Cleveland Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Representing the Rights of Clients Hurt in an Uber or Lyft Crash

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have increasingly become popular across the country as many rely on the services for easy and affordable access to transportation. However, the rapid growth of rideshare networks has been accompanied by a surge in the number of accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles, and in Ohio, it is no different. The attorneys at HMW Law explain how rideshare accident claims work and when to seek legal representation after being hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash.

How Do I File a Claim After a Collision Involving an Uber or Lyft Driver?

Whether you’re a rideshare passenger or a driver of another vehicle, an auto accident with the driver of a ride-hailing service such as Uber or Lyft can be complicated. Depending on what the rideshare driver was doing, different insurance policies may kick in. It is essential to know which policy applies so you can submit your claim to the correct party.

When you’re involved in a traffic accident, one of your first questions might be who you file your claim against. Generally, the answer is straightforward: The other driver’s insurance company. But when a rideshare driver is responsible, the question becomes a little more challenging to answer, and you may not know whether to file a claim with the company’s insurance or the at-fault driver’s insurance company. How your case is handled depends on when the accident occurred.

It is worth mentioning that rideshare companies have safeguards protecting them from lawsuits should one of their drivers cause a traffic collision. Because several factors are at play in an Uber or Lyft accident, it’s crucial that you get help from a Cleveland rideshare accident attorney to navigate your case.

What are Uber’s Insurance Policies?

Uber requires anyone who drives for the company to maintain their own insurance on their vehicle. However, it also carries third-party liability coverage. The insurance coverage that applies in an accident depends on the driver’s status. If the driver has the app turned off and is not online, their own insurance kicks in.

If the driver has the app on and is currently waiting for a ride request, they cause an accident, and their own insurance does not apply. This is when Uber’s third-party coverage applies, providing up to $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident. If the driver is traveling to pick up a customer or driving them to their destination, Uber maintains $1,000,000 in third-party liability insurance.

What Are Lyft’s Insurance Policies?

Lyft’s liability insurance is similar to Uber’s in the sense that the level of coverage applied depends on the drive period. Any accident the driver causes when they are not online with Lyft is covered by the driver’s own insurance. Once the driver is logged onto the app and is waiting to get a request, if their insurance does not cover an accident they cause, Lyft’s third-party liability coverage offers up to $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 bodily injury per accident and $25,000 property damage per accident. If the driver causes an accident when they are going to pick up passengers or are transporting them to their destination, damages and injuries are covered by Lyft’s $1,000,000 insurance policy.

If you’re a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and the other driver causes the collision, you would file a claim with their insurance. In some cases, the other driver might be uninsured, or their policy might not be enough to cover the damage. In such situations, both Uber and Lyft have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) insurance coverage.

It is worth noting that you wouldn’t likely be able to sue a rideshare company for a collision caused by one of their drivers. The reason is that Uber drivers are not classified as employees but are instead considered independent contractors. The same is true of Lyft drivers. This separation makes it extremely difficult to pass any liability from a rideshare driver to the rideshare company, which is why both Uber and Lyft have lobbied extensively to keep this classification for their drivers. However, your attorney can advise you on the best course of action for your case.

What Kind of Damages Are Available in Rideshare Accident Claims?

You may be owed compensation after someone else caused a rideshare accident and you are seriously injured. However, the amount of compensation will vary from case to case. It depends on your losses, how your injuries have affected you, and many other factors. While we cannot promise to secure you an exact amount of compensation, we can say that we know how to carefully calculate damages and pursue every last penny in your name.

The damages owed to you could include lost wages, vehicle repairs (if your vehicle was damaged in a crash with a rideshare driver), and pain and suffering (non-economic losses). In general, the more significant your damages and the more serious your injuries, the higher your claim value may be. Our attorneys can analyze the specifics of your case and provide you with a more accurate case value estimate.

Why Should I Hire a Rideshare Accident Attorney for My Case?

While all traffic collisions can cause complicated legal situations, this is perhaps not truer than when discussing rideshare accidents. Being involved in a rideshare accident can be a traumatic experience, and navigating the legal process in the aftermath can be overwhelming. In addition, determining who is liable and who should pay for your losses can be a large undertaking, especially for anyone unfamiliar with Ohio’s liability laws and insurance regulations.

For example, it’s crucial to know that waiting too long to file your claim can harm your chances of receiving compensation. Ohio has a strict two-year statute of limitations for rideshare accidents, which applies whether you were a rideshare driver, a paying passenger, or a third party like a motorist or pedestrian. You need to file a claim within two years, starting on the date of the accident. If you don’t, then you most likely can’t once the statute expires.

That’s one of many reasons why it’s crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced Uber and Lyft accident attorney in Cleveland, like those at HMW Law. The rideshare accident lawyers at HMW Law are here to help you through the entire process of a rideshare accident or Uber/Lyft accident claim. Here are a few ways in which our legal team can help you:

• Understanding complex insurance policies: Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have their own insurance policies that can be confusing to navigate. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you understand the coverage available and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
• Fighting for fair compensation: Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for minimal amounts. Our skilled attorneys will fight to protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Proving liability: Determining fault in rideshare accidents can be challenging. Our legal team will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work with accident reconstruction experts if necessary to establish liability and build a strong case on your behalf.
• Navigating the legal process: Filing a claim and dealing with insurance companies can be complex and time-consuming. Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers will handle all the paperwork, negotiations, and legal proceedings, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Our Cleveland rideshare accident lawyers are ready to help relieve some of the stresses associated with your case by taking care of all the details for you. We can conduct a thorough investigation, build a compelling strategy, and effectively present your claim to seek a fair and just financial recovery.

What Makes HMW Law the Right Choice for My Case?

At HMW Law, we genuinely care about helping accident victims seek the financial recovery they need to pay for expenses and supplement losses. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Cleveland can develop personalized solutions for your case and provide compassionate representation every step of the way.

Don’t face the aftermath of a rideshare accident claim alone. Leave everything up to us so you can know that your case is being handled correctly without adding any extra stress on your shoulders. Get over 75 years of combined experience on your side by calling our Cleveland Uber accident lawyers at 216-369-1352 and requesting a confidential, no-cost consultation and case analysis to discuss your options.