Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide a modern answer to transportation needs. Uber began operating in 2010 and Lyft in 2012. Since that time, the companies have booked between 11 million and 50 million rides nationwide.

Technology connects drivers and passengers through an app on their smartphones. People use rideshare services out of necessity, convenience, or safety. But what happens in the event of a crash, especially one with serious injuries? These cases can quickly become complicated. 

Passengers injured in an Uber or Lyft accident should talk to a rideshare accident lawyer for help. The personal injury lawyers at Sabbeth Law have handled hundreds of car accident claims in Vermont and New Hampshire.

Our rideshare accident attorneys are familiar with the laws and regulations that surround rideshare companies. If you suffered injuries in a rideshare accident, you could seek compensation for your injuries. 

Why Choose Sabbeth Law for Your Rideshare Accident Claim?

Sabbeth Law has experience with rideshare accident cases, having helped numerous clients navigate the complexities of these unique claims. Our team possesses a deep understanding of relevant laws and regulations, allowing us to navigate the legal intricacies efficiently. 

At Sabbeth Law, we understand the physical and emotional toll of accidents. We offer compassionate support and tailor our legal services to your specific needs. We maintain open and responsive communication, keeping you informed throughout the legal process. You can reach us when you need us.

Choose Sabbeth Law for your rideshare accident claim and you will have a dedicated team of legal professionals on your side, committed to securing the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact us today to take the first step toward a successful resolution to your rideshare accident case. 

Where to Find Sabbeth Law

Lead attorney Michael Sabbeth and his team represent personal injury clients in both Vermont and New Hampshire. Our offices are located at 201 Dewitt Drive Suite 1, White River Junction, VT 05001. To speak to a Rideshare accident lawyer, call us at (802) 230-1295.

What are Rideshare Accident Claims?

While passengers are quick to use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, many don’t think about liability until there’s an accident.

Rideshare accident claims arise when individuals are involved in accidents while using ridesharing services and typically involve seeking compensation for injuries, property damage, and other losses resulting from the accident.

Various parties can file rideshare accident claims, including:

  • Passengers: Passengers who were injured or suffered property damage while riding in a rideshare vehicle at the time of the accident can file a claim. They may seek compensation from the rideshare driver’s insurance, the insurance of another driver involved, or both, depending on the circumstances.
  • Rideshare Drivers: If a rideshare driver is involved in an accident while driving for the rideshare company, they can file a claim to cover their own injuries and property damage. This usually involves making a claim with the rideshare company’s insurance.
  • Other Drivers and Their Passengers: Individuals who were in other vehicles involved in the accident, as well as their passengers, can bring a claim against the rideshare driver’s insurance if the rideshare driver is at fault.
  • Pedestrians and Cyclists: If a pedestrian or cyclist is involved in a rideshare accident, they can also file a claim against the rideshare driver’s insurance or other relevant parties’ insurance, depending on fault and liability.
  • Third Parties: In some cases, third parties who have suffered losses or injuries indirectly related to the rideshare accident may bring a claim. This could include property owners, businesses, or individuals affected by the accident’s consequences. 

Rideshare accident claims can encompass a range of issues, including determining liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing legal action if necessary.

An experienced personal injury attorney can navigate the complexities of these claims and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. 

Common Causes of Uber or Lyft Accidents

Many people use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft to eliminate worries about navigating in an unfamiliar city, traffic congestion, drinking, and other concerns. They may not have a car or access to other public transportation, so a ride-share is a necessity. In both cases, passengers depend on rideshare drivers to be capable and competent to get them safely to their destination. However, accidents occur.

Some of the most common causes of Uber or Lyft accidents include:

  • Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of accidents involving rideshare vehicles is distracted driving. This includes drivers using their smartphones to accept or decline rides, navigate to pick-up locations, or communicate with passengers while driving.
  • Speeding and Reckless Driving: Some drivers may engage in speeding, aggressive driving, or reckless behavior while transporting passengers, which can lead to accidents.
  • Impaired Driving: Accidents involving rideshare vehicles may also occur due to drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Fatigue: Drivers working long hours or late shifts may experience fatigue, leading to impaired decision-making and reaction times.
  • Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance: Neglected maintenance of rideshare vehicles can result in mechanical failures, increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced rideshare drivers may not have the necessary skills to handle challenging road situations or heavy traffic.
  • Failure to Yield: Accidents can also occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way, particularly at intersections or during lane changes.
  • Unfamiliarity with the Area: Rideshare drivers who are not familiar with the local roads and traffic patterns may make errors in navigation and decision-making. 

The causes of rideshare accidents can vary from case to case. You need a lawyer to determine the exact cause when pursuing a claim for compensation.

After a rideshare accident in Vermont or New Hampshire, consult an attorney with experience in personal injury cases involving rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. They can explain your rights and navigate the legal process to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. 

What Type of Insurance Do Rideshare Drivers Have?

Rideshare drivers in Vermont and New Hampshire typically have insurance coverage that is provided by the rideshare companies they drive for, such as Uber or Lyft. The coverage can vary depending on the driver’s specific activity at the time of an accident.

Generally, when the rideshare driver app is offline or turned off, the rideshare driver’s personal car insurance coverage applies. Uber and Lyft provide coverage in the event one of their drivers gets into an accident. Here’s what they provide and the circumstances under which they provide it: 

Primary Liability Insurance

When a rideshare driver is actively using their app and is available to accept rides or is actively carrying passengers, the rideshare company usually provides primary liability insurance. This coverage is intended to cover bodily injury and property damage to third parties if the driver is at fault in an accident. 

Uber and Lyft provide the following coverage for third-party liability if their driver’s personal car insurance doesn’t apply:

  • $50,000 in bodily injury per person
  • $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 in property damage per accident
  • $1 million third-party liability 

Contingent Collision and Comprehensive Insurance

Rideshare companies often offer contingent collision and comprehensive coverage, which may help cover damage to the driver’s own vehicle but only if they maintain their personal auto insurance that includes these coverages. It comes into play when the driver’s personal policy doesn’t provide coverage.

Rideshare companies typically offer contingent comprehensive and collision up to the actual cash value of the car with a $2,500 deductible. 

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Some rideshare companies offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can protect drivers and passengers if they are in an accident with an at-fault driver who lacks sufficient insurance.

Insurance requirements and coverage levels may differ depending on whether the driver is actively engaged in a ride, on the way to pick up a passenger, or simply waiting for a ride request.

If you’re in a rideshare accident in Vermont or New Hampshire, consult an attorney who focuses on personal injury and rideshare accident cases.

We can help you navigate the insurance complexities and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. You need legal guidance to protect your rights and interests in these complex situations. 

How Can a Lawyer Help Me With a Rideshare Accident Claim?

Rideshare companies have specific insurance policies with various coverage levels depending on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident. You need legal experience to understand and navigate these complex policies. 

The potential challenges, complexities, and the risk of inadequate compensation require you to hire an experienced attorney who focuses on personal injury and rideshare accident cases. An attorney can provide the experience, guidance, and advocacy needed to protect your rights and maximize your chances of a successful claim.

A lawyer can provide valuable assistance with a rideshare accident claim in the following ways:

  • Experience: Attorneys focusing on personal injury cases and rideshare accidents have a deep understanding of relevant laws and regulations that apply to these types of claims. They can navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure your claim is handled correctly.
  • Liability Determination: Establishing fault in an accident can be complicated, and multiple parties may share responsibility. Your lawyer will investigate the accident to establish liability. They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work to prove who was at fault, which is crucial for determining compensation.
  • Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Lawyers have experience negotiating with insurance adjusters to secure fair settlements on your behalf. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Dealing with insurance adjusters, negotiating settlements, and understanding the true value of your claim can be daunting without experience. Without legal representation, you may settle for far less compensation than what you deserve.
  • Assessing Damages: Attorneys can help you determine the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. They ensure that you seek appropriate compensation for all your losses.
  • Handling Legal Documentation: A lawyer can take care of the necessary paperwork and ensure that all legal documents are filed correctly and within the required deadlines. In most cases, Vermont and New Hampshire have a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Lawyers are well-versed in the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in your state.
  • Litigation: If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement through negotiation, your attorney can represent you in court. They will build a strong case and advocate for your rights during a trial.
  • Access to Expert Witnesses: Attorneys often have access to expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals, who can provide crucial testimony to support your claim. 

Pursuing a claim involves a significant investment of time and effort. Without legal representation, you may struggle to manage your case effectively, especially if you have other responsibilities. Having legal representation can alleviate the stress and burdens of handling legal matters during a challenging time. It allows you to focus on your recovery while your attorney takes care of the legal aspects of your case. 

Ultimately, a lawyer will recover the maximum compensation you deserve. They fight for your rights and work diligently to ensure that your financial and emotional losses are addressed adequately. 

If you’re in a rideshare accident, consult an attorney with experience in personal injury and rideshare accident cases. Your attorney will provide professional guidance, support, and expertise to help you navigate the legal complexities of your claim and improve your chances of a successful outcome. 

Determining Liability in a Rideshare Accident

In a rideshare accident, various parties can contribute to the accident, depending on the specific circumstances and the details of the accident.

Here are the parties that may be found liable in a rideshare accident:

  • Rideshare Driver: You can hold the rideshare driver liable if they were at fault for causing the accident. This can include scenarios such as distracted driving, reckless driving, or any behavior that violates traffic laws.
  • Other Drivers: Drivers of other vehicles involved in the accident may share liability. If their actions, such as running a red light or failing to yield, contributed to the crash, you can hold them responsible.
  • Rideshare Company: You can hold rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft liable in some cases—or, more accurately, their insurance companies. For example, if the accident occurred while the driver was actively engaged in a ride, the rideshare company’s insurance may come into play.
  • Negligent Third Parties: You can hold parties other than the drivers, such as a maintenance company responsible for vehicle repairs, liable if their negligence contributed to the accident, through improper maintenance.
  • Manufacturers: If a vehicle defect or malfunction played a role in the accident, you can hold the manufacturer of the vehicle or its components liable.
  • Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads, missing road signs, or other road defects can contribute to accidents. In some cases, you can hold local government entities liable for accidents caused by these issues.
  • Pedestrians and Cyclists: Pedestrians and cyclists can also cause rideshare accidents. If their actions or negligence contributed to the accident, they may share liability. 

Determining liability in a rideshare accident often involves a thorough investigation to establish fault. An experienced attorney can assess the specific details of your case, review the evidence, and help determine liability accurately. 

What Damages are Available in a Rideshare Claim?

In a rideshare accident claim, various damages may compensate the injured party for their losses. These damages can fall into two main types: economic and non-economic damages. 

Economic Damages

  • Medical Expenses: This includes costs related to hospitalization, surgery, doctor’s visits, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical devices.
  • Property Damage: Economic damages cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
  • Lost Income: If the accident results in missed work or a reduced capacity to earn income, you may claim lost income, including past and future income.
  • Out-of-Pocket Expenses: These expenses encompass any other financial losses directly resulting from the accident, such as transportation costs for medical appointments and home care expenses. 

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages compensate for physical and emotional distress resulting from the accident, including pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Emotional Distress: This includes emotional trauma, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that may arise from the accident.
  • Loss of Consortium: These damages compensate a spouse or family member for the loss of companionship and support due to the injuries sustained in the accident.
  • Disfigurement: If the accident leads to permanent scarring or disfigurement, you may be eligible for compensation for the physical changes to your appearance.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This accounts for any reduction in your quality of life, including the inability to participate in activities or hobbies you enjoyed prior to the accident. 

In exceptional circumstances involving the at-fault party’s particularly egregious or intentionally harmful actions, punitive damages may punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. 

The availability and amount of damages in a rideshare accident claim depend on the specific facts of the case, including the severity of injuries, the level of negligence, and the evidence presented. To receive fair compensation for your damages, consult an experienced rideshare accident attorney who can assess your case, calculate the full extent of your losses, and advocate on your behalf in negotiations or in court. 

Contact Sabbeth Law Today

When selecting Sabbeth Law for your rideshare accident lawyer, you choose a dedicated legal team committed to securing justice and compensation. We have a history of successfully handling personal injury cases involving rideshare services like Uber and Lyft and obtaining fair compensation for our clients.

Our team understands the emotional and physical toll these accidents can take. We approach each case with compassion and empathy. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs or financial risks for you.

Our New Hampshire personal injury attorneys At Sabbeth Law are dedicated to standing by your side, fighting for your rights, and working tirelessly to help you rebuild. We have a successful history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. Get started with a free initial consultation.

Discuss your case with us, and we’ll provide clear guidance on the best way to proceed. Contact Sabbeth Law at (802) 392-0621 or fill out our online contact form.