Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft offer unparalleled flexibility. While these services are an effective alternative to traditional taxis, they introduce legal challenges when an accident occurs. It’s critical to protect your rights and health whether you’re a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian injured in a ride-share accident. An Arizona rideshare accident lawyer can address these legal concerns and fight for the compensation you need.
Types of Accidents Involving Ride-Sharing Services
Ride-sharing accidents can occur in several ways, and a skilled rideshare accident injury attorney has experience handling each type. Common types of ride-sharing accidents include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipe collisions
- Multi-car accidents
- Accidents caused by the rideshare driver
- Accidents caused by other drivers
- Accidents caused by faulty equipment
Legal Rights of Passengers and Other Victims
If you’re a passenger injured in a ride-share accident, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. You can also file a claim against the responsible parties if you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver dealing with accident-related injuries. Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft generally provide insurance coverage, but the extent depends on the driver’s status at the time of the Lyft or Uber accident, including:
- Available or Waiting for a Ride – Ride-share companies offer limited liability coverage.
- En Route or During a Ride – Ride-share companies typically provide up to $1 million in coverage.
- Offline or Logged Out – When drivers do not log into the app to begin driving, only their personal auto insurance applies to any potential claims.
Common Legal Challenges in Ride-Sharing Accident Claims
Ride-share accident claims differ from typical car accident claims for various reasons, and a skilled rideshare accident injury lawyer knows how to handle these situations. Common legal challenges in ride-sharing accident claims include:
- Insurance Coverage Confusion – Ride-share companies have a tiered insurance policy that varies depending on the driver’s status (offline, available, or transporting passengers). The car insurance company may dispute accident claims based on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident, but rideshare accident attorneys know how to counter these tactics.
- Assigning Liability – Determining fault for an accident is always challenging, but ride-share accidents can add further complications. Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not direct employees of the ride-share company, making it difficult to hold the rideshare company liable for the driver’s actions.
- Multiple Insurance Companies – Rideshare accidents may involve several insurance providers, such as the ride-share company’s insurance, the driver’s personal insurance policy, and possibly other drivers’ insurance. Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame to minimize payouts, which can cause additional stress and confusion.
Contact Our Phoenix Ride Share Accident Attorney to Learn More
Dealing with an injury can consume your life, and your recovery should be your focus in the aftermath of a ride-sharing accident. The experienced Arizona rideshare accident lawyers at Silkman Law Firm can offer the support and legal knowledge you need as you pursue a personal injury lawsuit. They can handle your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve while you heal.
Contact us today for your free consultation.
