The Haggard Law Firm’s Michael Haggard and Adam Finkel secured a $1.63 million settlement in a rideshare car accident case. Haggard Law was joined by Ana Lopez with Justice for All Legal in litigating the case.
Details of the case are limited per terms of the confidential settlement.
The settlement reflects the firm’s approach to complex motor vehicle cases: thoroughly investigating the circumstances of the crash, identifying all potentially responsible parties, and pursuing the compensation necessary to address the client’s injuries and losses.
Read on for general information on Rideshare accident accident
Why Rideshare Accident Cases Can Be Complicated
A collision involving an Uber or Lyft driver may involve more than just the driver and the driver’s personal automobile insurance company.
Depending on the circumstances of the crash, potential issues can include:
- Whether the driver was actively transporting a passenger
- Whether the driver had accepted a rideshare request
- Whether the driver was logged into the rideshare application
- Whether the driver was waiting for a ride request
- Whether the driver was using the vehicle for personal purposes
- Whether the rideshare company had applicable insurance coverage
- Whether another driver contributed to the collision
- Whether the vehicle owner or another party may share responsibility
The driver’s status at the exact time of the collision can be particularly important when determining which insurance coverage may apply.
Who Is Responsible for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
There is no single answer to who is responsible for a rideshare accident. Liability depends on the facts of the individual collision.
A rideshare accident investigation may examine the conduct of the rideshare driver, another motorist, the rideshare company, the vehicle owner, or other potentially responsible parties. Insurance coverage can also depend on the driver’s status within the rideshare application at the time of the crash.
This is one reason victims should not assume that a rideshare company’s insurance policy automatically covers every accident involving one of its drivers.
Rideshare Companies and Insurance Coverage
Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft maintain insurance programs that can provide coverage in certain circumstances.
The applicable coverage can depend on whether the driver:
- Was not logged into the rideshare application;
- Was logged in and waiting for a passenger request;
- Had accepted a passenger request and was traveling to pick up the passenger; or
- Had a passenger in the vehicle.
The distinction can have significant consequences for an injured person’s ability to recover compensation.
An experienced attorney would obtain and examine the driver’s rideshare records, trip information, application data, insurance policies, crash reports, and other evidence to determine what coverage applies.
What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident?
If you are injured in a crash involving an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
You should also consider:
- Reporting the crash to law enforcement
- Photographing the vehicles and accident scene, if possible
- Obtaining information from the rideshare driver
- Identifying the rideshare company
- Preserving information about the trip or ride
- Obtaining witness information
- Keeping records of medical treatment
- Avoiding statements about fault before the circumstances are fully investigated
- Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney
Rideshare accident evidence can become increasingly difficult to obtain as time passes.
Why Evidence Matters in Rideshare Accident Cases
A thorough investigation may reveal information that is not contained in a traditional police report. Depending on the circumstances, attorneys may investigate:
- Rideshare application records
- Driver trip status
- Passenger information
- GPS and location data
- Electronic vehicle data
- Dashcam or surveillance video
- Cellphone records
- Traffic-camera footage
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Accident reconstruction evidence
- Applicable insurance policies
Determining exactly what the rideshare driver was doing immediately before the collision can be critical to understanding the case.
What Makes Rideshare Accident Litigation Different?
Traditional automobile accident cases often involve two drivers and their respective insurance companies.
Rideshare cases can involve additional layers of insurance, corporate relationships, electronic evidence, and questions about the driver’s status at the time of the collision. That complexity makes early investigation particularly important.
The goal is to identify what happened, who may be legally responsible, and what insurance coverage may apply.
The Haggard Law Firm Handles Complex Motor Vehicle Injury Cases
The Haggard Law Firm represents people seriously injured or killed in motor vehicle collisions, including accidents involving rideshare vehicles.
With attorneys experienced in catastrophic injury, wrongful death and complex personal injury litigation, the firm investigates the circumstances surrounding each crash and pursues available sources of compensation for injured clients and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accidents
- What happens if I am injured by an Uber or Lyft driver? The potential sources of compensation depend on the circumstances of the crash, including whether the driver was logged into the rideshare application, had accepted a ride, or was transporting a passenger. An investigation can determine what insurance coverage may apply.
- Does Uber or Lyft automatically pay for an accident caused by its driver? Not necessarily. Rideshare insurance coverage depends on
