Indianapolis Uber Accident Lawyer

Uber and Lyft are increasingly becoming reliable means of transport. They are quick, affordable, and simpler to operate than taxis. Sad to say, the rise of such ridesharing options has also increased the risks and accidents that come with it. Our Indianapolis Uber accident lawyers have assisted clients in recovering settlements in ridesharing accidents.

Rowe & Hamilton understands the drawbacks of technological advancements despite being wonderful innovations. Our car accident lawyers in Indianapolis are committed to fighting for Uber and Lyft accident victims.

Call 317-482-7888 for a free consultation with a lawyer experienced in handling ridesharing accident cases.

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Why Do I Need an Indianapolis Uber Accident Lawyer?

What should you do after getting injured in an accident involving Uber or Lyft? Should you hire an Uber and Lyft accident attorney? Why should you do that? After a ridesharing accident, it might be best to work with an experienced Uber accident lawyer for the following reasons.

Case Preparation / Filing a Lawsuit

Our Indianapolis Uber accident lawyers use proof to support rideshare accident claims. The proof may include any information regarding your medical records, bills, accident images, and other details. The evidence is crucial in determining the at-fault party and protecting your legal options.

Settlement Negotiation

A personal injury attorney can ascertain the full scope of your damages. If the other party and their insurance company agree, you will receive the settlement you deserve. Insurance companies often try to offer a settlement amount that is too low. Our attorneys know how to stand up for your rights and won’t let the insurance company cheat you.

Trial Preparation & Representation

We may file a lawsuit if the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement. You are not required to accept the negligent insurer’s meager offer. Our Indianapolis Uber accident lawyers normally negotiate a settlement, but we’re ready to take your case to court if necessary.

Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics

The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business investigated how the popularity of ridesharing apps and ride-hailing services increased car accidents and fatalities. The study found that ridesharing services contributed to a 3% increase in fatal auto accidents.

The study also examined National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data. It compared accident rates in significant cities where ridesharing apps were initially available. Here are some of the alarming facts.

  • Over 1,000 people die in auto accidents daily as the number of rideshare vehicles on the road rises.
  • Uber vehicles were involved in 97 fatal incidents between 2017 and 2018.

What Are the Most Common Types of Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Most rideshare accidents occur due to carelessness on the part of either the ridesharing driver or another driver. The same factors that cause regular auto accidents also cause most Uber and Lyft crashes.

Passenger Injury Due to the Negligence of the Uber and Lyft Driver

Sometimes, the negligent actions of an Uber or Lyft driver may result in an accident and injury to the passenger. These actions include speeding, dangerous overtaking, and texting while driving.

Third-Party Injury Caused by the Rideshare Driver

Uber and Lyft drivers may cause injuries to third parties, such as pedestrians and other road users. Some of the factors that might lead to the accident include lack of training, distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving, among others.

Passenger Injury Due to the Negligence of Another Uber Driver

Accidents may happen when two rideshare vehicles collide, sometimes due to the negligence of one Uber driver. The accident may leave the passengers injured or dead.

A woman using a rideshare app

Property Damage by a Careless Uber or Lyft driver

Negligent Uber and Lyft drivers may cause damage to property such as other vehicles, bikes, scooters, or even buildings. Some examples of negligence include running a stop sign, drunk and distracted driving, and speeding.

Uber and Lyft Driver Injuries Due to Their Negligence

An Uber or Lyft driver may sustain significant injuries if they are negligent when cruising the rideshare. Some actions contributing to negligence may include texting, eating, or talking on the phone while driving.

A Rideshare Driver Hurt Because of Another Motorist

Another driver’s negligence and improper paying of attention may leave an Uber or Lyft driver in a devastating situation after being injured in an accident.

Uber Accident Caused by Faulty Vehicle Part

A defective body part such as lights or brakes may contribute to an Uber and Lyft accident. An accident can significantly injure both the Uber driver and the passenger.

Who Can be Found Liable in an Uber Accident?

Accidents still happen despite ridesharing services’ efforts to ensure the safety of their vehicles. It can be hard to establish fault when these accidents occur. Here are some of the parties that might be held accountable for a ridesharing accident in Indianapolis.

Uber or Lyft Driver

Most ridesharing accidents in Indianapolis are the fault of the driver. The rideshare driver may have caused an accident by driving while intoxicated, speeding, or otherwise driving recklessly.

Major rideshare companies also require drivers to abide by additional rules to protect passengers. For instance, a driver cannot drop a passenger in a hazardous location such as a busy intersection or a dark street. These obligations further complicate the driver’s overall liability in a personal injury case.

The Rideshare Companies

Rideshare companies can be held liable for Uber and Lyft accidents, especially when the drivers cannot cover the damages. These companies normally base their business models on insurance policies that cover up to $1 million per accident.

The rideshare company’s insurance is only responsible for paying if the driver was using the app. If the driver was waiting for a ride request, Uber’s insurance may pay up to $50,000 per person for injuries. If the driver was carrying a passenger or en route to pick up a passenger, Uber’s policy may pay up to $1 million.

Rideshare companies are responsible for running background checks on drivers. They can be held liable if they hire a driver who is unqualified, has committed certain crimes, or has a history of traffic violations.

Any Related Third Parties

The claims process is the same as in any other car accident when the at-fault party in a rideshare accident is another driver. The driver’s auto insurance pays out, and an Uber accident lawyer agrees with the insurance provider to pay for all personal injury damages resulting from the collision.

Other third parties may include the vehicle or vehicle parts manufacturers. For example, suppose the ridesharing vehicle had defective lighting or braking that led to the accident. In that case, the blame is on these parts manufacturers and neither the driver nor the ridesharing company.

How Are Uber Accident Cases Different from Regular Car Accident Cases?

Accidents involving Uber and Lyft are much more difficult to handle than accidents involving individual vehicles. First, it might be difficult to determine who is to blame because rideshare drivers are independent contractors rather than corporate employees.

Depending on what happened, Uber or Lyft may try to take the blame off their shoulders. The insurance rules for Uber accidents are also complicated.

Rideshare drivers must carry their own insurance. The driver’s insurance will cover the accident if it occurs while the driver is not using the rideshare app. Many personal insurance plans don’t provide enough protection against costly injuries and property damage.

However, Uber and Lyft’s insurance covers damages up to $1 million if the driver was transporting a passenger or en route to pick up a passenger.

An Indianapolis Uber accident lawyer filing a lawsuit

Does Uber Have a $1 Million Insurance Policy for Accidents?

Yes, but it is only applicable in specific circumstances. If an Uber driver has accepted a request and is on the way to pick up a rider or is actively transporting a rider, Uber’s liability insurance covers up to $1 million.

That means if the Uber driver gets into an accident while driving you, Uber’s insurance may pay up to $1 million for your injuries.

If the driver was using the app but had not received a trip request, Uber’s injury coverage is $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.

If the Uber driver wasn’t using the app, the driver’s own liability insurance applies. The maximum will be much lower than Uber’s $1 million.

What Type of Compensation Can I Seek in an Uber Accident?

By asking for compensation, you ask the at-fault party to pay for your medical bills and pain and suffering. Compensation aims to correct the accident impact by making the injured party whole once more. After a rideshare accident, knowing how different types of compensation can affect your future is important.

Some of the damages you may recover include:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are also known as special damages. You are entitled to these damages if you have been in a rideshare accident. Economic damages normally compensate you for:

  • Property damage due to the accident
  • Past and future lost wages due to accident
  • Current or upcoming medical expenses resulting from injuries sustained in the accident

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic or general damages cover compensation for losses that are not quantifiable in monetary terms. Meeting with witnesses who can discuss how the accident has impacted our client is a part of our investigation. Some of the losses that general damages compensate include:

  • Body scars
  • Emotional and mental stress, pain, suffering, and physical agony
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are available in Indianapolis if the at-fault driver acted recklessly or maliciously. These damages aim to hold the wrongdoer accountable for their actions. The highest amount that can be awarded in punitive damages in Indianapolis is usually three times the compensatory damages.

Do I Accept the Settlement Offer?

Accepting the first settlement offer after an accident is not always wise. Never accept an offer even if it fully compensates you for all costs and losses. You should talk to an Uber accident lawyer to determine how much you should receive.

No matter how straightforward your case seems, speaking with Uber accident lawyers before consenting to a settlement with an insurance provider is a good idea. They can learn more about your circumstance and discuss with you your alternatives for recovering money for your damages.

How Much Does an Uber Accident Attorney Charge?

Uber accident attorneys from Rowe & Hamilton Attorneys at Law always charge accident victims a contingency fee when handling their cases. A contingency fee means that you won’t have to pay us until we recover money for the damages. The precise contingency fee percentage may fluctuate depending on whether we resolve the issue amicably or through the court.

An Uber accident lawyer in Indianapolis

Is There a Deadline for Filing a Claim Following an Uber Accident?

Yes. You have only two years to file a car accident claim in Indiana. If you are a minor, you can wait until 18 years to file the claim, whereby you have exactly two years to do so. The two-year countdown begins on the day of the accident.

You should speak with an Uber accident lawyer in Indianapolis as soon as possible to assist you with your injury claim. Do not hold off on filing a claim for long, lest you won’t be able to do so and get a payment if the Indiana claim deadline passes.

Consult an Experienced Indianapolis Uber Accident Lawyer For Assistance in Your Case

Various types of insurance coverage for personal injury damages add to the complexity of Uber accidents. Uber refers to its drivers as contracted partners rather than corporate employees. For this reason, working with a knowledgeable Uber accident lawyer in Indianapolis makes sense.

Rowe & Hamilton has successfully assisted Uber accident victims in obtaining just financial settlements. Call 317-482-7888 to arrange a free consultation with our Indianapolis accident law firm.

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