What Should I Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident?n

After an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. Medical expenses, Vehicle damage and other property losses, you may also be entitled to pain and suffering, a non-economic form of compensation, for the physical and emotional distress you experienced due to the accident.

Fayetteville Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Q: What Are Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Distracted driving, Fatigue due to long shifts, Unfamiliarity with roads and traffic patterns, Speeding, Failure to properly maintain the vehicle, and Unsafe lane changes or failure to yield.

Fayetteville Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are a popular and convenient method of traveling throughout Fayetteville. Whether heading to work, running errands, or exploring the city with friends, these platforms provide convenience and accessibility. However, more rideshare vehicles on the road also mean a higher risk of car accidents and potential injuries.

Uber and Lyft both have strict screening processes to ensure their drivers meet certain standards before being allowed to work for their companies. While their exact policies may vary slightly, both companies require drivers to meet basic safety and eligibility requirements. To drive for Uber or Lyft in Arkansas, a person must:

Be at least 21 years old.
Have a valid U.S. driver’s license and at least one year of driving experience (three years if under 25).
Pass a criminal background check and driving history review.
Provide proof of valid vehicle registration and auto insurance.
Use a four-door vehicle that meets company guidelines and passes a vehicle inspection.
Operate a vehicle that is newer than a specified date, has no salvaged title, and has no commercial markings.

Both companies also require drivers to use their apps to accept rides and stay in communication with passengers. These standards help ensure that rideshare drivers meet a basic level of safety and responsibility before transporting passengers. For additional safety purposes, the app actively tracks the driver for the duration of the trip when actively transporting passengers.

While these requirements help establish basic driver qualifications, they do not always guarantee safe or experienced drivers. If you were injured in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft driver, these company policies may play a role in determining liability or whether the driver should have been allowed to operate on the platform.

What Are Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Accidents can happen anywhere that rideshares operate. Uber and Lyft drivers often face unique distractions and pressures not typically faced by other drivers that can decrease focus and increase stress and the risk of collisions. Some common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents include:

Distracted driving caused by GPS use, app notifications, or conversations with passengers.
Fatigue due to long shifts or driving late at night to increase earnings.
Unfamiliarity with roads and traffic patterns.
Speeding or rushing to complete rides faster.
Failure to properly maintain the vehicle.
Unsafe lane changes or failure to yield.

Of course, not all rideshare accidents are caused by the driver. Collisions can be caused by other motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, bad weather or road conditions, tractor-trailers, and even rideshare customers.

Who Is Responsible for a Rideshare Accident?

Liability in rideshare accidents is not necessarily as straightforward as in typical car crashes. Multiple different parties may share responsibility for a rideshare accident, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the status of the driver at the time of the collision.

The rideshare driver may be held responsible if their negligence caused the collision. However, Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage in certain situations, depending on whether the driver was logged into the app or actively transporting a passenger.

If the driver was not using the app at the time of the crash, then the driver’s personal auto insurance may apply instead. In other situations, a third party may be responsible, such as another driver who caused the accident or a vehicle manufacturer if a defect contributed to the crash.

What Types of Compensation Are Available After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

After an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. This could include medical expenses, which cover hospital bills, medication costs, and rehabilitation services, along with compensation for lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. You may also be compensated for vehicle damage and other property losses, depending on whether you were a rideshare passenger or another driver in the accident.

You may also be entitled to pain and suffering, a non-economic form of compensation, for the physical and emotional distress you experienced due to the accident. In some cases, you may be eligible for punitive damages if the rideshare driver’s actions were extraordinarily reckless or malicious. It is important to gather evidence and consult with an experienced Fayetteville Uber and Lyft accident lawyer to understand your rights and maximize your compensation.

Additionally, Arkansas uses a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you may recover compensation only if you are less than 50 percent at fault for the accident. However, your total compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault you have. You are also limited to three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Arkansas, so you should consult a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.

What Should I Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

The moments after a rideshare crash can be chaotic, but taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights. If you are physically able to do so after an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you should take the following steps:

Call 911 and report the accident and any injuries.
Seek medical care, even if you do not feel seriously hurt.
Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage.
Exchange contact information with everyone involved in the accident.
Report the accident to Uber or Lyft through the company app.
Notify your own insurance company, but avoid discussing fault or making recorded statements.
Avoid posting about the accident on social media.

Following these steps can help ensure that your injuries are documented and your claim is supported by evidence.

How Can a Fayetteville Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Rideshare accident claims involve complex insurance issues, potentially multiple liable parties, and unique legal considerations not typically present in standard car accident claims, and hiring an experienced lawyer can make a significant difference.

At Wilmoth Law Firm, we understand Uber and Lyft insurance policies and have experience working with company representatives and insurance adjusters. Rideshare companies have detailed procedures for responding to accident claims, and their goal is often to limit the amount of compensation they pay. Our job is to protect your interests and help level the playing field by handling the following on your behalf:

Investigating the accident scene and reviewing police reports.
Determining whether the rideshare driver, company, or another party is liable.
Gathering evidence through witness statements, app data, vehicle records, and medical documentation.
Handling all communication with insurance companies.
Negotiating a settlement reflecting the full impact of your injuries.
Representing you in court if negotiations fail.

Rideshare accident claims require keen attention to detail, knowledge of insurance structures, and sound legal strategy. We offer each of our clients personal attention, honest guidance, and a clear strategy moving forward. You deserve an experienced Fayetteville lawyer in your corner who will take the time to understand the facts of your case and fight for the outcome you deserve.

Fayetteville Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Wilmoth Law Firm Help Injured Clients Recover

Rideshare accidents can cause serious injuries that leave you with costly medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you were injured in a crash involving a rideshare driver, our Fayetteville Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Wilmoth Law Firm understand the unique challenges rideshare cases present and can help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Call 479-443-8080 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.