Rideshare services like Uber have made millions of dollars helping individuals get from here to there. With millions of ridesharing services delivered each day, automobile accidents are going to happen. What you do after a car wreck will determine if the rideshare business, rideshare drivers, and any other negligent party are held liable for your personal injuries.
Rideshare accidents can be confusing for injured rideshare passengers and other drivers. If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, contact the professional Phoenix rideshare accident lawyers at Wattel & York. We are experienced in all practice areas associated with Uber accident law. Sit down for a free consultation to discuss how we can help you cover your damages.
Phoenix Rideshare Accident Injuries
Rideshare accidents can cause both bodily injury and property damage for multiple parties. This may include drivers, passengers, and bystanders. If you’re involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, you could sustain serious and life-threatening injuries, such as:
- Amputation
- Brain injury
- Broken bones and fractures
- Chest injury
- Concussion
- Lacerations and bruises
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord damage
- Wrongful death
When you’re involved in an Uber or a Lyft accident, seek medical attention. Doing so can help secure your right to financial compensation. Rideshare and taxi companies each have an insurance policy that can cover accidents.
Your Phoenix rideshare accident lawyer can help you recover lost wages and more. Speak with Wattel & York today for your free consultation with an experienced Uber accident law firm. We can ensure you see the right medical professional, fight for your lost wages, and help recover the necessary financial resources to make a full recovery.
Arizona Rideshare Driver Liability
A rideshare accident differs from a typical car accident because liability can get murky. Generally, at-fault Lyft drivers are responsible for any damages. However, that may change depending on the details of your accident and the policies of the insurance company. Things can get even more complicated when negligent parties deny fault.
When rideshare drivers are working at the time of the accident, their employer is liable. A rideshare company is different from a taxi company because Uber drivers are civilians transporting fares with their own vehicles, while taxi drivers are professionally trained to transport passengers.
Uber will attempt to avoid liability since its drivers are independent contractors. Oftentimes, the Uber driver may have insufficient insurance coverage. If so, your Arizona Uber driver may not be able to properly compensate you for your injuries, damages, and losses.
Uber injury accidents in Phoenix can be more legally cumbersome due to Arizona’s personal injury law. That’s why it may behoove you to have a free case evaluation with an Arizona Uber accident lawyer. We can help you understand the laws regarding Uber accidents in Arizona.
Phoenix Uber Laws
Uber is required by Arizona law to provide insurance coverage when they transport a passenger. Phoenix Uber accident victims injured due to another’s negligence have to protect their rights by choosing experienced Uber accident law offices. Don’t allow a ride-share company to coerce you into settling your personal injury accident case. Discuss your legal issues with an AZ Uber and Lyft attorney today.
Uber and Lyft are classified as Transportation Network Companies or TNCs. Although there are several advantages to using them, accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers can be tricky. Don’t risk not getting the compensation you deserve in a Phoenix Uber accident. Seek experienced injury assistance from the dedicated Arizona injury law firm of Wattel & York.
Uber Rideshare Accident Compensation
Uber provides coverage for their drivers only if the app is On and the Driver is “Available.” Uber’s contingent liability coverage applies only to the losses sustained by others who were injured or had property damage.
An Uber passenger can receive up to $100,000 for injuries ($50,000 per person) and $25,000 for property damage. The Uber or Lyft driver must access their personal policy for their injuries or vehicle damage.
Uber’s commercial insurance coverage also applies when a driver has accepted a ride. Drivers are covered until the passenger gets dropped off. Uber commercial insurance includes up to $1 million per accident for property damage and bodily injury and another $1 million when the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Rideshare services have different levels of insurance available depending on the situation. If the rideshare driver is not responsible for the crash, the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier will be primarily responsible for covering the expenses. However, both Uber and Lyft have supplemental insurance policies available if the other insurance carrier denies the claim or if the insurance limits are exhausted.
Compensation Provided by Uber and Lyft Rideshare Companies
AZ tort laws ensure that there is compensation available to individuals injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle in Phoenix. Accident victims can recover compensation through an insurance settlement or a personal injury lawsuit.
The following damages are provided for accident injuries in rideshare vehicles:
- Economic damages
- Emotional and psychological distress
- General household out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of quality of life damages
- Lost income if a victim cannot work while they recover
- Medical bills
- Non-economic damages
- Physical pain and suffering damages
- Property damage expenses
Car Accident Involving Uber Driver Lawsuits
The total compensation available for AZ rideshare accident victims varies depending on the facts and circumstances related to their crash. The severity of the crash, total medical expenses, property damage losses, the victim’s pain and suffering, and how long it takes for the victim to recover will play a role in the amount of compensation available.
Sometimes filing a lawsuit against your Uber driver is the best available option. An Uber accident attorney can help you file a lawsuit to recover all of the necessary compensation you need. You don’t have to deal with your uber accident alone; Wattel & York is here to help.
Steps In An Phoenix, AZ Uber Claim
If you are riding inside an Uber vehicle that is involved in an accident, these are the various steps that you can take to maximize your compensation:
- Seek medical care immediately following a rideshare accident. Even if you do not feel injured, it’s crucial for you to be evaluated by a doctor. Sometimes the symptoms of your injuries won’t appear for some time after the crash occurs. Delaying your medical care could endanger your health, insurance claim, and personal injury case.
- Call the police. The police can conduct an investigation and provide an accident report that will be used by the insurance carriers, in negotiations, and at trial to help prove who was liable.
- Notify the rideshare company and fill out a feedback report through the Uber app.
- Contact your insurance carrier and inform them that you were in a rideshare vehicle crash.
- Reach out to a skilled Arizona rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Phoenix Uber Accident Attorney
Unfortunately, many Uber drivers aren’t safe drivers. Even when they are safe, accidents can still happen. If you’ve sustained injuries because of the carelessness of an Uber driver, you might be able to file a car accident claim to recover your losses. Consider partnering with a Phoenix Uber accident attorney who can assist you in investigating your accident, calculating your losses, and filing your claim.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to another person’s negligence, do not hesitate to give us a call. We offer free at-home consultations or at our many locations statewide. If you work with Wattel & York, your Uber accident lawyer will be committed to seeking justice. We are available 24 hours a day at 1-866-763-4705.
