Ohio Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Rideshare companies have completely changed the transportation industry. Instead of standing on the curb with their hand raised for a cab, customers can use an app to request that a clean, safe car pull up directly to their doorstep. They can usually pay online for a seamless, contact-free experience. It’s no surprise that these companies have surged in popularity over the past decade.
But like every other vehicle on the road, Ubers and Lyfts continue to get into wrecks. And when they do, accident victims need a car accident attorney who can help them receive compensation for their injuries. Contact Groth & Associates today to schedule a free consultation.

WERE YOU HIT BY AN UBER OR LYFT?

Many of our clients were driving in their own vehicles or walking as pedestrians when they were struck by an Uber or Lyft. In this situation, a motorist can receive compensation provided the rideshare driver was at fault for the wreck.

Many Uber accidents in Ohio are caused by careless or reckless rideshare drivers. Like other motorists on the road, they speed and sometimes change lanes without checking their mirrors. Or they run a red light or pass illegally.

Helpfully, both Uber and Lyft require that their drivers carry insurance. However, theamount available will depend on whether the driver was on or off the app at the time you were hit:

• The app is off: the driver is no different than any other driver on the road, and you make a claim on his or her personal insurance. Ohioonly requires that motorists have bodily injury coverage up to $25,000 per person ($50,000 per accident) and $25,000 for property damage.
• The app is on and the driver is waiting for a request: a maximum of $50,000 for bodily injury (up to $100,000 per accident) and $25,000 in property damage. As you can see, more insurance is available in the app is on.
• The driver is on the way to pick up a ride or has a rider already in the vehicle: a maximum of $1,000,000 in coverage is available.

WERE YOU RIDING IN AN UBER OR LYFT WHEN IT CRASHED?

Other clients are involved in Lyft accidents in Ohio as passengers. In this type of case, either the Uber/Lyft driver or a different motorist on the road is at fault. We need to carefully review the circumstances to find out. Although your Uber driver could have been careless, it’s also likely that a different driver crashed into you.

Following this type of crash, try to gather as much evidence as possible. For example, take photographs of the cars involved and identify witnesses. Your Uber/Lyft driver will probably do the same, but it’s a good idea to have this information in your possession as well. Remember, the Uber/Lyft driver does not represent you. You need your own attorney to make a claim.

In addition to analyzing evidence, our Uber accident lawyer can report an accident and get a claim started by completing paperwork for you. If the Uber driver is at fault, then a maximum of $1,000,000 is available to pay compensation. But if a different driver is to blame, their insurance applies.

Fortunately, there is good news. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have any insurance—or not enough to cover your losses—you can make a claim on the Uber or Lyft driver’s policy. Their drivers have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage which can cover uncompensated losses stemming from the accident.

WERE YOU ASSAULTED BY AN UBER OR LYFT DRIVER?

Unfortunately, assaults involving rideshare companies are increasingly in the news. Too many people are physically or sexually assaulted by drivers, and this is a real problem. If you are attacked, then you will need to consider making a claim against the driver and the rideshare company.

A Lyft accident lawyer can help you analyze your case. Generally, Uber and Lyft are not responsible for their driver’s actions because they are independent contractors. For this reason, Ohio does not make the companies automatically responsible under a vicarious liability theory.

Nevertheless, Uber or Lyft might have had notice that a specific driver is dangerous but not have done anything to protect passengers. In this type of situation, the rideshare company could share some of the blame.

SPEAK WITH AN UBER AND LYFT ACCIDENT LAWYER IN OHIO

The rideshare experience should be as smooth as possible. If you were hurt, however, you need a legal advocate in your corner who can press for maximum compensation. Please contactGroth & Associates today. Our car accident lawyers in Ohio offer free, no-strings consultations where you can learn more about a possible lawsuit.