Connecticut rideshare clients seek convenience, safety, and comfort as they move from one place to another. Though many rides may give them what they need, an accident involving Uber and Lyft drivers can shatter their sense of security. The aftermath of a crash can leave victims feeling uncertain and anxious.
At Gould Injury Law, our lawyers understand how stressful accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers can be. We also know that acting fast to seek the right assistance can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case. Our legal team is ready to explain your options and answer your questions about your next steps.
You don't have to go through this experience alone. Seeking a professional opinion from experienced Lyft and Uber accident attorneys may be your first step toward clarity and peace of mind. Call 888-WIN-FAST or click "Text Us" on your screen to schedule your free consultation with our fast-working Uber and Lyft lawyers.
Pinpointing the Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents
The liable party is typically responsible for paying the damages. In rideshare accidents, third-party liability may come into play if someone other than the rideshare driver caused the crash, such as another motorist, or if negligence on the part of the rideshare company is to blame.
Understanding why a crash happened is fundamental to building a case, as this enables the lawyer to identify all responsible parties. For instance, consider some of the common rideshare accident scenarios discussed below.
Uber or Lyft driver negligence
The requirements for Lyft and Uber drivers and their vehicles vary by location.
A lawyer can investigate to determine whether rideshare drivers were honest in their applications or violated regulations, possibly regarding:
- Age
- Lyft or Uber vehicle standards (e.g., number of seatbelts, body style)
- Driving history, including minimum length of licensed driving experience with a clean record
- Criminal background
- Drug test results
- Valid license plates with current registration
- Current and valid insurance coverage with the driver’s name on the policy
- Completion of training or community safety education programs
- Mandatory rest breaks and maximum hour limits for on-duty service
Safe Lyft and Uber drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road to protect themselves, passengers, and pedestrians. These expectations include being alert and exercising caution in unpredictable situations.
Yet, some motorists fail to meet these standards, engaging in risky practices, namely:
- Speeding
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Distracted driving
- Following too closely
- Failing to adjust for traffic conditions like snow, fog, or heavy traffic
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Reckless driving often leads to accidents and injuries. Yet, sometimes even the safest Lyft and Uber drivers get into accidents for reasons out of their control.
Rideshare company neglect
Though many Uber and Lyft drivers own their vehicles, rideshare companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are safe. Companies must establish guidelines for regular vehicle inspections. Allowing unsafe drivers or cars to operate puts every Lyft and Uber passenger at risk since unaddressed problems can lead to severe accidents.
Inadequate training can also be another form of neglect. Some companies provide minimal guidance on safe driving practices and do not emphasize the importance of Lyft and Uber vehicle upkeep.
Comprehensive education helps drivers fully understand their responsibilities. A lack of training can result in careless decisions, such as driving with worn-out tires or malfunctioning brakes.
What if rideshare companies fail to monitor drivers' hours to prevent fatigue? Drivers might push themselves to work long shifts, leading to exhaustion and decreased reaction times. One 2024 research brief reported the results – 50,000 accident-related injuries and 800 deaths every year directly involve drowsy driving.
Companies that put profits above safety may experience failures in oversight. A personal injury lawyer can pursue justice fast when Uber and Lyft or another rideshare service neglects their duty to protect the public.
The failures of local authorities
State and municipal agencies maintain Connecticut highways, bridges, and tunnels. Dangerous conditions can develop if the Department of Transportation does not inspect roads regularly and make timely repairs.
For example, the failures mentioned in the following list can have secure consequences:
- Damaged or missing guardrails
- Poor drainage
- Inadequate signage or malfunctioning traffic lights
- Potholes or cracked pavement
- Faded lane markings
- Debris
These hazards require fast attention. Lapses by local authorities could directly contribute to preventable Uber and Lyft accidents.
Defective automobile parts and mechanical failures
Faulty vehicle parts and mechanical failures significantly increase the risk of car accidents. Even experienced drivers could lose control of their vehicles when a vital component does not function properly. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that parts are safe and defect-free.
When flawed products end up on Uber and Lyft cars, especially those inadequately maintained, mechanical failures, such as those listed below, can arise:
- Brake system malfunctions caused by faulty brake pads or leaking brake lines
- Tire blowouts due to under-vulcanization, improperly sized tire and rim sets, weak spots, or problems during the bonding process
- Engine or transmission issues that result in stalling or sudden losses of power
- Airbags that fail to activate or deploy at the wrong time
Auto manufacturers must issue recalls when they become aware of defects that could impact vehicle safety. However, once a recall is announced, the driver must respond quickly and address the problem. Ignoring a recall can lead to disaster.
Since liability can involve multiple parties, an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer is often the best equipped to determine who is responsible for a collision. Yet, knowing what to do after Lyft or Uber accidents can help your legal team get faster results, which can also mean bigger wins.
Taking Effective Steps After a Car Accident
After an Uber or Lyft accident, your safety should be the priority. Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Seek medical assistance as soon as possible and hold on to your records.
Document the scene by taking these steps:
- Contact the police so they can make an official report that can later support your auto insurance or personal injury claim
- Take photos of the vehicles, visible injuries, and anything else relevant at the scene (e.g., debris, road signs, skid marks)
- Gather contact information from all involved parties, including the Lyft or Uber driver and witnesses
- Recording anything you remember about what led up to the accident, including distracted driving on the part of your Lyft or Uber driver
If you live in an at-fault state or don’t have a car, your lawyer would seek compensation from the driver’s insurance. Lyft drivers must have insurance that meets minimum state collision coverage requirements. Since the driver’s personal insurance coverage might not include Lyft rides, he or she will likely carry a rideshare insurance policy or endorsement.
Uber's insurance policies cover drivers if they are using the Uber app to accept a delivery or ride request. The Uber driver's insurance company should cover their trip if they are offline.
Your Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can help you report the collision to the rideshare company and the correct insurance provider. Your lawyer can also work with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to prove fault.
Recovering Maximum Compensation
Rideshare companies often have substantial insurance policies, but they do not part with money easily. An experienced lawyer can help you access the funds you need to compensate for your losses. Often, determining liability is the most important step of this process.
At Gould Injury Law, we investigate fast to discover who is at fault. Then, we can build your case based on solid evidence that reflects the full scope of liability, even if multiple parties are involved. In some cases, the rideshare company’s data, such as GPS records, can be used to support your claim.
Rideshare companies may attempt to minimize payouts, but our lawyers can push back against their efforts. Our legal team can negotiate a faster settlement and take your case to court if necessary. Punitive damages may be available if the Lyft or Uber driver’s behavior was extremely reckless or grossly negligent.
A skilled legal advocate is essential to recover maximum compensation for your property damage, bodily injury, medical bills, and lost income. Hiring a lawyer will ensure that your compensation is maximized and your settlement time minimized.
Getting Help and Moving Forward
Thinking about what you need to understand after an Uber or Lyft car accident can be more overwhelming than other motor vehicle accidents. An Uber and Lyft accident lawyer could apply his or her knowledge of similar cases to pursue damages.
The Uber and Lyft accident attorneys of Gould Injury Law are ready to use our knowledge of Connecticut laws and regulations to put you on the fast track to significant compensation.
Our legal team is fast, responsive, and communicative. When we take on your case, we will keep you informed about the status of your Uber or Lyft accident claim.
Charging on a contingency fee basis means we get paid only when our lawyers recover money for you, so there is no reason to hesitate to contact an Uber and Lyft car accident lawyer for support and guidance.
Why not schedule a free consultation to learn how to enforce your rights regarding Uber and Lyft accident cases? Click the icon at the bottom of your screen to talk to an online agent, or call 888-WIN-FAST to speak with a Gould Injury Law representative.
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