Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing vehicles make it more convenient and economical for people to get around Indianapolis. However, with the popularity of ridesharing, the number of accidents involving these vehicles is on the rise. If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, it is in your best interest to speak with an experienced Indianapolis rideshare accident lawyer. Contact Fountain Law Firm, P.C. today to learn about your right to take legal action.
For more than 20 years, personal injury victims in Indianapolis have turned to Fountain Law Firm, P.C. for assistance. They know they can count on our firm to work tirelessly to achieve results. Some of the reasons our clients have chosen us are:
If you were involved in a rideshare accident, contact an Indiana car wreck lawyer for a free initial consultation.
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If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, it is essential to report the accident as soon as possible and call 9-1-1. Obtain the name of your driver. When police respond to the accident scene, provide factual statements about the accident but avoid giving opinions about how the accident occurred.
You can also report the accident directly on the Uber or Lyft app. However, even if you report the accident on the app, you still want to contact the authorities so you can get a police report. The accident report can be valuable evidence for your rideshare car accident claim.
Rideshare companies, or transportation network companies (TNC), are regulated under different laws than regular drivers because they provide rides for commercial purposes. For example, TNCs must obtain a permit from the Indiana Department of Revenue before they can operate in the state.
TNC drivers must submit to local and federal background checks. Drivers who commit traffic violations or certain crimes can be prohibited from working for a TNC. Additionally, there are requirements for rideshare drivers, including the type of vehicle they must use and minimum insurance coverage requirements. Violating these rules can subject the company and/or driver to liability that regular drivers would not be subject to.
Additionally, Uber and Lyft accident cases are relatively new, and the issue of liability can be complicated, depending on the particular circumstances surrounding the accident. Although Uber and Lyft have insurance policies with million-dollar limits for liability and uninsured motorist coverage, this coverage only applies in certain situations. Furthermore, there may be a company-specific insurance procedure for each rideshare service. Other traffic accidents can be more straightforward without all of these complicating factors.
While rideshares are commonly advertised as a safe form of transportation, rideshare companies have a business model that sometimes incentivizes unsafe driving practices. Drivers are paid by ride, so they want to finish as many rides as possible. Rideshare driving is also a flexible way to earn extra money, so many rideshare drivers work this as a second or third job.
These factors lead to many rideshare accidents caused by:
One of the complicating factors involved in rideshare accidents is which insurance policy applies. Different insurance policies apply at different times during the transaction, depending on whether:
You may be eligible for compensation under Uber or Lyft insurance policies if you were:
If an accident occurs while the driver is available or waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft insurance covers third-party liability in the following amounts, as required by state law:
Despite high limits, you cannot expect the claim process to be easy. The insurance providers for these companies often deny claims. Therefore, it is in your best interest to work with a knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyer who can pursue the compensation you deserve.
After an accident, it is essential that you take care of your health. If you notice immediate injuries, call 9-1-1 and request an ambulance. If you do not receive care immediately, schedule a medical appointment as soon as possible so you can begin receiving proper medical care and begin your road to recovery.
Other steps you can take to protect your legal claim include:
Just because you were driving for Uber or Lyft does not mean that you are responsible for the accident. You should still take steps to preserve the scene and protect your legal rights, including:
A Lyft and Uber accident attorney can act as your advocate after an accident. Legal issues can prove to be more complex in rideshare accident cases. Insurance companies are motivated by profit and do not have your best interests in mind.
Your rideshare accident lawyer works for you and can zealously protect your legal rights by:
If you have experienced an accident with one of these rideshare service vehicles – either as a passenger or in another vehicle involved in the collision — you would seek counsel in the same way you would in any car accident. Hiring a knowledgeable personal injury attorney is always important, but it is even more necessary when the accident involves one of the popular rideshare services because their legal policies are still new and can be difficult to understand. For example, Uber states that it provides $1,000,000 per accident in insurance coverage, but the amount available to passengers can vary depending on many different factors. Also, it is still unclear based on their policy whether the company is legally responsible, or liable, for the actions of its drivers. This means that only a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer with experience in car accident lawsuits will know how to proceed.
At Fountain Law Firm, P.C., we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively pursue the maximum compensation available in auto accident cases. Contact an experienced Indianapolis injury lawyer as soon as possible if you have been injured in a rideshare accident. Call us at (317) 917-7873 for a free case review.