For US commuters, the ride sharing services provided by Uber and Lyft have been a huge convenience since they were introduced to the public a little more than a decade ago. As with any other forms of transit, though, there will always be the risk of accidents that come with the use of these services. Whether you are an Uber or Lyft passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver on the road, it is important that you know what to do in case you get involved in any of these accidents.
Do Uber and Lyft Entertain Accident Claims?
Both Uber and Lyft do have a system for dealing with accidents, settlements, lawsuits and claims ever since their respective companies have begun. But these systems have gradually evolved over the years in order to address newly discovered issues or to accommodate the changing demands of the commuting public. If you find yourself in the middle of a road mishap involving Uber or Lyft in 2022/2023, you should know about the most recent changes on how these companies now process claims, settlements, and such.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File an Injury Claim with Uber and Lyft?
Technically, you can file a claim even if you don’t have a lawyer as long as you follow the procedures used by Uber and Lyft. However, if you require in-depth assistance or if the incident appears to be contestable, you might be better off hiring an attorney to ensure that your rights are protected.
Our Uber and Lyft attorneys are experienced in handling these cases and will be able to provide you with the highest level of legal service that you need. We have highly qualified personal injury trial lawyers all over the US, particularly in Chicago, Detroit, Houston, LA, Miami, New York and San Francisco. Our attorneys are all fully licensed in their respective states.
Can I Hire an Attorney from a Different State at the Location of the Accident?
Legally speaking, any lawyer can represent you in your injury claim. However, each state has its own specific laws with regards to the filing of accident claims. There is also a statutory law called the “Transportation Network Provider Act” or TNP for each state that indicates all the insurance requirements for driving and operating these transportation services. To give you an idea of the variation, here are some distinct features you can encounter in different states.
Uber & Lyft Accidents in Chicago
Under the TNP Act of Illinois, services like Uber and Lyft are obligated to have a minimum automobile liability insurance of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident for death and personal injury, as well as $25,000 in property damage.
Uber & Lyft Accidents in Detroit
When you figure in an Uber or Lyft accident in Detroit, it is worth noting that the No Fault Policy of Michigan covers passengers and drivers of an Uber or Lyft. Also, the Ridesharing Act of Michigan that was passed in 2016 requires that Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing companies have at least $1,000,000 of third party automobile liability for personal injury and damage to property, covering the entire period that a passenger is being transported within Detroit and other areas in the state of Michigan.
Uber & Lyft Accidents in Houston
Drivers in Houston and other parts of Texas are required by law to buy a minimum of $30,000 personal injury coverage, and as much as $60,000 coverage per incident, as well as $25,000 coverage for damages to property. In Houston, rides via Uber and Lyft are regulated under the Texas Transportation Network Companies Law, which is part of the Texas Occupations Code.
Uber & Lyft Accidents in Los Angeles
According to California Vehicle Code 21950, all drivers must give way to pedestrians walking across a street on a crosswalk, both marked and unmarked. So if you get hit by an Uber or Lyft, you have a strong chance of getting compensated, even if part of the reason for the accident is your failure to look carefully in both ways while crossing the street.
Uber & Lyft Accidents in Miami
Uber was launched in Miami and other parts of Florida in 2014 but it was only in the middle of 2017 that Florida’s laws regarding ridesharing services became official. As with other states, the TNP of Florida dictates the minimum insurance requirements for Uber and Lyft in the state. It also states that drivers of these companies are not considered employees but independent contractors, and this can affect the particulars of accident claims.
Uber & Lyft Accidents in New York
In the Big Apple, ridesharing companies must abide by New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. According to the Transportation Network Company Services, Uber and Lyft must have group ridesharing insurance since they are operating in the Digital Network.
Uber & Lyft Accidents in San Francisco
As part of California, San Francisco is one of the areas in the country that follow the rule of modified comparative negligence when dealing with personal injury claims. In other words, if you are partly to blame for the incident you are filing about, your settlement might be reduced.
As you can see, there are a few discrepancies between states when it comes to dealing with injury claims from Uber and Lyft accidents. It is therefore highly advisable that you hire an attorney that is an expert in the specific state’s laws so that you can be appropriately represented. This is very important if you want the certainty of winning the lawsuit and getting the best settlement possible for the incident.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to handle an Uber or Lyft accident. You can accept a settlement or you can let the case go to court. If you have a reliable lawyer by your side, they can advise you on the best move to take. Let us be that lawyer for you. We guarantee that we will have your back from the first consultation until you get the best compensation that you deserve.
