Uber And Lyft Accident Lawyers
Our lawyers represent Cincinnati and nationwide riders and drivers injured or taken advantage of in Uber and Lyft accidents and assaults. Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the transportation market. But since their legalization, Uber and Lyft have been enmeshed in legal battles involving everything from car accident personal injury, driver employment disputes, assaults and sexual assaults on passengers. We bring a rich understanding of the rideshare industry, the complex licensure rules and the law that enables us to hold Uber and Lyft accountable for their misconduct.
When riders get into Uber or Lyft vehicles, they never expect the ride to end in an accident. Yet Uber and Lyft drivers, just like others, make mistakes behind the wheel, causing personal injury. Riders can recover for injuries suffered because of that negligence.
Other drivers should never have been driving for Uber and Lyft in the first place. For instance, many drivers lack a valid driver’s license or a city or state taxi license. In New York City, for example, all drivers must have a valid New York City Taxi and Limousine license, but in some instances Lyft fails to ensure its drivers have this license before driving. Wolterman Law Office was the first law firm to file a lawsuit against Lyft alleging negligence for failing to follow TLC licensure law (see below for media coverage).
Certainly, riders never expect to be physically or sexually assaulted. But unfortunately it happens often. Both Lyft and Uber’s negligent hiring practices, insufficient background checks and failure to follow licensure laws have created opportunities for drivers to commit sexual and/or physical assault on Lyft and Uber riders. Our lawyers will protect the identity of anyone who has experienced such an event and vigorously advocate to get them just compensation for what they suffered.
Was I Assaulted? What Is Assault And Sexual Assault?
Assault is a crime. It is an act in which a person intentionally touches another person without that person’s consent. Sexual assault is a subset of assault (though not a separate crime in most jurisdictions), in which a person sexually touches another person, perhaps coerces, or physically forces a person to engage in a sexual act against their will. The National Center for Victims of Crime states:
Sexual assault takes many forms, including attacks such as rape or attempted rape, as well as any unwanted sexual contact or threats. Usually a sexual assault occurs when someone touches any part of another person’s body in a sexual way, on top of clothing or under clothing without that person’s consent.
You may have been physically injured, but it is more common that your attacker used only enough force to subdue you. Victims often state feeling as if they were in a catatonic state and unable to move during the assault. The reactions of fight, flight or freeze are scientifically proven. Failure or inability to say “no” is never ever consent. You did what you had to do to survive in that moment. We believe you and can help.
Uber And Lyft Insurance
Insurance is available for Uber and Lyft accidents and misconduct, but navigating it can be tricky.
Uber and Lyft provide insurance for its drivers. Drivers are also required to have their own personal insurance. In many cases, however, personal insurance companies will not pay claims on the driver’s personal insurance when the driver is using their vehicle in the course of Lyft or Uber employment.
To further complicate matters, In the past Uber and Lyft claimed their insurance would not pay for collisions that occur when an Uber or Lyft rider is not in the driver’s car, such as when the driver is waiting for a job or on their way to pick up a rider. Many states have put an end to this disingenuous claim denial by Uber and Lyft insurers. In Ohio, for instance, an Ohio law, HB 237, which went into effect on March 2016, requires a transport company, such as Uber or Lyft to carry insurance whenever a driver is logged into Uber or Lyft’s app. The only exception is if the driver has insurance that specifically covers ridesharing, which is uncommon.
Unfortunately, the minimum coverage requirements in most states are woefully inadequate to cover personal injuries suffered in Uber and Lyft accidents. Our attorneys are familiar with Uber and Lyft excess and umbrella coverages and their general commercial liability policies, enabling us to get just compensation for serious injuries suffered in Uber and Lyft accidents.