Wisconsin Uber Accident Lawyers and Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare drivers are not technically professional drivers. While they may drive to earn a living and have had to prove their good driving record, they do not have to earn a specialized or commercial driver’s license to do their jobs. That means they are like every other driver when they get behind the wheel, and it is possible they could cause an accident while you are a passenger. If you are the rideshare driver, then you know you are just as at risk for being hurt in a crash as you are when you are off duty. Driving for Uber or Lyft does not make you less likely to cause an accident or be hurt in one. In fact, certain aspects of ride sharing could increase the risk of collisions. Learn how an Uber accident attorney can help if you’ve been seriously injured after an accident in an Uber vehicle.

If you were hurt in a ride sharing accident, whether you were in an Uber, Lyft, or another vehicle, contact our experienced Wisconsin personal injury lawyers at Studinski Law, LLC today. Rideshare accidents may seem like any other type of crash, yet their insurance issues can be complex. Call us today at (715) 343-2850 to speak to an Uber accident attorney in a free case evaluation.

Common Causes of Ride Sharing Accidents

Ride sharing accidents happen like many other collisions, often as a result of:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Tailgating
• Weaving between lanes
• Reckless driving
• Failure to obey traffic signs and signals
• Inexperienced driving
• Drunk driving

Speeding, distracted driving, and reckless maneuvers are particular problems for rideshare drivers. Many Uber and Lyft drivers feel like they should get their clients from one destination to the next as quickly as possible in order to earn a high rating. This can lead to speeding, tailgating, weaving between lanes, and taking other risky maneuvers. Drivers may worry that if they seem like they are taking too long, their passenger(s) will leave them a bad review. Lower ratings could mean fewer customers.

Rideshare drivers also fall prey to distraction. These drivers have to use their phones to pick up a passenger, follow GPS directions, and mark when they’ve dropped customers off. This means they may be glancing at and touching their phones while they drive.

If you were in an Uber accident, Lyft accident, or while riding in another type of rideshare vehicle and you believe the crash was caused by the rideshare driver, contact us immediately. You may need to file a claim against that driver’s personal insurance, the Uber or Lyft insurance policy, or both. We can help you navigate this complicated process.

Recovering Compensation Through RideShare Insurance

Both Uber and Lyft may have significant insurance policies to cover drivers, passengers, and individuals hurt in accidents. However, the type and limit of the policy available may depend on:

• Your connection to the accident, including whether you were the rideshare driver, rideshare passenger, or outside of the rideshare vehicle
• Where you were within the ride sharing process, such as whether the rideshare driver was on duty with no passenger, had agreed to pick up a passenger, or had a passenger in the vehicle at the time
• Who caused the accident

Uber and Lyft Insurance

If you were involved in an accident because of a rideshare driver while that driver was waiting for a passenger request, then you may be able to make a claim against Uber’s policy. It likely covers at least $25,000 for personal injuries per person and up to $25,000 in property damage in Uber accident claims. However, if you are injured because of the negligence of a rideshare driver or an uninsured/under-insured driver after the rideshare driver accepted or picked up a passenger, then there may be separate and additional insurance available to compensate you for your injuries. You may also be covered if you were the passenger who was just picked up or if you were in another vehicle. A car accident lawyer can help you determine what your options are after a serious rideshare accident.

Lyft has similar policies. If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident and are not sure where to file an insurance claim, call us today. We can review whether Uber or Lyft’s primary liability, contingent liability, collision and comprehensive coverage or uninsured/underinsured motorist policies apply to your situation and injuries.

Moving Forward with a Personal Injury Claim After an Uber Ride Injury

When you are hurt in an accident that involves a ride sharing vehicle, you hope that someone’s insurance will cover your expenses. If it was another driver’s fault, you may file a claim against their policy. If it was the rideshare driver’s fault, you may seek compensation from their personal and rideshare service’s insurance company policies. However, there are a number of reasons why an Uber or Lyft insurance settlement may be difficult to obtain.

If you are having a difficult time receiving the insurance settlement you deserve under the law, you may need to move forward with a personal injury claim. Through a personal injury case, you must prove the other driver’s negligence was a cause of your injuries in order to obtain compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Wage loss
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Disability
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of earning capacity
• Loss of society and companionship
• Property damage, when applicable
• Punitive Damages, when applicable

Contact A Wisconsin Uber Accident Lawyer Today

If you are involved in a ride sharing accident, your steps toward a financial recovery may be the same as they would be if you were hit by a personal vehicle. However, since one of the vehicles was a ride sharing car, your situation could be much more complicated. You may not even realize the difficulties of your situation until you speak with an experienced lawyer. That is why you should call Studinski Law, LLC right away after an Uber or Lyft crash. We can review your situation, advise you of your rights, and fight for you to obtain the compensation you deserve. With offices in Plover and Marshfield, Studinski Law, LLC serves clients throughout Wisconsin, including Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, and Waupaca.

Contact us at (715) 343-2850 to schedule an initial consultation and learn more.