Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the lives of thousands of Arizona residents. As the popularity of these services increase, so do the questions surrounding liability in the event of an accident.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a ridesharing accident—whether you were the passenger in an Uber or Lyft or you were hit by one of the company’s contracted drivers—establishing liability can be complicated.
A Tucson ridesharing accident lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC can walk you through the legality of establishing liability, determine whether you have a viable case, and advocate on your behalf for the compensation you may be entitled to. Call (844) 730-0233 to schedule a free consultation with the personal injury lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC today.
Ridesharing, Negligence, and Liability
The minutes, days, and weeks after a car accident can easily pass by in a blur. Between the recovery from the injuries you’ve suffered and the emotional trauma and confusion resulting from the crash itself, it can be hard to know where to turn and what to do next.
In general, there are a few key things to make sure you take care of in the immediate aftermath of any car accident.
- Seek medical attention even if you don’t believe you need it. There may be injuries that are not immediately apparent, and the paperwork will prove important in an insurance claim.
- Secure a police report of what caused the accident, who was at fault, a list of all eyewitnesses, and contact information for all parties.
- Exchange information with the other driver, but be sure not to accept fault for the accident or apologize for anything you may perceive as being your fault. Doing so can work against you when you file your claim.
A Tucson ridesharing accident lawyer can explain Arizona liability laws, outline how they apply to ridesharing services, and guide you in the next steps in recovering your losses.
In general, there are two types of ridesharing accidents:
- In the first scenario, a rideshare driver hits your vehicle.
- In the second scenario, you are the passenger in a rideshare vehicle at the time of the accident.
In a typical car accident, the at-fault driver is responsible for covering any damages. However, determining liability in a rideshare accident isn’t that straightforward. The liable party is dependent on the situation.
If the driver was “on-duty” (either driving a passenger or on their way to pick up a new passenger), the driver’s employer is responsible for any damages incurred in the accident. If, however, the driver was off-duty (i.e., the rideshare app was off, and they were not actively working at the moment), the driver’s personal insurance would cover damages.
Given the complexity of determining liability and the multiple parties involved, the rideshare company and the driver may disagree over which insurance should be held responsible. Rather than allowing confusion and disagreements between other parties to frustrate you, let a rideshare accident lawyer step in and act as your advocate.
For a free legal consultation with a ridesharing accidents lawyer serving Tucson, call (844) 730-0233
Consult a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
What you do in the days and weeks after an accident can dramatically impact your ability to recover full and fair compensation for your damages. Consulting a rideshare accident lawyer ensures you’re operating with all the facts and demonstrates that you are unwilling to settle for less than you deserve.
Regardless of whether the driver or the rideshare company’s insurance policy is tasked with covering your expenses, if the other party is determined to be at-fault, you may be entitled to seek financial compensation for your losses.
According to Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-542, victims generally have up to two years from the date of the injury or death to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
By filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim, you may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: These expenses cover past, present, and future medical expenses and can include everything from the immediate treatment of injuries sustained in the accident to long-term rehabilitation services for lasting injuries.
- Lost Earnings and Lost Earning Capacity: If you are unable to work as a result of injury or emotional trauma, you may be able to seek compensation for the loss of your income. If long-lasting injuries prevent you from returning to work in the same capacity as prior to the accident, you may be able to seek compensation that covers the difference in salaries between your previous job and the job you are presently able to perform.
- Emotional Turmoil, Pain, and Suffering: Car accidents are traumatic. If you are suffering from depression, stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or any other emotional disturbance that has resulted from the accident, you may be able to seek damages that cover any associated expenses and compensate you for the reduction in the quality of your life.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: If the rideshare accident has resulted in the death of a loved one, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for their funeral and burial costs. Additionally, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss of companionship.
If you have been injured in a ridesharing accident, or if you have lost a loved one as a result of a ridesharing car accident, you should not be expected to shoulder the burden of fighting for compensation.
A Tucson ridesharing accident lawyer will handle all research, communicate with other parties, collect all medical records and paperwork from rideshare companies, account for your injuries and financial burdens, and file your claim or litigate in court on your behalf if necessary.
Call (844) 730-0233 to schedule a risk-free consultation with Ben Crump Law, PLLC. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights, and we only collect our fee when you win.
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