Fayetteville Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

The efficiency of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offers commuters and visitors an attractive alternative to public transportation, taxis, and self-driven vehicles. As each year passes, rideshare services make more money as commuters flock to this popular transit option. However, the increase in Uber and Lyft vehicles has increased the number of accidents. Unlike collisions between non-rideshare vehicles, you may not know your legal steps after getting into an Uber or Lyft car collision.

Our Fayetteville Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Osborne & Wilmoth Law Firm will help you after a rideshare collision. We know the area and its potential hazards, and if you need help after an Uber or Lyft accident in Fayetteville, we can give you the legal confidence you need.

What Are the Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Fayetteville?

The causes of accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles are similar to those that cause traditional car accidents. However, the demands of driving for a rideshare company change the context a bit. For instance, some drivers might need to make multiple stops along a route to pick up multiple passengers, leading them to glance at their GPS often. Other drivers need to navigate unfamiliar back roads or areas, again increasing reliance on their GPS. Though necessary, this GPS use can lead to distracted driving collisions or rear-end accidents. Additionally, rideshare drivers must constantly monitor their Uber or Lyft app for new rides, converse with passengers, or even change the car volume or temperature at their riders’ request. All of these can create conditions for accidents.

Many Uber or Lyft drivers drive for secondary income or work long hours to maximize their revenue, and they can also experience extreme fatigue or exhaustion behind the wheel. This drowsiness can slow their reaction time and numb their alertness to potential hazards.

The pressure to pick up more rides and increase income can lead to speeding, reckless driving, and inadequate vehicle maintenance. Unfortunately, these practices can also maximize the chances of accidents.

Who Is Responsible for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Fayetteville?

A car crash with an Uber or Lyft rideshare vehicle can involve multiple parties. If you need to file an insurance claim to cover damages, you may struggle to find the right party to hold responsible.

Your first instinct may be to hold the rideshare company responsible, as they have the most resources to pay for your injuries and your accident that occurred while using their service. However, because these companies often employ their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, they can lay the brunt of responsibility on their drivers. This does not mean your rideshare driver must pay for all your damages. Uber and Lyft generally provide insurance coverage for their drivers to cover personal liability claims, upward of $1 million during an active ride. In contrast, if the driver had the app off during your accident, you would likely need to contact their insurance company for your claim.

In some cases, you could look to hold other parties responsible. If a vehicle defect caused your accident, you could file a claim against the manufacturer. If another driver caused the accident, you could hold them responsible.

What Compensation Can You Pursue After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

An Uber or Lyft car accident victim can often pursue economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover quantifiable costs, like medical bills, long-term rehabilitation costs, and lost wages from an inability to work. Non-economic damages cover non-quantifiable costs, like pain and suffering. In rare cases, the judge may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party if they acted particularly recklessly or egregiously.

The extent of your injuries will influence how much compensation you receive. If you suffer from severe injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage, you will likely claim much more in compensation than you would from minor scrapes or bruises.

How Can You Protect Your Rights After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Fayetteville?

Immediately after an accident with a rideshare vehicle, report the incident to 911 and seek medical attention. Not only will this call help you catch any injuries you might not see immediately, such as a concussion, but the resulting police and medical reports will help establish the facts of the collision.

Once you have notified 911 of your car accident, use your rideshare app to report the accident to Uber or Lyft, as necessary. Finally, contact your insurance company to start the claims process. Avoid volunteering any information beyond the facts of your collision. Anything you say can be used against you.

Additionally, avoid talking about the incident on social media, as the opposing parties could use any posts or conversations to discredit you and minimize your injuries.

The Fayetteville Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Osborne & Wilmoth Law Firm Will Help You Today

If you need help after a rideshare collision, call the Fayetteville Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Osborne & Wilmoth Law Firm at 479-521-7727 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Our dedicated and seasoned attorneys will negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies, compile all necessary evidence, and build a case to demand the maximum possible compensation. Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, we serve clients in the surrounding areas. Call us today, and let us put you on the path to recovery.