Bear Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

The rise of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has transformed transportation in Bear, Delaware, and practically everywhere else in the world. The convenience and accessibility are undeniable, but there is another side to all this. The increase in rideshare usage comes with a corresponding rise in accidents involving these services.

Dealing with the legal aftermath of a rideshare accident can be tricky, too. Besides establishing liability, you have to understand how the company’s insurance coverage works. The Bear Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC are familiar with these claims; we handle personal injury cases, including those involving rideshare vehicles. Our experienced lawyers represent clients injured in these crashes, striving to protect their clients’ rights and pursue appropriate compensation.

What Should I Do Immediately After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Bear?

In the aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident, prioritize safety and take the following steps:

Call 911 and request medical attention for yourself and others involved.
Ask the responding officers about obtaining an official police report.
Document the scene by taking clear photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Note if there is a traffic camera.
Collect contact and insurance information from the other driver,
See if there were any witnesses and ask for their contact information.
Note the rideshare driver’s status in the app at the time of the accident.
Report the incident to Uber or Lyft through their app to create an official record.
Avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be used against you later.

Before calling your insurance provider, contact our Bear Uber and Lyft accident lawyers to review your rights and discuss the next steps.

How Does Uber or Lyft’s Background Check Process Affect Passenger Safety?

Uber and Lyft conduct background checks to screen drivers before allowing them to transport passengers. These checks typically include a review of criminal history and driving records. Disqualifying offenses may include violent crimes, sexual offenses, and certain traffic violations.

However, background checks are not always foolproof, as they rely on publicly available records and may not detect recent offenses. Additionally, rideshare companies do not conduct ongoing monitoring in all areas, which means some risks may go undetected over time. While background checks help improve passenger safety, they do not guarantee that every driver is completely free of risk.

Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

Determining liability in rideshare accidents can be complicated, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Depending on the circumstances, the rideshare driver, another motorist, a pedestrian, or even the rideshare company itself may be liable. Factors such as who was at fault, whether traffic laws were violated, and the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident play a significant role in determining responsibility.

What Insurance Coverage Applies in Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Uber and Lyft provide varying levels of insurance coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

If the driver was logged into the app and awaiting a ride request, both companies typically offer liability coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
Once a ride is accepted and during passenger transport, this coverage increases to $1 million.
If the driver was not logged into the app, their personal insurance is generally considered primary.

Understanding these nuances is essential for determining which insurance policies may be applicable in a given situation.

Can I Sue Uber or Lyft Directly for My Injuries?

Holding Uber or Lyft directly liable for an accident is challenging due to their classification of drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This distinction often shields the companies from direct liability for drivers’ actions.

However, there are scenarios where the rideshare company may be held accountable, such as cases involving negligent hiring practices or failure to address known safety issues. Our Bear Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can assess the case’s specifics to determine if a direct claim against the rideshare company is viable.

What Evidence Is Important to Gather for a Rideshare Accident Claim?

Gathering strong evidence is important for supporting a rideshare accident claim. Key pieces of evidence include:

Photographs and Videos: Take clear images of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
Police Report: Obtain a copy of the official police report, which documents the details of the accident and may include statements from involved parties and witnesses.
Witness Statements: Collect names and contact information from bystanders who saw the accident occur. Their testimony can help establish fault.
Rideshare App Records: If you were a passenger, screenshot ride details, including trip confirmation, driver details, and timestamps, to verify the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
Medical Records: Keep documentation of any medical treatment received for injuries related to the accident.
Insurance Information: Exchange details with all involved drivers and obtain policy numbers.

Preserving this evidence can strengthen a legal claim and support a fair compensation outcome.

What Compensation Is Available for Rideshare Accident Injuries?

Individuals injured in rideshare accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation. This can include coverage for medical expenses, lost wages due to time away from work, and compensation for pain and suffering resulting from the accident. In cases of severe injury leading to long-term disability, additional compensation for future medical care and loss of earning capacity may also be pursued.

Each case is unique, and the specific damages recoverable will depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident and the extent of the injuries sustained.

How Can a Lawyer Assist After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Working with our Bear Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help your case. Our team members can:

Explain your legal options in detail.
Conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, identify liable parties, and navigate the complexities of insurance claims.
Handle communications with insurance companies and the rideshare entities, advocating on behalf of the injured party to pursue fair compensation.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we can represent you in court to seek a favorable judgment.