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Practice Areas Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers Rideshare Accidents: Uber, Lyft, and More
Request a Free ConsultationOver the last few years, rideshare companies have grown in popularity across major cities in the United States. With the ease of using an app to hail a driver, Uber and Lyft have become go-to options for everyday transportation.
However, it’s important to remain cautious; passengers in rideshare vehicles as well as other drivers on the road can get into a crash with a rideshare driver, leading to complicated legal cases. Who is responsible for an accident with a rideshare driver? Can an injured accident victim sue Uber or Lyft? How does car insurance work when it comes to rideshare transportation?
If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, contact the experienced auto accident lawyers of Wilson Kehoe Winingham. Our team of attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of rideshare accident cases and recover the compensation you deserve for your damages.
Alongside traditional common causes of car accidents, rideshare drivers face additional distractions:
While some drivers may feel these actions are part of their job as an Uber or Lyft driver, their first responsibility is to the safety of passengers. In other words, rideshare drivers are required to follow the rules of the road, just like any other driver.
Randy Erickson2024-08-16 Our Father died from a fall due to negligence at the facility he was at for rehab. Our family is grateful for Kent Winingham and Maria Dicken for their support and dedication to our case. Kent has a thorough knowledge of Indiana laws and prepared a successful case. They answered all of our questions and kept us informed during the entire process. Our family would highly recommend WKW. Rachael Stone2024-07-16 Kent and Maria were absolutely amazing to work with!!! You can tell that they genuinely care about you and your family and the case. They take time to explain everything to you in words that you will understand. And they did AMAZING with our case and fought hard for our family and won. Thank you so much for all you guys did for our family, especially in a time of sadness!!! I highly recommend Wilson Kehoe Winingham you definitely will not be disappointed at all! DAVID RUSSELL2024-07-12 “ Kent Winingham and his Paralegal Angie were there to assist my Son and I throughout the entire process from start to finish in two different cases. Kent and his staff helped us navigate the unique challenges that presented themselves in these particular cases. Kent and his staff was thorough, diligent, and professional, handling our cases in a timely manner. Kent and his staff were patient with us and communicative at all times, involving us in every step. I highly recommend Atty. Kent Winningham and his staff at Wilson Kehoe Winingham. Ron Bryan Sr2024-06-04 Nice people to talk to and work with. Would recommend to anyone needing a good law firm. Michael Lennartz2024-06-03 The whole team at WKW worked tirelessly to help us receive compensation after an auto accident. Bill Winingham personally visited us in Lafayette to talk about the case and contacted us after hours several times to discuss issues. Our paralegal, Cynthia, was wonderful as she helped us gather all the information needed to provide evidence in our case. Additionally, as the case unexpectedly dragged on, everyone at WKW continued to be patient and optimistic as we finally worked towards a successful outcome in our case. Jennifer Peterson2024-03-26 After suffering a life changing work related injury, I was left with no other choice than to reach out to an attorney to assist me with getting financial assistance for my past and future medical bills. The first attorney I worked with in Massachusetts stated they would be able to assist me with my case but ultimately stated it was in my best interest to reach out to a law firm in the state where the accident took place. So I had to start researching the Indianapolis area and spoke to a few attorneys who stated that they didn't feel I had a good case and therefore couldn't assist me. Finally after almost giving up hope, I was referred to Wilson Kehoe Winingham. I called and spoke with Bill Winingham and Jon Noyes who were expecting my call. They both listened to my story and immediately stated I did have a case and they would be happy to help. The process was long and I had to make a few trips to Indianapolis to meet with them and the judge but in the end they helped me. I always felt like they had my best interest at heart and gave me honest feedback at all times. I would highly recommend them and the firm if you ever find yourself in need a assistance. I can't say enough about them. Chelsea Moore2024-03-07 I was referred to use Kent Winingham for an injury I had suffered in an auto accident. I was nothing but pleased! Kent and his team went above and beyond to make sure that I got every penny I deserved! He was a great listener, great negotiator, and EXTREMELY prepared! If you find yourself needing legal help due to injury look no further than Kent Winingham! Thanks again Kent!
Since these services are so new, legal issues related to rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft are still under consideration. In general, however, rideshare accident victims have the same challenges to overcome as victims of other car accidents do: They must prove liability (who acted negligently) and show damages (how badly they were injured).
Employers are usually legally responsible for accidents caused by their employees. In the case of rideshare services, though, companies like Uber and Lyft maintain that their drivers are independent contractors, not employees. This distinction can make it difficult to determine liability in a rideshare accident.
With shifting legal approaches to rideshare accident liability, there is no telling whether Uber and Lyft can continue to protect themselves with the argument that they do not directly employ drivers and are therefore not responsible. Either way, the support of a qualified attorney is key in making a rideshare accident claim.
Depending on the circumstances of a crash, you may be able to file a claim against one or more parties:
An attorney can help you determine what parties are responsible for your accident.
If rideshare drivers act negligently, then they can be held financially and legally responsible, right?
Not necessarily.
Since rideshare drivers drive for money, most personal insurance policies will not cover the accident. In response to this gap in insurance coverage, Uber and Lyft offer liability insurance to their drivers.
To be covered by the insurance policies of rideshare companies, drivers must be actively working (either driving a passenger or traveling to pick up a passenger). Otherwise, the rideshare service may not cover the accident.
There are a few insurance policies that may be at play after a rideshare accident. That’s why you need a lawyer on your side: to explore your options and figure out the best method for obtaining compensation from one or more insurance companies.
After a rideshare accident, whether you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle or another driver on the road, follow these steps:
Navigating insurance claims, determining liability, and seeking compensation for damages can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Find an experienced car accident lawyer to be your advocate during this process.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a rideshare accident, contact the Indianapolis Automobile Accident Attorneys of Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The lawyers at WKW can help you recover for the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
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