Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular over the years. With just a few taps on your phone, you can summon a car and be on your way to your destination in no time. However, with the rise of ridesharing services comes the risk of accidents. If you have been involved in an Uber accident, you may be wondering who is at fault and what your options are for seeking compensation.
At Wood Injury Law, our personal injury accident lawyers understand the complexities of ridesharing accidents and can help you navigate the legal system to get the compensation you deserve. Here’s what you need to know about ridesharing accidents in Arizona and New Mexico.
What to Expect from Using a Rideshare Service
Before you book an Uber ride, it’s important to understand the following:
- Rideshare drivers are required to have personal car insurance by both Uber and Lyft.
- When rideshare drivers use the Uber or Lyft app, additional insurance coverage is provided.
- If you were harmed due to the intentional or negligent actions of your rideshare driver, you may be able to file a claim against Uber or Lyft.
Rideshare injury cases are more complex than standard car accident claims and may require the assistance of an experienced attorney to ensure you receive compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Why accidents occur in Ubers
Although ridesharing companies uphold strict standards to ensure the safety of passengers, accidents do still happen due to driver negligence. These negligent acts include:
- Distracted driving. While smartphones, navigational aids, and entertainment systems can enhance the driving experience, they can also cause drivers to lose focus and become distracted. It’s important to hold distracted drivers accountable for the accidents they cause to encourage safer driving habits and reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted driving.
- Going over the speed limit. Responsible drivers are aware of the need to adjust their speed to match the current road conditions. But some drivers fail to do so, which can lead to accidents. Even if these drivers stay below the posted speed limit, their actions may still be considered negligent.
- Running a red light or trying to beat a yellow light aren’t the only ways to violate traffic lights. For example, attempting to perform tricky maneuvers or making a right turn on red without yielding to other vehicles or pedestrians can also cause accidents.
- Drunk driving. Rideshare drivers are not exempt from the need to remain sober while driving. Impairment can result from not just alcohol but also some medications that affect driver behavior. Even if the driver’s behavior doesn’t lead to criminal charges, they can still be held civilly liable for injuries caused to passengers or other drivers.
Can you seek compensation after being in an Uber accident?
If you have been involved in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries you sustained. However, the process for seeking compensation can be complicated, as there are many parties involved in a ridesharing accident. The driver, the company, and the insurance companies all play a role in determining who is at fault and how much compensation you are entitled to.
The good news is that both Arizona and New Mexico have laws that require ridesharing companies to carry insurance coverage that can provide compensation for injured passengers and other parties. This means that if you were a passenger in an Uber that was involved in an accident, you can seek compensation from the company’s insurance policy.
However, the situation becomes more complicated if you were not a passenger in the Uber and were instead hit by the Uber driver while they were working. In this case, you may need to seek compensation from the driver’s personal insurance policy, or you may need to file a lawsuit against the driver.
What’s the Difference Between Being Hit by an Uber Driver vs. Being Their Passenger?
The difference between being hit by an Uber driver and being their passenger can have a significant impact on your ability to seek compensation for your injuries. If you were a passenger in the Uber at the time of the accident, you can seek compensation from the company’s insurance policy. This means that you can potentially receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
If you were hit by an Uber driver while they were working, the situation is more complicated. In this case, you may need to seek compensation from the driver’s personal insurance policy. However, if the driver did not have adequate insurance coverage, you may need to file a lawsuit against the driver or the ridesharing company to seek compensation.
Ridesharing accidents can be complicated, but at Wood Injury Law, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you navigate the legal system and seek the compensation you deserve. Whether you were a passenger in an Uber or were hit by an Uber driver, we can help you determine who is at fault and how much compensation you are entitled to.
If you have been involved in an Uber accident in Arizona or New Mexico, contact Wood Injury Law today for a free consultation. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that an accident can take on your life, and we are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait – contact us today to learn more.
