Ridesharing apps have been growing in popularity in recent years. While there are many companies in the industry, Uber and Lyft have become the powerhouses within the U.S. and globally. Many Boise residents rely on ride-hailing companies to get around. This saves money, time, and the hustle of driving a car – sadly, it puts you at the mercy of another driver. Should a crash involve an Uber or Lyft, you need nothing less than a skilled Boise Uber accident lawyer.
Our Boise car accident lawyers have extensive knowledge of local and state laws to help you understand your options and rights in cases involving ride-hailing companies. Uber cases can be pretty complex, and getting the compensation you’re owed might be more challenging than you think. Calling an experienced Boise rideshare accident lawyer can help you get maximum compensation for your damages.
Our lawyers represent injury victims of crashes and other accidents involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies. Our clients have called us “warm and compassionate” and “aggressive when they need to be.” They say we “took care of every aspect of the case.”
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of an accident involving Lyft, Uber, or another rideshare company, call Boise Personal Injury Lawyers Group today at (208) 968-9060 to discuss your situation. Start a free consultation.
Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics
Ridesharing is common in Boise and other locations throughout Idaho, with major ride-hailing companies gaining significant stakes in the U.S. transportation business. However, the biggest concern is whether Uber and other ride-hailing vehicles affect vehicle accident rates.
While it is not clear if first responders keep track of crashes involving Uber and Lyft drivers (or other ride-hailing drivers) and passengers, a study conducted by the University of Chicago has brought to light data showing that rideshare accidents have increased traffic deaths by 2% – 3% since 2011.
What Are the Most Common Types of Rideshare Accidents?
Far too often, Uber and Lyft vehicles are involved in severe accidents, and the resulting legal matters can be complicated to understand. These crashes can and do happen for a lot of different reasons. Fortunately, Idaho state insurance requirements exist to protect those involved in all types of rideshare app accidents, including:
- Passenger injury due to the negligence of the Uber and Lyft driver
- Third-party injury caused by the negligence of a rideshare driver
- Property damage resulting from the negligence of a ride-hailing driver
- Uber and Lyft driver injury because of their negligence
- Uber and Lyft driver injury due to the negligence of another driver
- Passenger injury caused by the negligence of another rideshare driver
- Passenger and driver injury resulting from a crash caused by a defective vehicle part.
Do you have questions about an Uber or Lyft accident? Call Boise Personal Injury Lawyers Group for a free consultation.
Who Is Potentially Liable in an Uber Accident?
Under Idaho state law, injury victims – including those hurt in an Uber accident – have the right to seek financial compensation from any person or entity who contributed to the accident and the resulting injuries. Some potentially liable parties include:
- A Negligent Uber or Lyft Driver
- The Rideshare Company
- Any Involved Third Parties (such as a driver of another vehicle or an at-fault pedestrian)
Not all rideshare accidents are caused by Uber or Lyft drivers. However, some are. These situations can be particularly complex. When there is shared liability, Idaho state law frames liability using comparative fault law (Section 6-802 – Idaho State Legislature).
Under the comparative fault law, liability is apportioned between all parties that share fault – including the plaintiff. That means that regardless of your contribution to the crash, you can file an injury claim or lawsuit against any person or entity whose carelessness or negligence caused you to get hurt. However, your contribution to the accident must not be equal to or more than that of the person against whom compensation is sought.
An experienced Uber accident lawyer at Boise Personal Injury Lawyers Group can investigate your crash and determine who bears responsibility for your losses and injuries. Call us today at (208) 968-9060 for a free case review and discover all potentially liable parties for your claim or lawsuit.
How Are Uber Accident Cases Different From Typical Car Accident Cases?
In certain ways, a rideshare accident is similar to a typical car crash. You must prove that the rideshare driver or another driver’s negligence caused the accident to recover damages. However, there are some key differences in these claims:
More Complex Issues
You could face more complicated issues in an Uber or Lyft accident, especially concerning insurance. It may be challenging to determine whether the rideshare driver’s insurance policy or Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance policy would cover your injuries – or both. While rideshare drivers must purchase policies that cover them as commercial drivers, some may only have a personal insurance policy. Besides, Uber drivers are contract employees, and rideshare companies consider themselves liable only in certain situations.
More Liable Parties
In a typical car crash involving passenger vehicles, only one party – the negligent driver – would be liable for compensating the victim. In an Uber or Lyft accident, the rideshare driver and the rideshare company could face liability. In addition, if a driver of another vehicle was also negligent, you may need to file claims with three insurance companies.
More Insurance
In a passenger vehicle crash, the negligent driver’s personal insurance policy covers your injuries. In Idaho, the minimum liability insurance required is $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury liability coverage and $15,000 for property damage per accident. If hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, you could potentially recover more than $1,000,000 under Uber’s liability coverage.
Does Uber Have a $1 Million Insurance Policy for Accidents?
Sort of. Because of the business model of ride-hailing companies like Lyft and Uber, rideshare drivers are independent contractors. That means their employment status at the time of the crash is a relevant factor in your claim.
Uber provides liability insurance for its drivers. This coverage exists to cover damages the rideshare drivers cause to anyone in an accident.
However, the person or entity that will ultimately be liable for compensating you for your injuries, plus the available coverage, will depend on how the rideshare driver was using the rideshare app at the time of the wreck.
Scenario 1: The Uber Diver Was Not Logged Into The App
If an at-fault rideshare driver was not working for the rideshare company at the time of the crash, then the company will deny any responsibility. In such a scenario, you can seek compensation from the driver’s personal insurance company, as well as your own.
Scenario 2: The Uber Driver Was Logged Into the App, But Had Not Accepted a Ride Request
In a situation where the at-fault rideshare driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, they are working as Uber employees.
If this is the case, you might be able to recover damages from Uber’s limited insurance policy. The policy covers bodily injury damage at a limit of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. It also covers property damage at a limit of $25,000 per accident.
Scenario 3: The Uber Driver Had Accepted a Ride and Was on Their Way to Pick Up the Passenger
If an Uber or Lyft driver has an assigned ride and is on their way to pick up the client, Uber’s insurance coverage increases to $1,000,000 to cover property damage, bodily injuries, and death.
Scenario 4: a Passenger Was in the Rideshare at the Time of the Crash
Coverage for accidents that occur in this scenario adds up to $1 million. While you can seek financial recovery from Uber, you can pursue additional damages from the driver’s personal insurance provider.
Unsurprisingly, Uber and all insurance companies involved will fight hard to deny responsibility for the crash and your injuries. That is why it is crucial to speak with an experienced Boise Uber accident lawyer to guarantee your claim and lawsuit boast the best representation possible.
What Type of Compensation Can I Seek in an Uber Accident?
Our Boise Uber accident attorneys will work hard to investigate your case to identify all your losses and injuries and demand maximum financial compensation on your behalf. Recoverable damages may include:
- Economic Damages: Including all medical expenses (current and future), rehabilitative costs, and lost wages (current and future).
- Non-Economic Damages: Including physical pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, reduced earning capacity, emotional trauma, loss of consortium, and more.
Give us a call at any time. We’ll explain the steps to take after an Uber or Lyft accident and how our legal team can fight to get you the settlement or verdict you deserve.
Should I Just Accept a Settlement Offer?
We know things are difficult right now, and it can be tempting to jump on the first offer the insurance companies throw your way.
However, never accept any settlement offer until you’ve spoken with a lawyer or made a complete recovery from your injuries. While a settlement offer presents you with an opportunity of guaranteed money, the chances are insurance companies are taking advantage of the situation. Speaking with an experienced and reputable Boise Uber accident lawyer means you’ll have experienced negotiators in your corner to make sure you recover nothing less than what you deserve.
How Much Will a Boise Uber Accident Lawyer Cost?
A contingency fee is the payment arrangement between clients and our Boise Uber accident lawyers. It does not cost you anything to speak or work with the legal team at Boise Personal Injury Lawyers Group. Call us today for your free consultation to learn more about the fees you can expect after we win your case.
Is There a Deadline For Filing an Uber Accident Claim?
You won’t have an unlimited window to file a claim or lawsuit to ask for compensation after suffering injuries in an Uber crash in Idaho. Typically, the time limit for Uber accident cases is two years. You will lose out on the much-needed financial compensation if you don’t file your claim within two years of the date of the crash.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer for My Rideshare Accident?
An unexpected injury can turn your life upside down, leaving you with a pile of medical bills, lost wages, and injuries that affect you for the rest of your life. Fighting for the compensation you’re owed might be the most important thing you will do. However, there are many hurdles involved. Not only could there be multiple parties involved, but they’ll also try to avoid liability for your injuries.
It would be best if you did not hesitate to consult Boise Personal Injury Lawyers Group after an Uber accident. Working with our legal team can benefit you in many ways. Some of the primary benefits of working with our Uber accident lawyers include:
- Investigating your case
- Filing your claim and lawsuit
- Determining fault in your Uber accident
- Estimating the maximum recoverable compensation
- Countering false attempts to blame you
- Dealing with all the paperwork within set time limits
- Handling settlement negotiation
- Preparing for trial & representing you in court
Discuss Your Case With Trusted & Experienced Attorneys
Are you struggling with injuries after a rideshare accident? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Boise Personal Injury Lawyers Group for immediate assistance. Our Boise Uber accident attorneys have experience negotiating and standing up to insurance companies and can fight for the compensation you deserve after an accident.
Call us today at (208) 968-9060 for your fee, no-obligation consultation to determine if you have a case, answer all your questions, and protect your rights after a rideshare accident.
