Ridesharing is not new, but it has exploded in popularity over the past decade thanks to commercial, governmental, and private rideshare apps and programs.
Polito & Harrington LLC has represented thousands of car accident victims with over 45 years of combined experience. We have seen an increase in rideshare accidents, most notably those involving Lyft and Uber drivers.
Despite the insurance coverage issues arising from these accidents, our Polito & Harrington ridesharing attorneys have recovered compensation for our rideshare clients.
If a rideshare accident injured you, you may seek compensation for your losses. Call today to speak with our ridesharing lawyers about your compensation claim.
Although ridesharing may reduce the number of cars on the road, it is not a guarantee against accidents. Rideshare accidents are rising, and so is the number of injured victims.
Rideshare accidents occur just as other car accidents do. Whether the Uber or Lyft driver or another driver is at fault, crashes are often the result of:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving at an unsafe distance
- Drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence
- Driving an unsafe vehicle
- Road rage
- Aggressive driving
Other factors that come into play are location and time of day.
For instance, throughout Connecticut, the most dangerous time to drive is between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., which coincides with the time most rideshare drivers are working. According to the data, 36 percent of all car accident fatalities in the state occur during this time.
As far as location goes, in New London, the most dangerous road is Route 1, with over 100 crashes per year. Interstate 95 is next on the list. Running over the Gold Star Bridge, the interstate is often packed with traffic and needs much repair.
Rideshare drivers transit these routes regularly at all times of the day and are part of the accident statistics.
When it comes to weather conditions, many people likely believe that accidents occur more often when the weather is poor. However, transportation statistics demonstrate that most car accidents (84 percent) in Connecticut occur when the weather is nice.
Perhaps good weather conditions lead to more people being out on the road, and thus, more accidents.
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare drivers may be involved in accidents that injure different types of traffic victims. Most often injured are the occupants of rideshare vehicles and other cars, but pedestrians also figure in the injury statistics.
The trajectory of your compensation claim will depend heavily on where you were at the time of the crash.
You likely have a valid compensation claim as a person injured in a rideshare accident. However, complications may arise during the claims process when trying to understand whose insurance company is responsible. For this reason, having a ridesharing lawyer is a good idea.
As you will read below, when the rideshare driver injured you can often determine your settlement.
Injured While Driver Awaited a Ride Request
If a rideshare driver injures you while awaiting a ride, they are on duty. Lyft and Uber provide the same insurance coverage limits for these cases, which include:
- Up to a maximum of $100,000 for accidents causing bodily injury, with a cap of $50,000 per person
- Up to $25,000 in property damage
Remember that these caps do not mean an accident victim is limited to the maximum allowable compensation under a specific policy. If you feel this compensation is inadequate, you may have an attorney file a lawsuit directly against the rideshare company.
Injured While Driver Had a Passenger or Was En Route to One
Uber and Lyft carry $1 million in coverage for drivers on their way to pick up a passenger or who already have one in their vehicle. To be covered, the driver must have logged into the rideshare app, and their current or future ride must be registered and verifiable.
Injured While Driver Was off Duty
When the rideshare driver is not on duty or logged into the app, that driver’s personal insurance coverage will be the source of an injury victim’s compensation.
Rideshare Driver Not Completely at Fault
If the rideshare driver did not cause the accident, you may hold the driver who caused the crash liable. Sometimes, you can hold both of them partially responsible. Determining fault can require a full investigation and may muddy the compensation waters as insurance companies fight it out.
Fortunately, a seasoned ridesharing attorney understands this process well and protects their clients’ interests.
What if the Non-Rideshare Driver Is Not Insured?
In some cases, the motorist who causes an accident with a rideshare car lacks insurance or other assets for your ridesharing lawyer to pursue. Fortunately, Uber and Lyft have uninsured motorist policies that may provide some coverage for the damages you might suffer.
What Do I Do After a Ridesharing Accident?
Your safety and the safety of others is your first concern after an accident. Make sure you are out of harm’s way and call for medical help. Call the police as well (an action the state of Connecticut requires in many car crashes).
If you can, snap some photos of the accident scene and your injuries and try to take some video. Once you have been medically evaluated and treated (or are continuing with treatment), contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
If you want maximum compensation for your losses, you need a seasoned ridesharing attorney representing you against the large rideshare insurance companies.
Contact Polito & Harrington today and let us fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We have a reputation in the Waterford – New London area and all of Connecticut for never settling for less than what our clients need.
Our ridesharing attorneys are ready to discuss your case and help you understand the process. Call (860) 447-3300 or contact us through our website today for your free claim evaluation.
Polito & Harrington LLC – Waterford Office
567 Vauxhall Street Ext.
Suite 230, Waterford, CT 06385
Phone: (860) 447-3300
Fax: (860) 447-3389
Mail: hpolito@politolaw.com
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