Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, have become incredibly popular across the country over the past several years. They present heavy competition for traditional taxicab services, and in parts of the United States, they have even replaced them entirely. However, both in Indiana and beyond, drivers working for these rideshare companies regularly cause traffic accidents through their own reckless or careless actions. Often, these incidents have devastating repercussions for the vehicles’ passengers and other people around them.
Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Lowell can have devastating outcomes and can be legally complex, but support is available from our team at the Law Offices of David W. Holub. We could proactively seek and successfully obtain the compensation you need for your damages. Throughout both private insurance negotiations and—if necessary—a public trial in civil court, a dedicated auto accident attorney from our team could continually support you by enforcing your rights and protecting your best interests.
Is It Possible To Sue a Rideshare Company Over a Car Crash?
After getting hurt in a traffic collision caused by an Uber or Lyft driver in Lowell, you may assume that the rideshare company holds some civil liability for your injuries. In reality, though, drivers who work for these businesses are independent contractors rather than employees. This means the companies themselves are not legally responsible for the actions of the people working and driving under their brand name.
That said, both Uber and Lyft have liability insurance policies that provide up to $1 million in coverage to people harmed through wrecks involving a rideshare driver who was actively transporting a passenger or traveling to pick up an accepted ride request at the time. Both companies also provide more limited liability insurance coverage of $50,000 for one person’s injuries and $100,000 for all injuries, and $25,000 for all property damage stemming from a single accident involving a rideshare driver who was logged into their respective app but had not yet accepted a ride request.
Recovering for Short-Term and Long-Term Losses
If Uber or Lyft’s liability insurance does not apply or fails to cover all your losses after a Lowell car wreck caused by their driver, you should consider filing a claim with the driver’s personal car insurance for losses such as:
- Physical pain
- Lost work income
- Psychological distress
- Lost future working capacity
This would be in addition to compensation for costs, such as medical bills, that are not already covered by insurance.
Through this sort of claim, you could also seek restitution for the losses you expect to experience in the future because of a disabling or disfiguring injury. These might include the cost of rehabilitative and maintenance treatments, the cost of home modifications and mobility aids, and compensation for loss of overall quality of life. However, you could experience many procedural obstacles in a case of this nature, so seeking help from our seasoned legal team may be especially important to getting a positive final outcome.
Contact a Lowell Attorney for Help With a Rideshare Collision Claim
Getting into the back of a rideshare vehicle should be no more dangerous than driving your own car or riding with a trusted family member or friend. Unfortunately, not everyone who works for companies such as Uber and Lyft is as responsible behind the wheel as they should be, and that sometimes leads to traffic accidents with life-altering consequences.
Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Lowell can have serious consequences. Our car accident lawyers from the Law Offices of David W. Holub could provide the custom support you need to recover fully and fairly.
Contact us today for a free consultation.