Rideshare Accidents

Jonesboro Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Protecting Those Injured by Uber & Lyft Drivers in Jonesboro, AR

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have greatly increased in popularity over the last several years. Unfortunately, so have accidents involving rideshare drivers. So, what happens if you find yourself injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft employee?

Whether you have been in a ridesharing accident while riding as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft or when driving your own vehicle, the law firm of Wells & Wells can help you pursue the compensation and medical treatment you need. Our Jonesboro rideshare accident attorneys have decades of experience handling car accident claims and have spent the last several years becoming well-versed in rideshare accident law. We possess the knowledge and tools to get you the fair and just compensation you need to get back on your feet.

Contact our legal team now at (870) 782-4084 or online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Let our rideshare accident lawyers in Jonesboro, AR, fight for you.

What Should I Do If I Have Been Involved in a Ridesharing Accident?

As you would after any car accident, there are certain steps you should take if you have been hurt in a collision involving a rideshare vehicle.

Steps to take after a rideshare accident include:

  • Call 911 to report the accident and have an ambulance sent to the scene if someone has been seriously injured
  • Exchange information with the other motorists involved in the accident
    • If you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle at the time of the crash, make sure you get your driver’s contact, insurance, and Uber/Lyft employee information
    • If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information as well
  • Take photos and/or record video footage of the crash site
    • Concentrate on any visible injuries of yours, the position of the vehicles, property damage, tire skid marks on the road, weather conditions, nearby traffic signs, and anything else you think might be relevant to determining liability
  • Ask the police for a copy of the accident report
  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible after leaving the scene of the crash
    • Do this even if you feel unhurt. The adrenaline running through the body after a car crash can mask the pain of injuries; damage to your internal organs can be difficult to detect on your own as well. Only a doctor can determine the full extent of your injuries.
  • Report the accident to your insurance carrier and to Uber or Lyft
  • Contact an experienced, local rideshare attorney for a free consultation

If insurance companies or agents other than your own start contacting you after the crash, do not speak to them. They may be trying to build a case against you (if you were driving) or otherwise try to use what you say to discredit your claim against their client.

Understanding Jonesboro's Legal Framework

Jonesboro, as part of Arkansas, operates under specific state-guided statutes when it comes to personal injury claims arising from rideshare accidents. Understanding these legal nuances, including the state’s comparative fault rule, can be crucial for residents filing claims. Any degree of fault assigned to a party can reduce their compensation proportionate to their fault percentage. This means thorough evidence collection and legal strategy are vital. Working with Wells & Wells, you benefit from our in-depth knowledge of how these laws are applied locally.

Why Choose Wells & Wells?

  • You will get maximum compensation for your injury.
  • You’ll get a lawyer who has earned multiple awards & accolades.
  • You will pay nothing unless we win.
  • You get a team with 50 years of combined experience.
  • You’ll receive personalized and attentive representation.

Determining Rideshare Accident Liability

Determining liability in ridesharing accident claims can be more complex compared to traditional car accident cases. Uber and Lyft drivers are categorized as independent contractors, not employees, so liability does not automatically fall on their employer if they are involved in a crash.

However, Lyft and Uber have their own liability protections in place for certain circumstances. If you have been hit by a rideshare driver or were a passenger in a rideshare at the time of a crash, understanding how these protections work can be beneficial.

Uber & Lyft’s insurance policies depend on the timing of the crash during the driver’s shift:

  • Period 0: This time is when an Uber or Lyft driver is driving but not logged in to the app to pick up passengers. They must rely on their personal insurance during this time.
  • Period 1: Applicable when drivers are logged into the ridesharing app but have yet to accept a ride request. If the rideshare driver crashes into someone during this time and the driver's insurance doesn't apply, Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage. This liability coverage pays $50,000 per person injured, $100,000 total injury liability per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability.
  • Period 2: When the rideshare driver has been matched with a passenger and is en route to pick them up, Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage of $1 million (if the driver's insurance does not apply).
  • Period 3: The time between a rider entering the rideshare vehicle and exiting it. Insurance coverage remains the same as in Period 2.

Keep in mind that these only kick in after you and/or the at-fault driver have made insurance claims with your own providers, however. So do not rely on Uber or Lyft to automatically provide you with a settlement.

Can You Sue Uber or Lyft?

It is possible to file a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft, but you must prove that the driver was at fault for your injuries and that you suffered significant damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. However, Uber and Lyft are large companies that have invested significant resources in protecting their interests, making it challenging to confront them legally.

If you have sustained only minor property damage and/or injuries, the insurance settlement may suffice to cover your expenses. To receive a Lyft car accident passenger settlement or an Uber passenger accident settlement, you will likely need to demonstrate severe, catastrophic injuries that require long-term care and costly medical treatment.

If you or a loved one find yourselves in such a situation, contact our Jonesboro Lyft and Uber accident attorneys to discuss your options. Our experienced legal team is prepared to take on corporations like Uber and Lyft when our clients' health is at stake.

Contact us now to learn more about how we can help if you have been injured in a rideshare accident in Jonesboro, AR. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including those stemming from rideshare accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident. This timeframe is crucial, as failing to file within this period could result in the forfeiture of your right to sue. Engaging with an attorney early brings timely filing and preserves all options for legal recourse.

What Types of Damages Can I Claim After a Rideshare Accident?

Following a rideshare accident in Jonesboro, potential damages can include, but are not limited to, medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and property damage. Each case is unique, and Wells & Wells works closely with clients to evaluate all possible claims. Understanding these damages categories is an essential aspect of case evaluation and negotiation.

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