New Castle Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers
Even if you never use rideshare services, the risks of an accident are out there. These services have increased exponentially over the past years, with correspondingly higher accident rates. You might not know that the claims process for pursuing compensation is different from that of other vehicles, though.
Individuals involved in rideshare collisions often face distinct issues regarding liability, insurance coverage, and compensation that differ significantly from standard motor vehicle accidents. At Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A., our New Castle Uber and Lyft accident lawyers have significant knowledge of these cases and can provide the guidance necessary to protect your interests.
What Compensation Can I Receive After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Individuals harmed in rideshare incidents may qualify for various forms of compensation. These typically include payment for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. However, the available compensation often depends on the severity of injuries, whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or occupant of another vehicle, and the insurance policies involved. Our New Castle legal team can analyze your specific situation to determine which policies apply and the maximum compensation available in your case.
Why Do Rideshare Vehicles Cause Crashes?
Several key factors increase collision likelihood when drivers work for platforms like Uber and Lyft:
- App distraction: Drivers must frequently interact with rideshare apps while operating vehicles. That diverts attention from the road when accepting rides, following navigation, or managing rider communications.
- Unfamiliar routes: Drivers often navigate new neighborhoods or areas they do not typically drive in, leading to hesitation, sudden maneuvers, or missed turns.
- Time pressure: The financial incentive structure rewards completing more rides quickly, encouraging unsafe driving behaviors like speeding or running yellow lights.
- Fatigue: Many drivers work long shifts or drive during late-night hours when fatigue impairs reaction time and decision-making.
- Passenger interactions: Managing rider behavior, carrying on conversations, or handling intoxicated passengers creates additional cognitive load.
- Vehicle maintenance concerns: Some drivers may delay maintenance due to financial constraints, resulting in mechanical issues that contribute to crashes.
- Pick-up/drop-off hazards: Frequent stopping in non-designated areas (double-parking, bike lanes, busy streets) for passenger boarding creates traffic disruptions and collision risks.
Our New Castle Uber and Lyft accident lawyers understand how those factors increase rideshare accidents; we often leverage them as evidence to build successful cases.
How Do Rideshare Insurance Policies Work?
Uber and Lyft insurance coverage function differently depending on the driver’s activity status when the accident occurs. This multi-tiered system can create confusion for those unfamiliar with rideshare regulations:
- When the App is Off: When the driver has the app turned off, their personal automobile insurance provides the only coverage for both Uber and Lyft drivers.
- Waiting for Ride Requests: Once the app is activated and the driver awaits ride requests, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage of $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
- During Active Rides: When a ride request has been accepted and the driver travels to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft’s $1 million liability policies become active.
Our New Castle rideshare accident lawyers can identify which insurance policies apply to your circumstances and manage communications with all relevant insurance representatives to advocate for fair compensation, whether your accident involves Uber or Lyft.
Who Can Be Held Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident Case?
Determining liability in rideshare collisions often involves multiple parties and requires a thorough investigation. Potential responsible parties include the Uber or Lyft driver, other motorists, the rideshare company, vehicle manufacturers, or government entities responsible for road maintenance. Establishing liability demands gathering substantial evidence, including accident reports, witness testimonies, electronic data from the Uber or Lyft app, vehicle maintenance records, and sometimes expert analysis. Our New Castle legal team has the resources and skills to conduct comprehensive investigations to identify all parties who may bear responsibility for your injuries.
How Do Uber and Lyft Accident Claims Differ From Regular Car Accident Cases?
Rideshare collision claims present distinctive challenges compared to standard motor vehicle accident cases. The involvement of corporate entities, multiple insurance policies, and app-based technology creates additional layers of complexity. These cases often require specialized knowledge of Transportation Network Company (TNC) regulations, sophisticated insurance arrangements, and employment classification issues. We stay current with evolving rideshare laws and have developed specific strategies for addressing the unique aspects of these claims to maximize client recovery.
How Do I File a Rideshare Crash Claim?
Once medical needs are attended to, evidence is gathered, and a police report request is sent, report the incident immediately through the rideshare app’s help center. Uber and Lyft have specific accident reporting features; we can help you with that if you are unsure. Also, notify your personal insurance company about the crash, but do not go into details.
Medical documentation is critical, so even if you were not taken to a hospital after the crash, follow up with your physician; seek treatment promptly even for seemingly minor injuries, and keep all records.
Many rideshare companies have specific time limits for filing claims, so act quickly. Consider consulting with a lawyer who specializes in rideshare accidents, especially for complex cases involving serious injuries or disputes over liability. Most importantly, preserve all evidence and communication related to the accident.
Should I Accept a Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company?
Insurance companies frequently offer quick settlements following accidents involving rideshare vehicles, so our New Castle Uber and Lyft accident lawyers advise against signing anything before consulting with us. These initial offers rarely reflect the full value of a claim and may not account for long-term medical needs or other damages. Before accepting any settlement, consult with a lawyer who can evaluate whether the offer adequately compensates you for all applicable damages. We can determine the true value of your claim, considering both current and future expenses related to your injuries, and negotiate with insurance representatives to pursue fair compensation.
Skilled New Castle Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Will Help You After a Rideshare Crash
The respected New Castle Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. stand ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your Uber accident. For a free consultation, contact us online or call our New Castle and Millsboro, Delaware offices at 302-656-5445. We proudly serve clients in New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.