Uber and Lyft ridesharing rides have emerged as convenient transportation to visit Phoenix. It saves time, reduces the need for personal vehicles, and is an economical solution to conventional taxis. Although it is not uncommon for rideshare driver vehicles to get in accidents.
Rideshare accidents are often the result of ambiguous liability. For this reason, it is helpful to know who is to blame in one of these accidents in Phoenix.
Navigating this complicated process involves a lot of steps, this is why a rideshare accident attorney in Phoenix can assist you.
In this article, we will discuss liability in rideshare accidents and how an attorney can help.
What Are Rideshare Accidents
A rideshare accident is simply any crash or collision involving an Uber, Lyft, or similar service.
Here are just a few things that could potentially lead to these accidents happening:
- Passengers in a rideshare driver.
- Uber driver driving to a destination
- This is a rideshare driver who is not currently on an active ride request
To know who is at fault, it is essential first to know the circumstances of the accident.
Reasons Why Rideshare Accidents Occur
Rideshare accidents may also occur for several reasons, such as:
- Distracted driving: Using apps to accept rides can take attention away from the road.
- Weariness: A lot of rideshare drivers put a lot of hours behind the wheel and become exhausted.
- Excessive Speeding: Drivers may feel pressured to complete more rides, which can lead to reckless driving.
- Bad car maintenance: Several mechanical failures often result from a lack of regular checks.
Now, those victims can be passengers, other drivers, cyclists or pedestrians.
Who Is Responsible for a Rideshare Accident?
Who is at fault in rideshare accidents varies from case to case. Who could be the main players:
The Rideshare Driver
If the rideshare driver was negligent and caused the accident, they may be liable. If the driver was texting, speeding, or otherwise violating the rules of the road, for instance, they could be held liable.
The Rideshare Company
Under certain circumstances, Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that cover accidents. The driver’s activity level at the time of the accident affects whether the company is liable:
- A passenger in a car: Probably damages are covered by the rideshare company insurance.
- On the way to pick up a fare: Their insurance may still be applicable.
- If not logged into the app: The driver’s private insurance provider is liable.
Another Driver or Third Party
In the case of an accident, another driver may be responsible for damages, and will be liable, or their insurance company will be liable.
Manufacturers of Vehicles or Equipment
The manufacturer may be liable if the accident was caused by a defect in the vehicle or failure of equipment.
How Arizona’s Comparative Negligence Law Works
Arizona is what is called comparatively negligent. This means that multiple parties can be liable according to their degree of fault. You can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault.
For example, say you are held 20% responsible for the accident – you may still receive 80% of the damages.
How Rideshare Insurance Works
Rideshare companies have a tiered system of insurance. Here’s how they work:
- App Off: The driver is not signed into the app and that is when only personal insurance coverage is going to apply.
- Driving Under App, No Passenger: The firm provides minimal coverage, as low as $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
- Active Ride: The Company’s $1 million liability insurance applies when a driver is on the way to pick up or drive a passenger.
An experienced rideshare accident attorney in Phoenix will explain what insurance policy applies to your case.
What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident
Here is what you need to do after a rideshare accident to protect your rights.
- Do Not Stay There: Go to a safe place and assess for injuries. Call 911 if needed.
- Police Report: Contact the police and file a report, as you will need this for your claim.
- Collect Evidence: Photograph the crash scene, cars, and injuries.
- Gather Information: Obtain contact information from everyone involved in the accident, including your rideshare driver, other drivers, and witnesses.
- Report the Accident: Alert the rideshare company that an incident has occurred using the app.
- Go to the Doctor: Even if you feel healthy, see a doctor! Injuries could not be obvious right away.
- Contact A Rideshare Accident Lawyer: An attorney can assist you in filing a claim and negotiating with the insurance companies.
Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Phoenix
Because of the many parties and insurance policies involved, rideshare accident cases can be complex.
Benefits of Hiring a Phoenix Rideshare Accident Attorney
Understanding Local Laws
A knowledgeable lawyer is familiar with Arizona law and how it applies to rideshare cases.
Insurance Companies: How to Deal with Them
Insurance companies might attempt to limit compensation. A lawyer knows about how much you should be compensated.
Proving Liability
Bloving to blame is usually not far behind. A lawyer will frame the evidence and put the facts together.
Maximizing Compensation
An attorney makes sure you recover all the damages you are entitled to: lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, etc.
Compensation You Can Claim
If you are a victim of rideshare accidents, you may be compensated in the following ways:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital costs, surgeries, and ongoing treatment
- Lost Wages: Reimburses for lost income due to the accident.
- Property Damage: Pay for repairs or replace your vehicle.
- Pain and Suffering: Refers to emotional suffering as well as physical pain caused by the accident.
- Punitive damages: These are awarded in case of gross negligence.
Conclusion
Rideshare accidents in Phoenix are complicated, especially in a popular, last-bit fall to determine who is at fault. A lot depends on the driver’s status and the Arizona law.
However, in the event of a rideshare accident, you can reach out to a Rideshare accident attorney Phoenix for further assistance. And they can direct you through the lawful procedure and also see to it that you get a reasonable settlement.
Be safe and beware of rideshare SigmasXtoHbe. In the event an accident does happen, act right away to ensure you are getting the assistance necessary to protect your rights.