Santa Fe Uber and Lyft Crash Lawyers

Although the advent of Uber and Lyft has saved passengers money and certainly put taxi cab companies out of business, it has not done anything to improve safety for both customers who use the services and other drivers on the road. Practically anyone can get behind the wheel of an Uber or Lyft vehicle and transport passengers. However, it does not mean that they are safe. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare crash, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation. First, you may need to deal with one or more insurance companies that are standing in the way though.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Crashes

Just like any other motorist, rideshare drivers may cause car crashes through their own carelessness. In addition to the standard dangers of driving a car, Uber and Lyft drivers also introduce their own specific dangers. For example, you never know when you get into a rideshare vehicle how much rest the driver has gotten. They could be doing a second shift to earn extra money after working a full day at another job. Drivers may have the motivation to earn as much money as they can during busy times, so they may speed and drive recklessly.

Furthermore, besides often driving late at night, Uber and Lyft operators are often in unfamiliar areas, and they do not know where they are traveling. They may not be able to fully focus on the road because they are trying to figure out the directions and are focused on the app.

Which Insurance Policy Pays for Your Uber or Lyft Crash?

Which insurance company pays for your rideshare crash damages depends on who was at fault for the crash and what you were doing at the time.

• If you are an injured passenger, either the Uber or Lyft driver’s insurance company or the other driver’s carrier will pay for your damages.
• If you were the other driver injured in the crash, the rideshare driver’s insurance company would pay.
• If the rideshare coverage is not enough to pay for your injuries, the driver may have had supplemental insurance, and they would cover the overage.
• You may file a claim against your own underinsured motorist policy if there is still not enough insurance coverage to pay for your injuries.

There may be as many as four insurance companies involved in an Uber or Lyft crash claim, and each of them wants to protect themselves to the fullest extent possible. It can be challenging to deal with one insurance company, let alone several. An experienced Uber or Lyft crash lawyer can help you navigate these challenging legal waters, dealing with all of the insurance companies on your behalf.

What if the Insurance Company Does Not Want to Pay Me?

An insurance company may try to pass the buck on to another provider, or they could deny your claim entirely. The insurance company has the role of defending its policyholders and crash claims. Thus, in order to hold the driver responsible, you would need to sue them in court in a case which the insurance company has to defend. If you cannot negotiate a settlement agreement, you can have the jury decide whether you deserve money and how much you should get.

Can I Sue Uber or Lyft Directly?

Rideshare companies are very clever and aggressive in how they categorize their drivers. There is no legal employment relationship between a rideshare driver and the company. They are independent contractors who work as they want and as they want, so long as they follow Uber and Lyft’s rules. Accordingly, you cannot sue Uber or Lyft for rideshare crash injuries.

There are very limited circumstances under which you can file a lawsuit. For example, if you were assaulted by a driver or if you were injured by a driver who has a known dangerous history, you may be able to file a claim against the rideshare companies for cutting corners on background investigations.

How Much Is My Uber or Lyft Crash Case Worth?

Your rideshare crash damages are dependent on your personal injuries. Crash victims may be affected by their injuries in different ways. Your Uber or Lyft crash compensation should pay you for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Embarrassment and humiliation

If the rideshare driver was responsible for the crash, there could be as much as $1 million in coverage on their primary commercial liability insurance policy. Then, there may be additional sources of coverage to pay your injuries, allowing you to maximize the value of your settlement. Your Uber or Lyft crash lawyer will quantify and measure your damages, which is one of the first steps in the claims process before you file it.

Do I Really Need an Uber or Lyft Crash Lawyer?

As you can see, you are facing many legal challenges when you are filing an Uber or Lyft crash case. The first is figuring out who was to blame for the crash. The second major challenge is to figure out the available insurance coverages and deal with each of the respective companies as necessary. You cannot and should not try to deal with the legal process on your own. It could only lead to a bad result in your case, or at least a suboptimal one. The experienced rideshare crash lawyers at Buchanan Law Firm, LLC have been representing injured clients for years and can help you get the compensation you deserve.

How Long Do I Have to File an Uber or Lyft Case in Santa Fe?

In New Mexico, the statute of limitations in a personal injury case is three years. Usually, this begins on the date of your crash. Do not be lulled into a false sense of confidence because you feel like you have a long time to file a claim. You are never well served when you take too long to contact a rideshare crash lawyer because your case may take a considerable amount of time. Furthermore, you could lose valuable evidence that you need to prove liability in your case when you are waiting to contact a rideshare crash lawyer.

Contact the Santa Fe Uber and Lyft Crash Lawyers at Buchanan Law Firm, LLC Today About Your Rideshare Crash Case

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare vehicle crash, call the Santa Fe Uber and Lyft crash lawyers at Buchanan Law Firm, LLC.  Our Uber and Lyft crash lawyers will speak with you and review your case during a free initial consultation. To schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers, just call us today at 505-900-3559 or contact us online. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we gladly serve clients in Santa Fe and the surrounding areas.