Las Vegas Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers
Being hurt in a car accident is always a risk, but when you trust a third-party professional driver to help you get to and from where you need to be, and they cause an accident, it is even more frustrating. Working with our Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyers at Mitchell Rogers Injury Law is one of the most important decisions you can make for your future. Do not let these large organizations limit your financial recovery of damages owed to you.
Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber have become one of the most popular modes of transportation since they first exploded in popularity. While rideshares can make it easier to get around, they do not come without risk. Nearly anyone can become an Uber or Lyft driver if their vehicle is in good condition and nothing negative appears on their driving record. Without specialized training, using rideshares is just like taking a ride from a stranger you met on the street. You never know what kind of driver they are.
Our Uber accident lawyers have seen a significant increase in the number of collisions involving rideshares over the years. If you have suffered debilitating injuries as a result of a rideshare accident, your dedicated Las Vegas Uber accident lawyer from Mitchell Rogers Injury Law can help you bring the liable party to justice. You should not be forced to contend with the physical, emotional, and financial damages alone.
Those responsible for causing the accident should be compelled to compensate you for the full value of your suffering. Our Las Vegas car accident lawyers are bilingual and available 24/7 when you need us most. Contact our law office to request a 100% free consultation today and to learn more about which legal options are most suitable for your case.
What You Should Do After an Uber and Lyft Car Accident
You know the most important step is to get medical care (we encourage you to go to the emergency room even if you feel okay). Once you do that, what then? Here are some steps to keep in mind throughout this process.
- Follow up with medical care: Your priority is getting better. Get all of the required medical care your doctor recommends.
- File a police report if one was not completed: Document everything you know about the accident, including what you witnessed. Keep it just to the facts in your case.
- Report the accident to Uber or Lyft: Both apps have a tool that allows you to report an accident. While we encourage you to alert them of the incident, do not agree to settle the claim until you know what all of your losses are.
- Avoid social media: Make sure you stay off social media until your case is closed. Photos, comments, and other information can be used against you, and that could mean it lowers the compensation you receive.
- Work with your rideshare accident attorney: Let our Uber accident attorneys in Las Vegas, NV, answer all of your questions and pursue financial compensation for you.
Throughout this process, you should have ample support and guidance. If you feel as though you are not being treated fairly for any reason, reach out to our attorneys in Las Vegas, NV, for immediate help.
What to Do If a Rideshare Driver Hits You
One of the ways that you may be in an accident with a rideshare driver is by being hit by one. If the driver is providing services at the time of the accident, and they strike you at that time, follow all of the same steps as you did above.
Remember that you should get medical care, and you will need to document all of the losses you have in this situation. It is often a good idea to gather evidence from the scene (including photos and videos) and document your injuries thoroughly. Treat this like any other car accident.
Let your rideshare accident attorneys in Nevada handle the rest of the process. We want to be sure the insurance company does not put additional pressure on you or try to get you to settle your case for less than you are owed.
Uber and Lyft are large organizations that have ample insurance protection in place to help in these situations. Yet, they will do anything they can to reduce the amount of compensation paid out if they can do so. Our objective is to minimize that risk.
Uber Accidents Can Be Far More Complex Than Traditional Car Accident Claims
Car accidents involving a Lyft or Uber driver have an extra layer of frustration for victims. Under Nevada law, transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft must carry liability coverage when not logged on to the app. When they are, rideshare companies often provide insurance, as well.
It may seem a bit confusing, but consider this:
- The Uber or Lyft driver is working: They are logged into the app providing services. In this situation, Uber and Lyft have high levels of liability insurance in place to cover losses caused by that driver.
- The driver was not actively providing a ride: In this situation, if the rideshare app is not being used, the rideshare company is not responsible for what happens. In that case, the driver’s insurance company is responsible.
- Another driver causes the injuries: If another driver collides with the Uber or Lyft driver, that driver’s insurance may cover your injuries if you are a passenger in the vehicle.
It can be confusing to know how to seek financial compensation after an accident like this. By working with Uber and Lyft rideshare accident attorneys from our firm, we can help determine what your rights to compensation are and who should pay you for them.
In traditional car accident cases, your Uber accident attorney may deal with the insurance company and the at-fault party alone. Although more parties may share responsibility for your damages, this does not necessarily mean this is a bad thing. If multiple parties share the liability for compensating you, you stand a greater chance of maximizing your payout.
Coverage Periods
One of the reasons more Uber accident law firms have trouble with rideshare accident claims is because of the fact that rideshare insurance policies are so complex. Unlike traditional car insurance policies, Uber’s insurance coverage only applies during specific time periods, according to Uber’s website. This means coverage will only be in effect if:
- The Uber driver is logged into the app
- The Uber driver is waiting for a passenger
- The Uber driver is actively transporting a passenger
Your Uber accident law firm will need to consider alternative options if the accident happened outside these coverage periods. You can be certain that Uber and their insurance company will do everything they can to avoid being held accountable for your damages.
Your Legal Options if the Accident Happened Outside Uber Insurance Coverage Periods
Many Lyft accident lawyers help their clients demand justice even without the rideshare company’s auto insurance coverage. Since Nevada requires all motorists to carry auto insurance coverage according to the Nevada Division of Insurance, the Uber driver should have personal insurance coverage in place, even if the accident occurs outside of the rideshare company’s coverage periods.
Your Lyft accident lawyer will treat this like most other types of motor vehicle accident claims. If Lyft’s auto insurance coverage is not in place at the time of the accident, your personal injury attorney will simply file a claim against the Uber driver’s personal insurance policy since Nevada follows fault insurance laws as described under Nev. Rev. Stat. § 485.185.
Compensation for Uber and Lyft Accident Victims After a Rideshare Accident
Our rideshare accident attorneys aim to help you maximize the compensation you recover. You should be fully repaid for every single way your life has been impacted by your Uber accident and the injuries you suffered. The types of damages you are entitled to are commonly known as compensatory damages. These are made up of both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are monetary. Your rideshare attorney will review your medical records, paystubs, bank statements, bills, and debt collection attempts to determine the value of your economic losses. Some examples of potentially recoverable economic damages include:
- Loss of income
- Loss of household services
- Vehicle repair costs
- Reduce earning potential
- The diminished value of your vehicle
- Current and future medical expenses
- Cost of medical devices and equipment
- Rental car expenses
Far too many Las Vegas rideshare accident law firms fail to take into account non-economic damages. Your non-economic damages do not have a monetary value until we assign one. But the impact on your life is undeniable and should be taken into account accordingly. Examples of potentially recoverable non-economic damages include:
- Skin scarring
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Embarrassment
- Shame or shock
What to Expect From Your Uber Accident Insurance Claim
Our Las Vegas rideshare accident attorneys want to ensure you are ready for the claims process. Going up against Uber’s insurance company if the driver hit you during a time when they were actively transporting a passenger or waiting to pick up a passenger can be intimidating. Our Lyft accident attorneys will handle most of the insurance negotiation process on your behalf.
However, your dedicated Lyft accident attorney may need to renegotiate settlement terms, especially if the insurance company’s initial settlement offer does not fully cover the value of your damages. Your catastrophic injury lawyer does not expect the insurance company to compensate you for every loss, but we will hold them accountable for their financial obligations as outlined in their insurance policy.
Be Careful Settling Your Car Insurance Claim Too Fast
In serious injury claims, it can be a mistake to settle too soon. If the insurance adjuster from one of these companies calls you and wants to close out your case by paying your medical bills, you can expect that they are probably not being honest with you about all of the losses you have.
If the insurance company calls you, consider the following:
- You can and should report the accident to them. Provide only the facts about what occurred.
- Do not provide any information about your health, and do not grant access to your medical records.
- Always ensure that your car accident attorney is informed and let them know you are working with an attorney. That will help minimize the risk of the insurance company trying to take advantage of you.
You should never feel like you have to settle immediately. With the help of our rideshare accident attorneys in Las Vegas, NV, we will make sure you do not have to worry about being taken advantage of throughout this process.
How to Win Your Uber Accident Claim Against the At-Fault Party
Your Las Vegas rideshare accident attorney will be responsible for building a powerful claim against the at-fault party. We will need to carefully investigate the cause of the accident to determine who should be sued. You might assume the Uber driver who hit you is at fault, but this may not always be the case.
Your rideshare accident lawyer will work with accident re-constructionists and forensic specialists to accurately identify the liable party. In some cases, this may be the Uber driver. However, if road safety hazards or defective vehicle parts contributed to the wreck, other third parties could also share the blame. Our rideshare lawyers will work tirelessly to build the strongest case possible with powerfully convincing evidence so we can meet the burden of proof as described by Nev. Rev. Stat. § 233B.0375.
Liability in a Rideshare Accident in Las Vegas
When you are in a car accident with a rideshare driver, do all of the things you would normally do. Get to safety, call 911, and wait for support to arrive. From there, you will need to determine who is at fault.
Most of the time, the police officer who comes to the accident scene will gather all evidence involved and make a decision on fault, either at the accident scene or later. This is a solid foundation for your case if the police officer blames the other driver. If they do not, but you are confident it was not your fault, you can pursue legal action to prove you were not at fault. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Las Vegas, NV, can help you with that process.
There are several steps we take to determine who was liable and to prove what your financial losses in these cases may be.
Determine the Driver’s Status
The first step in determining liability is to figure out the driver’s status at the time of the incident.
- If the driver was logged off the Uber or Lyft app, they are not engaging in workplace activity, even if you are in the car as a customer: In this situation, you will need to file a claim against the driver and their personal liability insurance.
- The driver was logged in and waiting for a ride: In these situations, the rideshare drive is working, and you may be able to file a claim with the rideshare company.
- The driver was providing a ride for someone: If the driver is actively engaged in providing services to the client through a logged-in event, then the rideshare company will generally be responsible for the losses you incurred.
Determine the Negligence of What Occurred
Our next objective is to determine the cause of the accident. As an experienced Uber accident lawyer, we strongly encourage you to let us handle the investigation here. Our aggressive attorneys will do everything we can to hold others accountable. Some of the most common causes of rideshare driver accidents include:
- Driver negligence: The driver may have been speeding or driving aggressively. In these situations, the driver is responsible for their actions.
- Vehicle maintenance: If the vehicle suddenly breaks down and cannot stop, the rideshare company will hold the driver responsible for the incident.
- Intoxication: if any party involved in the accident was intoxicated, that can play a significant role in the financial compensation paid and may trigger the awarding of punitive damages as well.
- Dangerous driver: If the driver has a long history of making mistakes behind the wheel, but the rideshare company still allows them to work, the company could be held responsible for their inexperience or reckless engagement.
You do not have to know all of the answers to these questions yet. When you meet with our Uber car accident attorneys in Las Vegas, NV, we will go to work helping to determine what your options are. We will work through what happened to you and provide a clear path forward.
Las Vegas Uber Accident FAQ
When you are looking up rideshare accident law firms to take on your Uber accident case, you will have pages of search results to comb through on Google. When you are choosing the right rideshare accident law firm for your case, you are going to want to select a legal representative who has a powerful track record of success. Our devotion to our clients at Mitchell Rogers Injury Law is unmatched. We understand the trauma our clients have experienced and aim to help them get through some of the most physically and emotionally taxing times in their lives.
It is our goal to help you take back control of your future and avoid financial ruin. We understand you may have many questions regarding the claims process and what to expect next. For that reason, we have provided a comprehensive FAQ below that details some of the most important topics surrounding Uber accident and personal injury claims. When you have additional questions we did not cover here, do not hesitate to contact our office to request a free consultation.
What is the statute of limitations for Uber accident claims in Las Vegas?
Your Las Vegas Uber accident lawyer needs to file your claim before the two-year statute of limitations expires. Per Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(4), the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accident lawsuits, will typically expire two years from the date the accident occurred. Our Las Vegas accident lawyers are standing by, ready to help you build the strongest case possible.
How does modified comparative fault work in Nevada?
If you believe you may be partially responsible for causing the accident or the driver who hit you blamed you for the wreck, your Las Vegas Uber accident attorney will need to consider the impact Nevada’s modified comparative negligence laws could have on your case. According to Nev. Rev. Stat. § 41.141, if you are more than 50% responsible for causing your accident, you will lose your right to pursue your case. If your portion of blame is less than the legal limit, you can still move forward with your case, but you will not receive the total amount you are rewarded.
Instead, your percentage of liability will be deducted from your payout. For example, if the court finds that you were 15% responsible for your injuries, you would only receive 85% of your award. Our Las Vegas attorneys will be responsible for ensuring fault is established accurately in your case so the at-fault party cannot get away with capitalizing on Nevada partial fault laws.
What do I do if I cannot afford to hire a Las Vegas rideshare accident law firm?
With our Las Vegas Lyft accident lawyers working for you, you do not have to worry about the cost of hiring a legal representative. Most Las Vegas Uber accident law firms will be willing to work with you on contingency as described under Nev. Rev. Stat. § 228.1113. This means you pay nothing in legal fees unless or until we win your case. If we win, a previously agreed-upon percentage of your settlement will cover our legal fees. If we lose, we get paid nothing and are out of the cost of pursuing your case.
Will I have to go to court for my Uber accident?
Your Las Vegas Lyft accident attorneys will do everything possible to avoid going to trial. However, in some cases, it may be necessary. You might have hoped to recover enough compensation through an insurance claim filing, but this may not be enough to cover the full value of your losses. Your Las Vegas Lyft accident attorney will be prepared to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit in court if that is what it takes to get the most out of your claim.
What can I do if I lost a loved one in an Uber accident?
If you lost a loved one to fatal injuries in an Uber accident, our Las Vegas Lyft accident law firm may be able to help you demand justice. You are going to need a Las Vegas wrongful death attorney to help you hold the liable party accountable to the fullest extent of the law. When looking for Las Vegas Lyft accident law firms that may be able to help, be sure to select a legal advocate who will prioritize your family’s needs instead of pushing you to settle with the insurance company or accept less than your family is entitled to.
Why Choose Our Legal Team as Your Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Las Vegas, NV?
Uber and Lyft are very large organizations, and as such, they have a very significant level of insurance in place to protect those hurt by their drivers. Yet, they are very motivated to keep those insurance claims low. That puts you at risk. If you believe an Uber or Lyft driver is responsible for the losses you have, let our highly experienced rideshare attorneys work to prove you are owed compensation.
There are numerous reasons to turn to us as your Lyft accident lawyers:
- Experience: One of the most important tools you can use to fight against large companies like this is experience. Our law firm brings with it the experience you can rely on to get the results you need.
- Proven results: Throughout our law firm’s history, we have worked to bring millions of dollars in damages to our clients. We can help you to maximize your claim.
- Testimonials prove our dedication: Take the time to read some of our testimonials, and you will quickly see just how committed we are to fighting for our client’s rights. We do not take no for an answer.
At Mitchell Rogers Injury Law, you gain the insight and support you need from a passionate Uber accident attorney in Las Vegas, NV. You pay us nothing for a consultation, and if for any reason we do not win your case, you do not pay any legal fees either.
There is no risk in contacting us for a free consultation. Our Uber and Lyft rideshare accident attorneys are ready to help you.
Consult a High-Powered Las Vegas Uber Accident Law Firm for Help Today
The thought of filing a legal claim against an Uber driver, Uber itself, or a nationwide insurance company can be overwhelming. Fortunately, this is not something you need to handle on your own when you have our reputable Las Vegas rideshare accident lawyers from Mitchell Rogers Injury Law working for you. We have spent years prioritizing injury victims’ rights and fighting for the compensation accident survivors deserve.
When you need a Las Vegas rideshare accident lawyer you can count on to get the most out of your claim, you have found the right legal representative for your case. When you are ready to fight for your rights and make the liable party pay, do not hesitate to contact our law office to request a free, no-obligation consultation. You can reach us by phone or through our secured contact form to get started on your lawsuit and insurance claims as soon as today.