Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have taken the world by storm over the past several years, providing substantial competition to and sometimes even fully replacing traditional taxi services. However, because these companies operate entirely through smartphone apps and require drivers to use their own personal vehicles, there are, unfortunately, more than a few cracks that unsafe drivers can slip through during hiring and screening processes.
As a result, Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Chandler are far from uncommon, and they can present some unique challenges when it comes to financial recovery that do not apply to many other traffic crash cases. Fortunately, the dedicated auto accident lawyers at Phillips Law Group are here to help you understand all your options and proactively protect your rights after being hurt by a rideshare driver’s—or anyone else’s—negligence behind the wheel.
Who Is Financially Liable for a Rideshare Car Wreck?
One very important thing to understand about rideshare crashes in Chandler and throughout the Grand Canyon State is that with almost no exceptions, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are not civilly liable for these sorts of wrecks. Since rideshare drivers are legally classified as independent contractors, Uber and Lyft are not legally considered their employers, so they in turn cannot be held vicariously liable for the misconduct of someone operating through their business.
That said, both Uber and Lyft provide liability insurance coverage of up to $1 million total per accident if that accident involves a rideshare driver for their company who is carrying or traveling to pick up a paying passenger. Additionally, both companies provide up to $50,000 of liability coverage for one person’s injuries, $100,000 for all injuries, and $25,000 for all property damage stemming from a wreck involving a rideshare driver who is logged into their respective app but has not accepted a ride request yet.
Suing for Damages Not Covered by Insurance
While liability insurance coverage can be a vital source of support for people in Chandler injured through Uber or Lyft accidents, it typically only covers medical expenses and car repair/replacement costs up to policy limits. Recovering for other types of damages like lost work income, physical pain, and psychological trauma typically requires filing civil suit against whoever directly caused or contributed to causing the wreck through their own reckless or careless actions behind the wheel.
Fortunately, Arizona is a fault state, which means there are no artificial restrictions placed by state law on the rights of crash victims to file suit over their crash-related injuries. To reiterate, though, successfully suing over a traffic accident requires proof that a specific other person was directly at fault for that accident, whereas liability insurance—and certain other forms of insurance coverage—are generally available on a no-fault basis. These are all things which a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can explain in more detail during an initial consultation.
Speak With a Chandler Attorney About an Uber/Lyft/Rideshare Accident Claim
Whether you are riding in the back of an Uber or Lyft, in your own personal vehicle, or a pedestrian nearby, getting into a wreck with a rideshare driver can be an intensely traumatic experience. Thankfully, you may have more than one option for seeking financial restitution after an accident like this, but trying to obtain the compensation you need all by yourself can very often be a recipe for disaster.
In the wake of an Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident in Chandler, contacting a capable car accident attorney from Phillips Law Group should be among your top priorities. Call today to speak with a member of our team and discuss your case options.
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