Arizona Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Ridesharing services from Uber and Lyft have undoubtedly changed how people travel. However, with an increasing demand for ridesharing services, the number of Uber and Lyft drivers have increased and as a result, more car accidents are occurring on the road.

While car accidents are an unfortunate incident that can happen for a multitude of reasons, trying to deal with rideshare company’s insurance coverage can be a long and painstaking process. If you or a loved one have been involved in a rideshare accident and are awaiting or denied insurance coverage, you may be eligible to recover compensation.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers are readily available to take on your case and give you the legal guidance and support you need. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience and our team of attorneys understand the struggles rideshare accident victims face and are committed to helping those get the justice and fair compensation they deserve.

As a result of our hard work and dedication, we have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to do our duty to fight for our clients. As rideshare accident claims can be a confusing process to handle, our legal team is available every step of the way to ensure you receive satisfactory results.

To schedule a FREE consultation, you can connect with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our convenient online contact form.

Arizona Rideshare Accident Statistics

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC) in a Spatial Ecological Crossover Study, there has been a 4.6% increase in car accidents for every 100 drivers that decide to become rideshare drivers. This is largely in part because the odds of getting involved in a car accident increases as Uber and Lyft drivers have to pick up and drop off passengers at a timely pace.

In addition, the study has revealed that a number of rideshare accidents has also contributed to an increased number of injuries sustained in motor vehicle crashes, particularly for motorists and pedestrians.

What Are Some Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Phoenix

Much like any auto accident, there are a multitude of different factors that can cause a ridesharing accident to occur. From what is commonly seen, distracted driving, speeding, and drowsy driving are the most common factors in a Uber or Lyft accident. While the severity of the accident will be dependent on a case-by-case basis, it is important to familiarize oneself with the intricacies of each cause so victims can properly inform their Uber accident attorney so they can file a personal injury lawsuit.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is referred to as the act of driving a vehicle while engaging in another activity such as texting, eating, drinking, and even adjusting your radio or GPS. As rideshare drivers have to constantly be on their phone in order to manage their queue of passenger’s and make sure that they are taking the right directions, the chances of a rideshare driver getting distracted by their phone and getting into an accident increases significantly. Should it happen, they can become the at-fault driver and be liable for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

Speeding

Speeding accidents are common in rideshare accidents because an Uber or Lyft driver may feel obligated or pressured to speed in order to meet scheduled times and give their passengers a speedy service to secure higher tips. While the severity and scale of speeding accidents will vary, the liability will fall onto whoever was intentionally violating state driving codes. No matter what the reason may be, there is no excuse for driving negligently and recklessly

Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving is when a driver falls asleep or is experiencing extreme fatigue while behind the wheel. Rideshare drivers are very likely to experience drowsy driving because of the long hours they work in order to make ends meet. While they have full and complete control of their hours, full time rideshare drivers have to be online and working for the majority of the day in order to make enough income to get by. As a result, they may push themselves and if they end up causing an accident because of their fatigue, they can be held liable for their reckless behavior.

What Makes Rideshare Accidents Different?

While rideshare accidents are a form of an auto accident, they are handled slightly differently from regular car accidents, because the issue of determining liability tends to become a long debate during insurance investigations.

Since ride-sharing companies class their drivers as independent contractors rather than part/full-time workers, any accident coverage with a rideshare vehicle will be dependent on the driver’s online status, degree of fault, and any other detail/circumstance that affect who is liable. As a result, rideshare accident claims can become extremely long and dragged out and those who have sustained bodily injury are waiting for compensation to pay for their medical expenses.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Associated with Rideshare Accidents?

When it comes to the most common injuries found in rideshare accidents, every case will be different and vary on a case-by-case basis. Generally speaking, head and spinal cord injuries are the most common found in motor vehicle accidents. So if you have been injured in an Uber accident and are looking to file a personal injury claim, it is vital for Uber accident victims to understand the potential severity of these injuries in order to recover a fair settlement.

Head Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are caused by forceful bumps and blows to the head and depending on the severity of the blow, the brain can rattle inside the skull and potentially be damaged as a result. While the severity of head injuries will vary based on the nature and impact force of the accident, it is imperative to seek a medical professional to see if there are no underlying conditions. For those who have suffered a serious head injury, it is important to seek legal representation to recover fair compensation, because the associated costs of head injuries can be very costly.

Back Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are injuries to the back and the bundle of nerves that sends and receives signals from the brain. Much like brain injuries, spinal cord injuries can also have high associated medical costs that can affect a victim’s ability to work. Depending on the severity of the accident, victims may possibly experience long-term chronic pain, or permanent back issues such as paralysis. In either scenario, it is recommended to hire an experienced attorney who can represent your best interests and recover damages such as lost income, hospital bills, and pain and suffering.

Determining Liability for Your Uber or Lyft Accident

When it comes to determining liability in a rideshare accident, the process is very similar to a car accident. Whoever caused the accident will be largely liable for the accident scene and whatever damages that have occurred as a result.

However, if the accident was caused by multiple parties with varying degrees of fault, the state’s comparative negligence system dictates that the percentage of fault will be split accordingly between the parties involved. For example, if an Uber driver was 80% at fault and the other party was 20% at fault, then the victim’s compensation will be adjusted by 20% to take account of their actions.

How Much Compensation Will I Receive in My Rideshare Accident Claim?

The amount of compensation a person can receive in a rideshare accident claim is going to depend on the severity and scale of the accident in question. For example, should you suffer severe injuries that accumulate high medical bills and have put you out of work for the foreseeable future then victims can be expected to recover anywhere between the five to six figure range.

However, every accident involving Uber and Lyfts will be different, and should you like to know how much compensation you can recover, it is recommended to consult with an Arizona personal injury attorney or input your information using a personal injury settlement calculator. Either choice will not only inform you of the estimated value of your claim, but you decide if you want to pursue financial compensation for the accident in question.

What Should You Do After a Ridesharing Accident?

After getting into an Uber or Lyft accident, one of the first things you should do is to ensure that everyone involved is safe. If somebody requires immediate medical attention, they are urged to call 911 and apply basic first aid until first responders arrive. Should no one require medical attention, pull over to the side and start documenting the accident for your own personal records and exchange insurance information with all parties involved.

Once that is done, contact your insurance company about the accident and they can start to conduct their own investigation and file the necessary paperwork. If there is any delay or troubles regarding the accident claim, it is recommended to contact an experienced Arizona rideshare attorney to represent your interests.

West Coast Trial Lawyers is Here to Help

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in an Arizona Uber or Lyft accident, it is imperative to seek legal representation to ensure that justice is served and those affected get maximum compensation for their injuries. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of experienced attorneys are prepared to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience and as a result of our hard work and dedication, we have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial for our deserving clients. With a proven track record of securing settlements, our legal team will be there every step of way, advocating for your best interests.

To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uber and Lyft Accidents

How Much Do Rideshare Lawyers Cost?

Every rideshare accident lawyer will charge differently, however, most tend to operate on a contingency-fee system where they only charge a flat fee for their legal services, only if they win their clients’ case. As for the percentage of the fee, that will range anywhere from 25% to 40% and it will be dependent on the lawyer’s experience and the nature of the rideshare accident claim.

Can I Directly Sue Uber or Lyft for My Injuries?

A person’s ability to directly sue Uber or Lyft for a rideshare accident is going to be very minimal because Uber and Lyft are not liable for the actions of their independent contractors. The only scenarios where Uber and Lyft can be sued is unless they had a direct role in causing the accident in question.

Are Rideshare Drivers Employees or Independent Contractors?

Rideshare drivers are categorized as independent contractors and as a result, are not official employees for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. Should they cause a motor vehicle accident to occur then they will be held liable for any negligent or reckless actions. However, depending on their driver status, Uber and Lyft can offer injured parties compensation as part of their liability insurance policy.

Can a Passenger Be Held Liable for a Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare passengers are typically not liable for rideshare accidents unless they had a significant role in causing the accident in question. If they do, their liability will be based on the severity, scale, and percentage of fault.