Cincinnati Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Rideshare services provided by Uber and Lyft have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation in Cincinnati and nationwide. As the rideshare industry continues to grow, so do the legal issues relating to responsibility when rideshare vehicles are involved in an accident.

Our Cincinnati rideshare accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office help clients recover compensation for their injuries and financial losses.

Rideshare Insurance Policies

Rideshare companies use commercial insurance that provides $1 million maximum liability coverage. While this is higher than the minimum requirements for taxi companies in major cities, the key difference is coverage depends on exactly how the rideshare accident occurred. While Uber and Lyft advertise their million-dollar liability insurance policies as protection for their customers, their drivers are considered independent contractors.

If you are a rider in an Uber or Lyft rideshare vehicle and the driver of another vehicle causes an accident, the available insurance coverage from the at-fault driver and the rideshare company includes the following:

The at-fault driver’s automobile insurance and personal injury coverage.
The rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage up to $1 million.

If an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident, the rideshare company’s insurance provides coverage up to $1 million if:

The rideshare driver was on duty when the accident occurred while you were a passenger in the car.
You were driving your vehicle or walking and an on-duty rideshare driver hit you.

If you are involved in an accident caused by an off-duty rideshare driver that is off-duty, keep in mind:

Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors and separate from the rideshare company when driving off-duty.
The off-duty rideshare driver must rely on the automobile and personal injury coverage offered by their insurance company.

What Should I Do if I am Injured in a Rideshare Accident in Cincinnati?

There are several important steps to take if you were injured in a rideshare accident, including:

Call 911 if the rideshare driver is unable to do so.
Seek immediate medical attention, even if you have no apparent injuries.
Obtain the rideshare driver’s name, insurance information, and license plate number.
Exchange the same information from all other drivers involved in the accident.
Take pictures of the accident scene, road markings, physical injuries, and property damage.
Request contact information from any eyewitnesses to the accident.
Report the accident to law enforcement and obtain copies of police and accident reports.
Report the accident to the rideshare company’s customer service department.
Contact an experienced Cincinnati rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible.

What Are Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents?

Rideshare customers have little control over whether drivers operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. Watch for the telltale signs of bad driving behavior or any other issues that concern you. Do not hesitate to ask a rideshare driver to pull over if you are in a dangerous situation.

Cincinnati is Ohio’s largest metropolitan area. It is the economic and cultural hub of the state. In general, car accidents are common in this busy city. Retaining a Cincinnati rideshare accident lawyer is important if you need assistance recovering compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident.

Common causes of rideshare accidents include:

Inexperienced drivers: Anyone can become a rideshare driver. No interview or job experience is necessary, and no special training or certifications is required.
Speeding: Some rideshare drivers may not realize how fast they are going or speed so that they can get to their destination as quickly as possible. In reality, speeding only puts themselves and their passengers at greater risk of an accident.
Distractions: Even if you feel it is impolite to remain silent in the rideshare car or ignore the driver, remember that the driver should always focus on the road. Rideshare drivers are often distracted by their smartphones and navigation systems.
Drowsy driving: Rideshare drivers may feel pressure to continue to pick up fares if they need extra money, regardless of how many hours they have already worked. This can lead them to drive while tired, a common and avoidable cause of car accidents.
Impaired driving: Rideshare drivers, like other workers in the transportation industry, can feel the stress of an intense driving schedule. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and fatigue, which may trigger the use of alcohol or drugs.

What Compensation Can I Receive for Rideshare Accident Injuries?

Compensation you may recover after a rideshare accident may include:

Current and future medical bills
Ongoing care expenses
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Physical therapy costs
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Loss of life’s enjoyment
Wrongful death

Why Do I Need a Cincinnati Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

Rideshare accident cases are typically more challenging due to the number of defendants who may be involved and fight against your injury claim. A skilled rideshare accident lawyer can diligently sort through all your case details.

A knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyer can help prove your claim in the following ways:

Prove that you were involved in an active ride through the Uber or Lyft app when the accident happened.
Use industry experts to establish liability.
Consult with treating doctors to establish your injuries, potential health complications and disabilities, and ongoing medical care needs.
Work with a team of medical experts for necessary testimony.
Hold drivers, rideshare companies, and other third parties who may be liable for your injuries accountable.
Pursue your legal remedies against all liable parties through settlement negotiations or at trial.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a rideshare accident, you need top-notch legal representation to help navigate the intricacies of multiple vehicles and insurance policy claims. Our Cincinnati rideshare accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office have extensive experience and know the laws that govern these types of claims.

What Is the Value of My Uber or Lyft Accident Claim?

The value of your rideshare accident claim depends on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Because these claims can be complicated, hiring an experienced attorney to assist you with the process is essential. The sooner you retain a Cincinnati rideshare accident lawyer, the sooner you can pursue compensation.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim?

In Ohio, the statute of limitations to file a rideshare accident claim is two years from the date of the accident and injury. In wrongful death cases, the timeline is two years from the date of death.

How Do Lyft and Uber Accident Lawsuits Differ From Other Car Accident Cases?

Lyft and Uber accident lawsuits are more complex than regular car accident cases. This is largely because of the different liability and insurance issues. Uber and Lyft carry third-party liability insurance coverage. If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft car accident in Ohio, you are typically covered under this liability policy when the rideshare driver is at fault for the accident.

What if I am Assaulted by a Rideshare Driver?

Whether you experienced sexual harassment, abuse, or assault in rideshare as a passenger, you must document the experience, get immediate medical help, and report it to the platform and law enforcement. A knowledgeable and compassionate lawyer can provide legal guidance.