As humans, we’ve learned to expect the unexpected. Even so, nobody truly anticipates the crash of their Uber or Lyft. What happens in the aftermath? Who should be held responsible? These complex questions can be answered with the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
If you or a loved one have been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, contact our legal team at Fetterman & Associates. Our in-house investigative team will devote its time and energy to your case, fighting for a fair outcome that promises the compensation you deserve.
Recent Accidents
An article published in July of 2017 for TIME outlined the process that begins the moment an Uber or Lyft collides with another vehicle – or, in the case of the writer, a person.
“It turns out, if you’re ever in an accident involving Uber or Lyft, you likely won’t sue the ride-sharing company outright, according to multiple lawyers,” the article reads. “Drivers are technically independent contractors, not employees, meaning the company can deny liability for crashes involving their drivers.”
One such case occurred when, in 2014, a six-year-old girl was struck and killed by an Uber driver. The driver was eventually charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, carrying a maximum twelve- month sentence.
Although the family of the slain girl sued Uber, officials emphasized the driver was not a company employee, and was not responding to a fare request at the time of the accident.
The Steps to Follow
Though your legal options vary based on state laws, there are several steps you should take after your Uber or Lyft crashes. First, call first responders. Second, take pictures of the wreck. Next, write down the name of the driver and contact information for any witnesses. Finally, take screenshots of your ride-sharing request and receipt.
If you’ve been injured, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Typically speaking, if your ride-sharing driver is deemed at-fault for the accident, you’ll be covered under a liability policy through James River Insurance. If you plan to file a lawsuit yourself, you’ll sue the at-fault driver.
In order to sue Lyft or Uber directly, you’ll have to prove the company itself did something that contributed to the accident, such as hiring an incompetent or dangerous driver. This can be difficult, especially when the ride-sharing company can hide behind ignorance.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer for Assistance
There are few things more unexpected than being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident, contact Fetterman & Associates at 561-845-2510. We specialize in consumer safety and protection. Our personal injury lawyer team is prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.