Johnson, AR Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

Rideshares have become a way of life throughout the country and in Johnson, AR. Uber and Lyft provide affordable and convenient transportation that is easily accessed through a smartphone app. When you request an Uber or Lyft ride, you place your faith in your driver to get you to your destination safely. Unfortunately, Uber and Lyft drivers are sometimes reckless or careless, putting their passengers and others at risk.

Accident cases involving rideshares are more complicated than other personal injury lawsuits arising from car crashes. In addition to determining liability, there is the question of “driver status” to establish. Because Uber and Lyft consider their drivers independent contractors, it is challenging to hold the companies liable when accidents occur.

Our Johnson, AR Uber and Lyft accident lawyers understand the complexities and hurdles of a rideshare injury claim. Our law firm has the staff, knowledge, and resources to investigate an accident claim to build a compelling case. Our goal is to maximize your compensation. Call (479) 316-0438 if you were hurt in a rideshare accident.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Johnson, AR

To hold another person liable for injuries sustained in an accident, you must be able to prove that the at-fault driver was negligent. This requirement does not change because you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft. Our Johnson, AR Uber and Lyft accident lawyers will have to establish that your driver was negligent. Typically, this is done similarly to any other car accident. However, there are certain underlying behaviors and business practices that are more prevalent in rideshare accidents.

Distracted Driving

Distracting driving is a leading cause of automotive vehicle accidents. However, the nature of the rideshare business makes an Uber or Lyft driver more prone to engaging in behaviors that draw their attention away from safely operating their vehicles. A rideshare driver relies on their app to contact clients and book rides. There also rely on their GPS to find their passengers and their destination. Using this app and referring to the GPS is a distraction that could result in an accident.

Scanning for Passengers

While this could be considered “distracted” driving, it deserves a special mention. It is not uncommon for a Lyft or Uber driver to be looking for a passenger in an unfamiliar area, whether it is a physical address or a street corner. Drivers will be scanning the pavements, driving slowly, and making sudden stops. These actions could cause an unexpected accident.

Reckless Driving

Ignoring stop signs, traffic lights, or speeding increase the chances of accidents. Many drivers are guilty of reckless driving. However, a rideshare driver could be more prone to taking risks or speeding to quickly pick up a passenger.

Tired Driving

Driving while drowsy is as unsafe as driving drunk. Because Uber and Lyft drivers make more money the more they work, some drivers might be on the road for long shifts. Both companies require that their drivers limit their shifts to 12 hours before requiring a six-hour break. However, 12 hours is still a long time. Furthermore, many Uber and Lyft drivers are working into the early morning hours over weekends. Some of these drivers could have already worked a full day at another job before a night of transporting passengers here and there.

Liability Insurance and the Status of a Johnson Uber or Lyft Driver

If you were in rideshare that was involved in an accident, one of the most important things our Johnson Uber and Lyft accident attorney will have to do is establish the status of your driver at the time of the crash. Every Uber and Lyft driver must maintain liability auto insurance. However, personal car insurance policies usually have much lower limits than the insurance policies Lyft and Uber have.

The statue of the Lyft or Uber driver will determine if the rideshare’s insurance is responsible for covering your injuries and damages.

The Driver Is Not In Service

If a driver is not logged into their app, they are not working as a rideshare driver and are considered off duty. If the driver is in a wreck at this time, a victim is only entitled to file a claim against the driver and their personal auto insurance. Lyft or Uber have no liability under these circumstances.

The Driver is On Duty

When a driver is logged into their app, they are considered “on duty.” However, an Uber or Lyft driver could be on duty and not engaged with a fare. When a crash happens while the driver is on duty but not engaged with a passenger, an injured victim could be covered under Lyft or Uber’s insurance.

More specifically, the insurance policies provide $50,000 per person for bodily injury with a limit of $100,000 per accident. Additionally, there is $25,000 of coverage for property damage.

The Driver is On Duty and Has Accepted a Ride Request or is Carrying a Passenger

The available coverage increases if the rideshare driver has accepted a passenger request or is transporting a passenger to their destination. Accident victims are now covered up to $1 million in damages. This coverage includes anyone involved in an accident, including passengers, other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Contact Our Experienced Johnson, AR Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys to Review Your Case

Unexpected injuries lead to unanticipated medical expenses, lost time at work, and other costs. If you were harmed in a crash caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, you should not be responsible for your financial losses. Our Johnson, AR Uber and Lyft accident attorneys are committed to fighting for your just compensation. To review your legal options, call our law offices at (479) 316-0438.