Fighting for the Rights of Uber & Lyft Accident Victims
In the past decade, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have exploded in popularity throughout the United States, including in Sterling Heights and the surrounding areas. As more and more people continue to choose this form of transportation, the risk of being involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle has also increased.
If you or someone you love was injured in a collision with an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare vehicle, we encourage you to get in touch with the experienced Sterling Heights rideshare accident lawyers at Bashore Green Law Group. Rideshare accidents are not like standard car accident claims, so it is critical that you have an experienced attorney by your side who can fight for you and your rights. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Sterling Heights have years of relevant experience and a long, proven record of success. We have the knowledge, resources, and skills to effectively advocate for you and the maximum recovery you are owed.
Contact us online or call (248) 487-1887 today for a free consultation. We can meet with you at home or in the hospital if you are unable to come to us due to your injuries.
Who Is Responsible for Damages in a Rideshare Accident?
The process of recovering compensation after a rideshare accident is often complex. While injured parties can still recover compensation from the at fault party’s auto insurance provider, determining which party is at fault and who will cover the damages is complicated in cases involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies.
After an accident, any of the following parties may be responsible for some or all of your damages:
Your own auto insurance provider
The rideshare driver
The rideshare company
A third party, such as another motorist
The specific details of the situation determine who is responsible. For example:
If you were injured as an Uber passenger in an accident caused by the Uber driver, you may be entitled to compensation through Uber’s insurance coverage.
If you were injured as the driver of another vehicle, and the rideshare driver who caused the accident was not actively driving for their rideshare company at the time of the crash, you may need to file a claim against the driver’s private auto insurance provider.
If you were partially to blame for the accident, the process of recovering compensation becomes even more complicated. You still may be able to receive compensation, but there will be more hoops to jump through along the way.
At the Bashore Green Law Group, our Sterling Heights Uber/Lyft accident attorneys know how to navigate the legal system and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. We can sit down with you during a complimentary consultation and discuss how the specific factors involved in your case may affect your claim.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft After an Accident?
Because Uber and Lyft both classify their drivers as “independent contractors,” not “employees,” it is nearly impossible to sue either rideshare company directly. However, you could be entitled to compensation through the respective rideshare company’s insurance policy if you were involved in a serious accident caused by one of their drivers.
Both Uber and Lyft provide varying levels of coverage depending on the circumstances. Specifically, these companies recognize three covered driving periods:
Period 1: The driver has the app turned on/is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request/is actively looking for a ride.
Period 2: The driver has accepted a ride request but does not yet have the passenger in the vehicle/is on the way to pick up the passenger.
Period 3: The driver has accepted a ride request and has the passenger in the vehicle/is actively transporting the passenger to their destination.
Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for each of these three driving periods, with up to $1 million in total coverage available during both periods 2 and 3. However, if the rideshare driver does not have the app turned on when the accident occurs, neither rideshare company provides any coverage.
Do I Have to File My Claim Through Uber/Lyft's Accident Report System?
After getting into an accident involving Uber, Lyft, or another Transportation Network Company (TNC), you should notify the provider as soon as possible.
Use the following links to report your accident to the appropriate company:
How an Attorney at the Bashore Green Law Group Can Help
Rideshare accident claims are often very complex and challenging. Victims should not have to deal with disputes from insurance adjusters and rideshare companies when they are already focused on getting necessary medical treatment and managing everyday expenses while out of work. At the Bashore Green Law Group, our Sterling Heights Uber and Lyft accident attorneys can assist you with the legal details so that you can dedicate your time and energy to healing and moving forward with your life.
As your legal team, we will handle all communication with the rideshare company, as well as its insurance adjusters or the at-fault driver’s private auto insurance provider. Our attorneys are tough negotiators who are known for making insurance companies pay every last cent they owe to injured accident victims. We are prepared to navigate the system on your behalf, all while advocating for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Throughout the process, we will provide you with frequent updates on the status of your case. You will remain in direct communication and contact with your attorney; you will never be passed off to a paralegal or assistant. We are proud to provide personal attention, dedicated counsel, and tireless advocacy on behalf of our clients.
There are absolutely no costs when you hire our firm unless we recover compensation for you, and there is zero obligation to hire after your initial consultation.
