With the rise in popularity of ridesharing services, like Uber and Lyft, more people find convenience incorporating such transportation options into their day-to-day life. However, with any form of travel, collisions are bound to happen. A ridesharing accident can present unique challenges compared to traditional car crashes. Understanding the complexities surrounding such a case is important for anyone, whether they are passengers or drivers.

If you were harmed as a result of rideshare driver negligence, West Coast Trial Lawyers is here to help. We can go over your rights, investigate the situation, and guide you through the process of securing maximum compensation for the injuries or damages you incurred. 

With over 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases and a proven track record of delivering client satisfaction, we are committed to provide expert legal representation tailored to your specific needs.

Our team runs under a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we win or settle your case. To schedule a FREE consultation with a Phoenix Uber and Lyft accident lawyer, you can connect with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our easy online contact form.

Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics

Both Uber and Lyft have experienced many rideshare accident cases. Reports are often disclosed to the public every few years with updates indicating how their services have led to such outcomes.

Uber

Between 2021 to 2022, Uber encountered the following issues:

• 153 motor vehicle deaths
• 33 percent of fatalities caused by an alcohol-impaired driver, and 100 percent of these were from a third-party driver
• 39 percent included a speeding vehicle, and 93 percent had third-parties involved
• 13 percent of deaths had individual’s driving the wrong way, and 100 percent of these were contributed by third-party drivers

Lyft

From 2020 to 2022, Lyft was presented with:

• 111 motor vehicle fatalities
• 14 percent increase in rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
• 31 percent rise in incident frequency rate compared to the last report

Common Rideshare Car Accident Injuries

Common injuries in a rideshare car accident will differ depending on the intensity of the impact. Some may include the following:

• Broken bones
• Whiplash
• Head or neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal injuries

What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident

Uber and Lyft accidents happen due to various factors, and can often involve multiple parties. This will make the situation more complex to navigate legally. But, if you consider the actions sectioned below, you will better your safety and increase your chances at developing a well-constructed claim against the opposing side.

Contact Police

If the rideshare accident involved injuries or damages, you should report it to the police. They will arrive at the accident scene and document the incident. Paramedics may also be present to administer medical care to affected victims.

Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft

Use the Uber or Lyft app to report the accident over to customer support. Be sure to explain what happened and whether anyone was injured. The respective company will reach out shortly after for updates or if additional details are needed.

Exchange Information

You should exchange vehicle, insurance, and contact information with all parties involved.

Seek Medical Attention

Your health should be your top priority. Even if you think you have minimal bodily injury, be sure to get yourself evaluated just to be on the safe side. Some symptoms will not be immediately apparent, so if you delay the process, you could progressively worsen your condition.

Once you have your wounded area examined by a medical professional, you may be given a short- or long-term care plan to help with your recovery. All visits, prescriptions, and surgical procedures will be documented and saved on file.

Gather Evidence

Try to acquire as much evidence as you can, including the following:

• Photos of your injury, damages, and the accident scene
• CCTV footage
• Witness statements
• A copy of the police report and your medical records

Consult with a Phoenix Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Uber and Lyft accidents can involve complex legal issues, making it difficult to recover fair compensation. But, if you consult with an experienced rideshare accident attorney, they can protect your rights and maximize your recovery. Your legal representative will do the following to ensure you acquire a favorable outcome:

• Assess your case and identify the at fault party
• Negotiate with the insurance companies
• Take on all legal paperwork
• Prevent you from making costly mistakes
• Defend you in court if needed

Since most rideshare accident attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, there are no financial risks involved in seeking help.

Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage in Phoenix

Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage to protect drivers and passengers in collisions. To know how these policies work, you can take a look at the sections listed below. 

Driver Is Offline

The accident happened when the rideshare driver was offline. In this case, their personal auto insurance coverage will apply.

Driver Is Logged in But Has Not Accepted a Ride Request

A collision that takes place during this phase will result in limited liability coverage if the rideshare driver’s personal insurance coverage does not compensate for damages. This includes the following:

• $50,000 per individual for bodily injury
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 in property damage per accident

Driver Is En Route or on a Trip

The incident happens while the rideshare driver has accepted a ride request or has a passenger in the vehicle. Uber and Lyft will provide $1 million in liability coverage for injuries and damages. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may also be provided if you encounter a driver who carries little to no insurance.

Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage will apply only if the rideshare driver has their own comprehensive/collision insurance. This will cover up to the actual cash value (with a $2,500 deductible).

Are Rideshare Drivers Employees or Independent Contractors?

In Phoenix, Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors. This means that they are not employees, but are self-employed individuals providing services through these platforms. They will be more responsible for their actions. And, if they are at fault in a collision, either their personal auto insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance might compensate for the damages they caused depending on what their status was on the app when the impact occurred.

Can I File a Lawsuit Against Uber or Lyft?

Filing a lawsuit against Uber and Lyft can be challenging since both companies classify their drivers as independent contractors. This will limit their liability, but under certain circumstances, you could be eligible to pursue compensation.

If either of the following factors apply, grounds for a lawsuit is possible:

• The rideshare company failed to initiate a proper background check on the dangerous driver
• Uber or Lyft did not suspend drivers with a history of reckless behavior, assaults, or DUIs 

Determining Liability in a Rideshare Accident Case

Determining liability in a rideshare accident depends on who caused it and what the status was of the Uber or Lyft driver at the time of impact. Since multiple parties and insurance policies may be involved, identifying the at fault party will be complicated. It is important for injured victims to demonstrate the elements of negligence to secure reasonable compensation. This will require you to prove the following:

• The rideshare driver had a legal duty to act responsibly
• The rideshare driver went against their duty of care
• The breach directly caused the crash and your injuries
• You sustained losses as a result of the Uber or Lyft accident, like medical bills or pain and suffering

Since Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule, you can recover compensation regardless of whether you were fully or partially responsible for the incident. But, it will be adjusted based on your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are 20 percent liable and the total damages are $100,000, you may be awarded an estimate of $80,000.

How Much to Expect From a Rideshare Accident Settlement?

The amount you can expect from a rideshare accident settlement will vary depending on several factors, including the following:

• The extent of your injury
• Percentage of fault
• Current and future medical bills
• Lost income and earning capacity

To learn what you could be entitled to, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by submitting the expenses you sustained as a result of the Uber or Lyft accident.

Generally, economic damages and non-economic damages are awarded in personal injury cases.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are financial losses that are quantified based on receipts, bills, or pay stubs, like:

• Hospital fees
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are subjective, non-monetary losses that do not hold a specific monetary value, such as:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Schedule a FREE Case Evaluation with Our Phoenix Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers Today

Rideshare accident victims are entitled to pursue legal action against the at fault party to recover compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Phoenix team is readily available to guide you through each stage of the legal process to ensure no costly mistakes are made. We will work diligently on your behalf to get you the best outcome possible.

To schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our quick online contact form.

Phoenix Uber and Lyft Accident FAQ

Do Uber and Lyft Cover Hit-and-Run Accidents?

Both Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage for hit-and-run accidents. But, this will depend on the driver’s status, specifically when the incident took place. If they were active on the app, the insurance policy may kick in. But, if they were offline or not active, then the driver’s personal auto insurance will apply.

What Is the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protect you if you are involved in an accident with someone who lacks coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage applies if you are struck by a driver who has no insurance or fled the accident scene. In this case, your own insurance company will compensate you for the damages you incurred.

Underinsured motorist coverage happens when the at fault driver has inadequate insurance, meaning they do not have enough to cover total damages. Given the circumstances, their insurance pays up to their policy limit and your own UIM coverage will pay the difference.

How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim in Phoenix?

If you were involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, you will be given two years to file a claim, and it will begin on the initial date of the event. Although it may seem like enough time to pursue legal action, you should consider acting promptly to ensure you have adequate evidence and the right legal representation on your side. If you fail to do this in a timely manner, you will risk exceeding the statute of limitations. And if you do, you will lose your opportunity to acquire full and fair compensation.