Phoenix Uber And Lyft Accident Attorney

The number one thing that we want you to know about Uber and Lyft drivers is that they are just like any other driver on the roadway. While this does not necessarily mean they are bad drivers, this does mean that they are just as prone to getting into an accident as anybody else. Considering there were nearly 130,000 total vehicle collisions during the latest reporting year in this state, according to the Department of Transportation, it should not be surprising that rideshare accidents occur.

What complicates these cases is the process of securing compensation from insurance providers after a crash. Both Uber and Lyft handle crashes on a tiered basis concerning insurance:

• If an Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash when they are not signed into the work app, then their personal insurance carrier will be responsible for covering any injury or damage expenses of other parties.
• If an Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash while they are signed into the app but do not have a passenger yet, their personal insurance carrier will still primarily be responsible for covering the expenses of other parties. Both rideshare companies will provide limited coverage if the personal carrier limits are exhausted or if the claim is denied.
• If an Uber or Lyft driver is involved in an accident while they have a passenger or are on the way to pick one up, then both companies have a $1 million liability policy that is supposed to kick in and cover every party involved.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, let the team at Yen Pilch Robaina & Kresin PLC get to work on your case immediately. Accidents involving rideshare vehicles can become immensely complex, particularly when dealing with aggressive insurance carriers.

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

Common injuries include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden stops or rear-end collisions often cause whiplash, where the neck is jerked forward and backward abruptly.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Even with seat belts, the result of a collision can cause passengers to hit their heads on windows, dashboards, or headrests, leading to concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can have long-term impacts on cognitive function and quality of life.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a crash can damage the spinal cord, possibly resulting in partial or full paralysis. Spinal cord injuries often demand extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The result of a rideshare accident can cause fractures in different parts of the body, which includes arms, legs, ribs, and the pelvis.

• Internal Injuries: The strength of a crash can also cause internal bleeding or damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Internal injuries are serious and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Shattered glass, twisted metal, and other debris could cause deep cuts and lacerations, which could require stitches or other medical interventions to heal properly.
• Emotional Trauma: In addition to physical injuries, rideshare accidents can leave victims with emotional scars. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common psychological effects that may require professional treatment.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Rideshare Accident Claim?

Possible damages include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation could cover the cost of emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other medical treatments that are related to the accident. Future medical expenses for ongoing treatment or rehabilitation may also be included.
• Lost Wages: If injuries sustained in the accident stop you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost earnings. This includes compensation for the time missed from work because of hospitalization, recovery, and medical appointments.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: In instances where injuries lead to long-term or permanent disability, victims could be compensated for their reduced ability to earn income in the future. This calculation often considers the victim's age, occupation, and earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or personal property had been damaged in the accident, you might be eligible to recover the repairs costs or the property's fair market value if it was destroyed.
• Punitive Damages: In certain cases, where the rideshare driver's conduct was particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
• Loss of Consortium: If the accident lead to significant disruption to a victim's relationship with their spouse, like loss of companionship, affection, or sexual relations, the spouse may be able to recover damages for loss of consortium.
• Funeral and Burial Expenses: In the tragic occasion that a rideshare accident results in a fatality, the victim's family may seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, as well as wrongful death damages to cover the loss of financial support and companionship.