Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are convenient for many people. Rather than owning a car and covering its many ongoing costs, you can simply book a ride with a service provider who can take you wherever you need to go.
Rideshare services tend to be more affordable than taxis and are often more flexible. They also have convenient apps you can use for timely service. However, just as you can get into a car accident in your own car, you can also be involved in an accident with a rideshare service provider like Uber or Lyft. If this is a situation you’ve found yourself in, it might be time to seek legal help.
Ask your chosen rideshare accident lawyer the following questions to be well-informed about the next steps you might like to take.
Can I Sue a Rideshare Service Provider?
Suppose you have been involved in an accident with a rideshare service provider. In that case, you are generally within your rights to sue the driver if they are at fault – just as you would be within your rights with most other vehicle operators on the road.
If the rideshare service provider was off the clock, their own liability insurance would likely cover property damage, and the settlement process would play out similarly to one with any other vehicle driver. If the driver had a passenger, they would utilize the insurance coverage of Uber, Lyft, or any other rideshare company they work for.
If the driver is between fares, has no passengers, and hits your car, they might use a combination of their own and company insurance. You can meet with a rideshare accident lawyer to work through the intricacies of this situation to ensure you’re adequately compensated.
The claims process for suing a rideshare service provider can differ, depending on the situation. As a result, it can be worth your time to seek expert help from lawyers specializing in Uber and Lyft accidents.
Why Do Rideshare Accidents Happen?
You expect to arrive at your destination safely when you book a ride through a rideshare service. That doesn’t always happen, and you can be involved in a car accident. It’s rare but not impossible, with 59 people involved in Uber-related motor vehicle fatalities in 2019 and 42 in 2020.
Many factors can contribute to rideshare accidents, and not all are the fault of the rideshare service provider. However, many Uber and Lyft drivers can be at fault.
For example, they might be behind on their vehicle maintenance, and issues such as balding tires can lead to a lack of traction in poor weather conditions. Alternatively, they might be distracted while driving. If they are using their stereo, driving app, GPS, or something else, they might not have their full attention on the road, which can put them at risk of an accident. A lack of driving experience and speeding can also play a part in rideshare accidents.
How Long Do Lyft and Uber Accident Settlements Take?
There can be multiple parties involved in the average rideshare service accident claim, and you might be concerned about the timeframe for settling your case and being able to cover your accident-related costs.
How long a Lyft or Uber accident settlement takes can depend on many factors, such as who’s involved, the driver’s role in the accident, the severity of your injuries, and the cooperation of all parties involved. When you request your free case review from some of the best rideshare accident lawyers in Texas, we can provide helpful information about expected timeframes and factors that might contribute to a shorter or longer claims process.
Been Involved In a Rideshare Accident? Talk to J. Alexander Law Rideshare Accident Lawyers Today
It’s not always easy knowing what to do when you’ve been involved in an accident involving a rideshare service provider. It can sometimes seem like the process for seeking compensation is much more complex. However, we’re here to help.
Our expert rideshare accident lawyers can guide you through the entire claims process and do our best to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your FREE case review to learn more about your options.
