber/Lyft drivers who are waiting to be matched with a ride request and are involved in a crash without passengers present.

In such instances, liability coverage includes up to $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 total in bodily injury per accident, and up to $25,000 in property damage per accident.

However, the insurance company of the at-fault driver (Uber/Lyft driver or another driver) will be the primary source of covering damages. Rideshare's insurance only kicks in if the driver's coverage maxes out.

Period 2

The driver has the application turned on and is on the way to pick up passengers.

When an Uber or Lyft driver gets into an accident, is logged on the app, has accepted a ride, and is en route to pick up the rideshare passengers, the accident may qualify for Uber and Lyft's $1 million policy.

Insurance coverage also includes uninsured motorists (UM), underinsured motorists (UIM), and personal injury protection (PIP).

The insurance company of the at-fault driver (Uber/Lyft driver or another driver) will be the primary source of covering damages. Rideshare's insurance only kicks in if the driver's coverage maxes out.

Period 3

The driver has the application turned on and has picked up the passengers.

When an Uber or Lyft driver gets into an accident, is logged on the app, has accepted a ride, and has already picked up the rideshare passengers, the accident may qualify for Uber and Lyft's $1 million policy.

Insurance coverage also includes uninsured motorists (UM), underinsured motorists (UIM), and personal injury protection (PIP).

The insurance company of the at-fault driver (Uber/Lyft driver or another driver) will be the primary source of covering damages. Rideshare's insurance only kicks in if the driver's coverage maxes out.

Steps to Take After an Accident with an Uber/Lyft Driver

Knowing what to do after an accident that an Uber/Lyft driver caused helps injured victims manage their health and get them the financial compensation they deserve. There are steps to take that are similar to a car accident. However, there are distinct differences, as well. Here's an overview.

1. Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention

Regardless if you are an Uber/Lyft passenger or another driver, immediately call the police to get an emergency response team on site. This is necessary even when it is believed that personal injuries were not sustained. Internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries are an example of such an injury. Any medical bills that incur from hospital stays or other medical treatment can be reimbursed after a claim is filed with the insurance company.

Always contact the police, regardless if one of the involved parties tries to discourage it. Officers will maintain the rideshare accident scene and document their findings in a police report. The accident report can be utilized to prove fault once a claim is filed.

2. Collect Evidence at the Rideshare Accident Scene

Record the insurance information and license plate number of the rideshare driver. If other vehicles were involved, collect other drivers' information, as well. Take pictures of the rideshare accident scene, as well as any visible injuries. The responding officers will also take note of these important details.

In addition, anyone who witnesses Uber/Lyft accidents will be very valuable when proving fault. Witness testimony can significantly strengthen the value of a claim.

3. Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft

As the rideshare passenger or the accident victim in another vehicle, you should speak directly to the police about the event. Do not allow a negligent driver to speak on your behalf. This is particularly important when reporting the accident to Uber or Lyft.

Passengers of rideshare vehicles can report the accident in real-time on the application. Third parties can go to the company's website and report the crash on the site. Accidents must be reported immediately. Being proactive improves victims' chances of recovering maximum compensation and reaching a timely resolution.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company

If you were hit by an Uber/Lyft vehicle, you will need to report the accident to your insurance. Inform the company about the accident and share the main points, like where the accident occurred and where your vehicle was struck. However, do not go into full detail. It's best to speak with an attorney first. An attorney will advise what to avoid sharing, as it can result in devaluing your case.

Additionally, if the rideshare driver’s or the rideshare company’s insurers contact you offering a settlement, reject it. Initial settlement offers often do not contain the full scope of damages, such as lost wages from being unable to work and medical expenses for ongoing physical therapy. It's highly recommended to let an experienced attorney handle communications with all insurance adjusters.

5. Reach Out to Our Phoenix Lyft Accident Attorney

The top priority for insurance companies is to protect the brand and prevent it from losing money. Therefore, insurers will attempt to avoid paying out the full extent of damages, regardless of fault. If you were the other driver who was hit by an Uber/Lyft driver, insurers may even try to place fault on you, instead of the rideshare driver.

For these reasons and more, reach out to an experienced Phoenix Uber/Lyft personal injury attorney at Alpha Accident Lawyers. Our legal team will ensure your legal rights are upheld. We offer a free case consultation to get started. Schedule yours here.

Why Hire an Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ?

To help you determine who's liable for your rideshare accident, you need to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer. An Uber/Lyft accident attorney will fully explain your legal options and advise the most advantageous options for your case.

Alpha Accident Lawyers will help you get the full compensation you deserve and prove that your injuries were a result of the other party’s negligence. We will not settle for an unfair offer from the insurance company. Call us today for a free case evaluation.

About Arizona

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