Ridesharing offers a convenient and cost-effective alternative to driving. Equipped with apps such as Uber and Lyft, it’s easy to get from point A to point B in record time – and without the hassle of parking or navigating traffic. The downside? A complete lack of control. While you trust that your Uber or Lyft driver will follow the rules of the road and keep you safe for the duration of your journey, many fail to meet this basic expectation.
Car accidents¯are far more common than top ridesharing companies are willing to admit. Alarming research from the University of Chicago and Rice University suggests that the rise of ridesharing has prompted an uptick in serious accidents, many of which lead to devastating injuries or even fatalities.
Below, we’ll discuss the types of car accidents that commonly occur with ridesharing services and what to do if you fall victim to one.
Common Types of Uber And Lyft Accidents in Connecticut
Ridesharing accidents can take many forms. As with any vehicle collision, negligence often plays a significant role. Uber and Lyft drivers have a responsibility to keep passengers and other motorists safe, but some may fail to pay attention to or follow the rules of the road. Their negligence could prompt the following types of accidents:
- Front-end collisions
- Fender benders
- Rollovers
- T-bone crashes
- Side-swipe accidents
- Pedestrian or cyclist collisions
These accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, including everything from whiplash to broken bones. Additionally, victims often suffer extreme emotional damage. The anxiety sparked by such crashes can continue for several years, leaving victims reluctant to take advantage of ridesharing services in the future.
Who Is at Fault When Accidents Involve Ridesharing Services?
While police reports will document who is ultimately at fault for vehicle accidents involving negligence, the involvement of ridesharing services can make the situation more complex. In some cases, blame could rest with multiple parties. The Uber or Lyft driver may be partially or fully responsible for the crash, but other drivers could also play a role.
The role of multiple insurance companies can further complicate matters in Connecticut Uber accident cases. This is especially true when more than one driver is deemed at fault. Ultimately, the determination of liability will come down to numerous factors, including photo evidence, eyewitness testimony, and statements from the drivers.
Are Passengers Covered in the Event of an Uber Accident?
The multi-part plans associated with ridesharing companies kick in based on the driver’s activity at the time of the collision. Once an Uber passenger is in the vehicle for a ride, they are covered by the full weight of the company’s insurance policy. This means that there is $1 million in liability and property coverage available. Company insurance does not apply when drivers are handling personal business; at these times, drivers are covered by their own policies. If another motorist is at fault, their personal insurance policy is the first to come into play. However, Uber and Lyft also carry $1 million underinsured motorist policies that could apply. This helps to ensure that passengers are protected at all times. No matter whether your Uber driver was at fault, it’s possible to secure damages by filing a claim.
If you are injured in an accident caused by an Uber driver, and you are not a passenger, you may still be eligible for compensation. How you obtain it largely depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. If they did not have a passenger on board, you must file a claim against the individual driver (not the ridesharing service). However, if they were carrying a passenger, Uber’s $1 million policy should apply to your accident.
Crucial Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Those responsible for Uber and Lyft accidents must be held accountable. Victims should strive to achieve the damages needed to cover the financial fallout of negligence-related crashes, including medical bills and lost wages. Damages may also account for the emotional distress of being involved in such collisions.
How you act in the immediate aftermath of a ridesharing accident could determine whether you obtain the compensation you deserve. The first few hours and days represent your best chance for collecting the proof you need to provide a convincing case. Key steps include the following:
- Call 911 -Do not leave the scene of the accident. Remain calm and on-site until the police show up.
- Seek Medical Assistance -]Your health and safety are paramount; therefore, it’s best to seek medical treatment immediately if necessary. A doctor can also provide valuable documentation of your car accident injuries, which can be called upon as you seek damages.
- Collect Documentation -If you are able to, take a few moments to document the scene of the accident as you await the arrival of law enforcement officials and other first responders. If you have a camera or smartphone on hand, snap photos from a variety of angles. These images will later help you establish key factors that may influence the case later on. The right photos can verify everything from speeding to the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. You should also write down the name of the driver if it is not already in your phone and take screenshots of your Uber ride and receipt.
- Obtain Witness’s Contact Information – If there are any witnesses to your accident, be sure to collect their names, email addresses, and phone numbers. That way, your lawyer can contact them for information as they build your case.
- Get in Touch with a Respected CT Car Accident Lawyer -If you’re injured or incur any medical bills, seek help from a personal injury lawyer. The right legal team can help you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t speak with your insurance provider or authorities at Uber or Lyft until you’ve secured the services of a lawyer you trust. Without an attorney present, your words might be twisted to imply an admission of fault. This could limit your ability to collect compensation.
Once you’ve taken the steps outlined above, you can trust your CT car accident attorney from McCoy & McCoy to handle the rest. Your lawyer will guide you through the legal process from beginning to end, taking every step necessary to ensure you receive full compensation.
Seek Help from a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer in Hartford, New Haven, and New London
Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident involving Uber or Lyft? The sooner you seek legal recourse, the better. The right car accident attorney in New Haven and Hartford, CT can provide the targeted representation you need. Your lawyer should be thoroughly familiar with the implications of Uber car accidents in Connecticut.
Look to McCoy & McCoy for support as you seek the compensation you deserve. Our board-certified CT car accident attorneys have successfully navigated a variety of cases, including those involving Uber and Lyft. We provide personalized service that takes your unique circumstances into account.
Call today or contact us online to learn more about our personal injury services or to schedule your no-obligation consultation.
