Phoenix Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Determining Liability for Your Uber or Lyft Accident

All car accidents are complicated, but when one of the parties works for a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft, it can be even harder to determine liability. Whether you were an Uber passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver on the road, you deserve to seek fair compensation in the wake of a devastating rideshare accident.

When you call on MayesTelles PLLC for assistance, we’ll apply over 100 years of combined legal experience to determine who is responsible for your injuries. Never backing down from a challenge, our rideshare accident lawyers in Phoenix will investigate the cause of your car crash and seek appropriate damages.

Contact us today for a free consultation!

What Makes Rideshare Accidents Different?

Because ridesharing companies classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than full-time employees, they will only accept liability for the driver’s actions in a few limited circumstances. If an Uber or Lyft driver has already picked up a passenger or started driving to pick up a new passenger, then they will be covered for up to $1 million per accident.

However, that coverage drops when the Uber or Lyft driver is simply waiting for a new ride request, even if their app is on at the time of the accident. In those cases, Uber and Lyft will only provide $50,000 in bodily injury per person – rarely enough to cover catastrophic injuries. Finally, rideshare companies will provide no coverage at all if the driver’s app isn’t turned on.

Who Is Liable for Injuries?

To determine who is liable for your injuries, you will need to know the driver’s status at the time of your accident, as this can significantly impact your legal strategy for compensation. Additionally, Arizona follows a “pure comparative fault” rule when awarding damages to car accident victims. That means that your final compensation will be affected by your own percentage of fault in the collision. For example, if you were 10% responsible for the crash, you can only receive 90% of the damages requested.

Here are just a few of the parties that may be involved in your accident claim:

• The Uber or Lyft driver
• An Uber or Lyft passenger
• The ridesharing company
• Another driver on the road
• A pedestrian or bicyclist

Common Causes for Uber and Lyft Accidents

Because Uber and Lyft drivers are often rushing to take on new passengers, talk to their vehicle’s occupants, or drop passengers off at their destinations, they may not always be as attentive to changing road conditions. From driver fatigue to speeding, Uber and Lyft drivers can be held accountable for engaging in dangerous driving behaviors.

Some of the most common negligent behaviors that can cause rideshare accidents:

• Using smartphone apps or typing in addresses while driving
• Talking to passengers
• Tailgating and speeding in heavy traffic
• Working as a driver for too many hours at a time
• Running stop signs and red lights to save time

Qualified Representation for Your Rideshare Accident Claim

At MayesTelles PLLC, we never stop advocating on behalf of our clients, no matter how complicated their claim may become. Skilled investigators with a track record of success, our personal injury lawyers serve injury victims throughout Phoenix and surrounding areas. When you’re struggling to pay your medical bills after an Uber or Lyft accident, just visit us for a free consultation and see how we can help you seek compensation.

You won’t pay unless we win! Contact us at (602) 428-7104 today to get started.