New Haven Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Handling Uber & Lyft Claims Throughout Connecticut
Millions of people today use smartphones and apps that make their lives more convenient, especially rideshare apps. Now, people don’t need to worry how they’re going to get around without a car or make it back home after a night of drinking – all they need to do is pull up their Uber or Lyft app, press a button, and have a driver pick them up.
Unfortunately, because of the rise of rideshare users, there has naturally been a rise in car accidents involving rideshare drivers. While some car accident cases are relatively straightforward, issues of liability and insurance coverage can be complex when an Uber or Lyft vehicle was involved in the accident. Our New Haven rideshare accident attorneys have ample experience helping clients who were injured in accidents involving Uber or Lyft vehicles and can help you navigate your claim with ease.
When you call the team at Action Law Group, you’re calling a law firm with more than 50 years of personal injury experience that is trusted by our community throughout Connecticut and is committed to seeing you through to a favorable outcome.
Want to learn how our attorneys can secure your desired results? Ask our team questions in a free consultation you can schedule by contacting us online or by phone today at (203) 439-3143.
Is it Safe to Trust an Uber or Lyft Driver?
Some individuals who decide to use a rideshare app for the first time may be wondering if anyone can be a driver, including those who lack experience or have a history of reckless or careless driving. According to Uber and Lyft, companies regularly screen drivers.
Information they need from drivers to approve them includes:
- Felony searches and ongoing criminal monitoring
- State sex offender registry search
- Nationwide criminal search
- County court records search
- Submission of car insurance, valid driver’s license, and social security number
- Driving record checks
Unfortunately, even when rideshare companies screen their drivers and approve them, this doesn’t mean you’ll always be safe on the road. Accidents can occur all the time and be caused by a variety of factors.
Who is Liable for Damages in an Accident?
The biggest question posed by victims after an accident involving a rideshare vehicle is who is supposed to pay for their damages when they file a personal injury claim. Many people assume they can file a claim against Uber or Lyft as companies, but it’s important to note that the companies distance themselves from drivers for this reason.
Uber and Lyft drivers aren’t considered company employees, but, rather, independent contractors. This means that if a driver harms someone else, the company may not always be directly responsible for damages. In many rideshare accident cases, the driver’s own insurance is directly responsible for damages.
However, both rideshare companies are required to carry liability coverage for their drivers, which may be used in certain driving situations. If the accident occurred when the driver had their app on and accepted a ride, for example, they can be covered by up to $50,000 for bodily injury, $100,000 for accident, and $25,000 for property damage. If the app wasn’t on, the driver is personally responsible.
Because each accident is unique and involves various factors, though, it’s difficult to determine who can be responsible for helping you pay your medical bills unless you have a seasoned personal injury attorney.
Understanding Your Rights as a Rideshare Passenger
As a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, it's important to understand your rights in the event of an accident. Whether you were injured in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. Our experienced New Haven rideshare accident lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Key points to consider about your rights as a rideshare passenger:
- Rideshare companies have insurance policies to cover passengers in the event of an accident
- You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- It's important to seek legal representation to ensure your rights are protected and upheld
Don't hesitate to reach out to our team at Action Law Group for a free consultation to discuss your rideshare accident case. We are dedicated to advocating for the rights of rideshare passengers and helping you obtain the compensation you deserve.
How the Attorneys at Action Law Group Can Help You
Our rideshare attorneys know what evidence to collect and look out for to determine whether a driver or Uber or Lyft can ultimately be held accountable for negligence in a car accident. We’ve helped clients who have faced tens and thousands of dollars of debt in hospital and medication bills, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering. Injuries like paralysis, for example, can be long-lasting or permanent and require lifelong care. Your recovery is of the utmost importance to us, and we pursue the results you need tirelessly until we achieve them.
Our attorneys aren’t daunted by going up against companies as powerful as Uber or Lyft, or their insurance companies. If you deserve to be financially compensated, we won’t hesitate to go after what you need. We can protect you from companies that are just looking out for their own interests – your case is safe with us.
Proving liability can be tricky when an Uber or Lyft driver is involved, which is why you need an attorney who understands your situation. Contact our New Haven rideshare accident attorneys to learn more at (203) 439-3143.