wolterman conference room

A decade of friendly,

sophisticateD

lEGAL cOUNSEL

Home » Blog » Car Accident » What Evidence Do I Need to Prove My Case in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

What Evidence Do I Need to Prove My Case in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Loveland Car Accident Lawyers at the Wolterman Law Office Skillfully Represent Clients Injured in Uber and Lyft Accidents.

Uber and Lyft provide invaluable services to people who need rides for various reasons. However, ridesharing does present certain risks since customers have little control and the drivers can get into accidents. Making an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit can be more complicated than with other car accident cases because the ridesharing company might be involved.

As with any type of auto accident, the first thing to do is to contact emergency services. You or other people involved might need immediate medical attention, and waiting too long for treatment could worsen the condition. Law enforcement officers who arrive at the scene will also take down information that will be included in a police report. You can get a copy after several days or weeks by contacting the police department that responded to the crash.

If possible, snap photos of the vehicles involved in the accident, closeups of the damage, and evidence like skid marks and downed stop signs. Take pictures of poor weather conditions like icy roads, and note if there are any traffic cameras at the scene. The latter may have recorded what happened and that video could be invaluable for your claim. If anyone witnessed the crash, ask for their contact information and see if they are willing to provide a statement.

What Are the Different Kinds of Uber and Lyft Accidents?

These crashes can be split into three main categories:

  • You are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and the driver causes an accident.
  • You are driving or are a passenger in a car that gets hit by a rideshare vehicle.
  • You are a pedestrian or bicyclist that is hit by a rideshare vehicle.

These crashes can be caused by reckless driving, such as driving the wrong way down a one-way street and poor vehicle maintenance. An example of the latter might be an Uber driver who fails to keep their tires properly inflated. The vehicle might also have defective brakes that were never recalled by the manufacturer.

What if an Uber or Lyft Driver Caused the Accident?

You will want to get all of the involved drivers’ contact information after the accident. However, how does the insurance work? If an accident occurs and they are logged in, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy and/or the ridesharing company’s insurance may provide coverage. If the driver did not log in, Uber and Lyft will likely not claim responsibility for the damages.

People injured in Uber or Lyft accidents may be able to get coverage for specific kinds of crashes specified under the company’s insurance policy. Plaintiffs may also have the option of suing the driver, ridesharing company, or both.

Will My Injuries and Property Damage Be Covered?

After a rideshare accident, you can make an insurance claim, and your provider can help you determine if it should be claimed on the rideshare driver’s or the company’s insurance policy. What if a rideshare driver was injured by someone else? Uber has a driver injury protection policy. Additional coverage might be available, depending on the circumstances. Lyft offers similar coverage as long as the driver’s app was on at the time of the crash.

Benefits are never guaranteed, and if you encounter roadblocks with an insurance claim after an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be able to explore the option of suing the driver or ridesharing company.

What Needs to be Proven in an Uber or Lyft Accident Case?

Even though Uber and Lyft have large insurance policies, getting fair compensation from them can be exceptionally challenging because of all the “red tape” involved. Rideshare personal injury cases are known to be complicated, so attempts to negotiate insurance claims and settlements on your own are not always the best solutions. Even if they make an offer that seems acceptable, you could experience unforeseen medical complications down the line that might not be covered after you agree to an offer. It is hard for the average person to accurately estimate the damages, but an experienced car accident lawyer can help.

The basics for proving these cases are also the same as other personal injury cases:

  • The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care to others; they were legally required to act responsibly while on the road.
  • The defendant breached the duty of care by committing a negligent act, like running a red light that put others in danger.
  • That negligence led to an accident that directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries and losses.

You (with your lawyer) will also need to provide evidence of your injuries. This can include photos of wounds, copies of medical evaluations, medical tests, and medical invoices and payment receipts.

Loveland Car Accident Lawyers at the Wolterman Law Office Skillfully Represent Clients Injured in Uber and Lyft Accidents

If you are seeking fair compensation for a rideshare accident, look no further. Our knowledgeable Loveland car accident lawyers at the Wolterman Law Office can help. Call us at 513-488-1135 or submit our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Loveland, Ohio, we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.