Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident and in Need of Guidance?

A Cleveland car accident lawyer can handle your claim

Our Cleveland car accident lawyers realize companies like Uber and Lyft were created to help simplify transportation, but things can quickly get complicated if you or a loved one were injured in a crash involving one of these popular ridesharing services.

With millions of Uber users in the U.S., figuring out what to do after getting in an accident with a ridesharing service is something a lot of injured victims want to know. Unfortunately, it’s not always straightforward.

While rideshare companies are typically not liable for the negligence of their independent contractors, Uber and Lyft carry $1,000,000 liability policies which may cover your damages if you are injured in an accident caused by one of their drivers. Proving that a victim is entitled to coverage under a company’s $1,000,000 liability policy typically requires the involvement of a skilled and experienced attorney. Luckily, our Cleveland car accident lawyers know how to handle these challenging claims so that you don’t have to on your own. Merriman Legal has successfully represented people hit by Uber and Lyft drivers as well as passengers injured while riding in a rideshare vehicle.

There are many different factors that have to be considered if you get into an Uber or Lyft accident. Trying to decipher who’s legally responsible for your damages can get frustrating in a hurry. Luckily, our Cleveland car accident lawyers know how to handle these confusing claims so you don’t have to on your own. Contact us today for a free consultation. Merriman Legal, LLC has the knowledge and experience you need to get maximum compensation.

What happens if you are in an accident with Uber?

Since it was launched in 2009, Uber has expanded to serve users in 65 countries and has completed more than 10 billion trips worldwide. Every day, four million Uber drivers around the world give millions of rides to customers. The same is true for Uber rival Lyft, which was founded in 2012.

Just like regular passenger vehicles, these vehicles for hire get into accidents too. But what are you supposed to do if you get injured in an accident with a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft? Does Uber pay for car accidents? Can you file a claim against Uber if you get in a crash? The short answer – it depends.

What you do after an accident with a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft hinges on the circumstances surrounding the crash and whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver. This is why so many injured crash victims hire an attorney from our law firm to help them when they’ve been in an accident with an Uber, Lyft, or other ridesharing service. We take the guess work out of the equation.

Different scenarios involving accidents caused by Uber or Lyft drivers include:

Your Uber driver gets into an accident while you are their passenger: If your Uber driver gets into an accident while you are a passenger in their vehicle and you sustain an injury, you will need to know who’s legally responsible for your damages. If your Uber driver caused the crash, Uber’s insurance policy should kick in and your medical expenses should be covered. If another driver caused the accident, Uber’s insurance coverage is only triggered if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages. If the at-fault driver has enough insurance to cover your expenses, then you will need to file a claim with that driver’s insurance company.
An Uber driver gets into an accident with your vehicle: If an Uber driver gets into an accident with your vehicle, you will need to know what “drive period” the driver was in to establish who is legally responsible for your injuries. There are three different drive periods for an Uber driver:
- If the Uber driver’s app is not on and the driver is not looking to provide transportation, the Uber driver’s personal car insurance policy should be responsible for coverage.
- If the Uber driver’s app is activated and the driver is waiting for a ride request, Uber may provide limited liability coverage for personal injury and property damage.
- If the Uber driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in their vehicle at the time of the crash, Uber’s $1 million policy for personal injury and other damages can be triggered, depending on the details of the crash.
An Uber driver gets into an accident while you are a pedestrian: If an Uber drive gets into an accident with you while you are a pedestrian, you will also need to know what “drive period” the Uber driver was in to establish who is legally responsible for your damages. The “drive period” rules listed above also apply to Uber accidents involving pedestrians.

What causes Uber and Lyft accidents?

Rideshare accidents often occur due to factors unique to Uber and Lyft driving. Distracted driving is a major cause, as drivers frequently use smartphones for navigation and ride management, which can divert their attention.

Fatigued driving is another issue, with many drivers working long hours or juggling multiple jobs, leading to drowsiness. Even though there are driving time limits, drivers may switch between platforms, extending their shifts and increasing exhaustion.

Rushed driving to maximize the number of rides can lead to speeding and unsafe driving behaviors. Additionally, drivers often stop in unsafe locations, like busy streets or bike lanes, to pick up passengers, raising the risk of accidents.

What are common injuries from rideshare accidents?

Some common injuries reported in Uber and Lyft accidents include:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Broken bones
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Internal organ damage

What to do after your Uber or Lyft accident

After an Ohio Uber or Lyft accident, it’s important to take your case seriously from the start. Here are some key steps to take to strengthen your claim:

Contact the police and wait for an officer to document the crash in a police report.
Document the crash scene by taking photos of the vehicle damage and any visible injuries.
Get names and contact information of witnesses.
Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine.
Report the crash to Uber or Lyft through their app.
Notify your insurance company.
Avoid giving the at-fault driver or Uber or Lyft’s insurance company a recorded statement.
Follow all medical and legal advice.
Keep all medical records, appointment logs, pay stubs, vehicle repair estimates, and receipts that quantify your economic damages.
Keep a daily journal of your pain and suffering.
Get legal help and guidance from an experienced Ohio Uber and Lyft accident lawyer.

Contact our Ohio rideshare accident lawyers for a free consultation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident with Uber, Lyft, or another ridesharing service, figuring out what to next can be overwhelming. Does Uber’s insurance cover the accident and pay for damages, or do you need to file a claim with someone else? What do you do when an Uber driver hits your car, or you’re a passenger in an Uber and you get hurt in a car accident? Don’t underestimate the complexity of your case, and don’t try to sort through this mess alone.

Our Cleveland car accident lawyers know how to figure out who’s legally responsible for your accident-related expenses. We have the knowledge and experience to help injury victims get the compensation they need and deserve.

Our attorneys will stand by your side and patiently walk you through every step of the process. We will deal with the correct insurance company and advocate for your best interests. And we will fight to make sure you get the compensation you’re entitled to. Get a winning law firm in your corner. Make my team your team. Contact us today for a free consultation.