Have you or someone you care about been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident?
If so, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses. There are some significant differences between car crash cases involving ridesharing vehicles and those that do not. That is why it is in your best interest to have a lawyer by your side with experience handling these cases.
One of our Las Vegas Uber & Lyft accident attorneys at Bernstein & Poisson is ready to review your circumstances and discuss the legal options available to you in a free initial consultation. There is no risk in calling us to get answers to your questions and no obligation to hire our firm.
With 60-plus years of combined experience, our partners are here to help secure the compensation you need to facilitate your physical and financial recovery. We have successfully obtained over $100 million dollars on our clients’ behalf and charge zero upfront fees to retain our legal services.
Why Should I Hire an Attorney to Help Me?
Uber & Lyft accident cases can be complex because multiple parties and insurance companies are involved. Attempting to hold a ridesharing company legally responsible for accidents that their drivers cause can be even more challenging. In these situations, you could benefit from having legal representation.
An attorney can research the company’s insurance policies, handle all communications with the other parties and their insurance companies and deal with Uber or Lyft’s legal team. He or she can protect your rights and help you prepare and file the necessary claims to seek compensation for your injuries.
At Bernstein & Poisson, we are well-versed in the insurance laws that govern Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing companies. Should you have a valid case and decide to hire our firm, we are fully prepared to represent your best interests and build the strongest case possible on your behalf by:
- Conducting a detailed accident investigation to determine probable cause
- Identifying all parties who may be liable for your injuries and damages
- Reviewing every available auto insurance coverage and policy
- Negotiating or litigating for the maximum compensation amount
We have the knowledge, skills and resources to help you navigate the claims or legal process. Reach out to our firm today to see how else we may be able to assist. You can also learn more about the services we provide from our satisfied clients. Our intake staff is available to take your call anytime, day or night.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Las Vegas, call (855) 605-2959
Do I Have a Claim Against an Uber or Lyft Driver?
If you were injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver, our attorneys are ready to help.
Negligence is a legal theory used to determine liability and refers to a failure to exercise reasonable care toward others. For example, if a driver was speeding, distracted or ignoring traffic signs, his or her actions could be considered negligent. Proving negligence requires that certain elements be present:
- The other party had a duty of care toward you
- The other party breached his or her duty
- You were injured due to that breach
- You suffered damages in the accident
If an Uber or Lyft driver failed to act as a reasonable person would have in a similar situation, he or she may be responsible for your losses, such as medical costs incurred or lost income from missing work.
A licensed Las Vegas Uber & Lyft accident lawyer at our firm is ready to help you collect the evidence needed to prove negligence and pursue compensation from the at-fault party.
What If I Was Injured as a Rideshare Passenger?
Rideshare passengers injured by another driver may be eligible to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The claims process would be similar if you were injured driving your own vehicle.
Nevada is an at-fault state, meaning the at-fault driver and his or her insurer may be liable for your damages. State law requires that every driver have a certain amount of auto insurance coverage:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
If your Uber or Lyft driver caused the crash, you may be eligible to file a claim against that ridesharing company’s liability coverage. Both companies provide $1 million in third-party liability coverage to help pay for a rideshare passenger’s injuries and damages. This also applies to passengers in other vehicles harmed by an Uber or Lyft driver. This coverage applies while on route to pick up riders and during trips.
Are Other Drivers and Pedestrians Covered?
Other drivers and pedestrians injured by an Uber or Lyft driver may also be covered under either ridesharing company’s third-party liability coverage. The Uber or Lyft driver must have caused the crash and any resulting damages while the app was on, while the driver was picking up riders and/or during rides.
Does it make a difference if the driver was online or the app was off when the crash happened?
Yes, it does. If you were injured by an Uber or Lyft driver who was offline or while the app was off, his or her personal auto insurance coverage should apply. Both ridesharing companies do provide third-party liability coverage for covered accidents if one of their driver’s personal auto insurance policies does not apply.
If the Uber driver or Lyft driver was available and waiting for a ride request, these company’s liability policies may help cover up to:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Our reputable Uber & Lyft car accident attorneys in Las Vegas are ready to help you file a claim under the appropriate auto insurance policy or policies to obtain the maximum compensation possible.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (855) 605-2959
When the At-Fault Driver Has Insufficient Insurance
If the Uber or Lyft driver was offline when he or she caused the crash, and has no auto insurance or insufficient insurance to cover your damages, there may be other options for seeking compensation.
You could file a claim against your uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage if you were injured driving your vehicle or riding in someone else’s vehicle. UM/UIM coverage helps pay for the medical costs you and your passengers sustain.
This coverage is optional in Nevada, but it must be offered by insurance providers. The minimum limits are $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $50,000 per accident.
Rideshare passengers injured by another driver without insurance or sufficient insurance may be covered by Uber or Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury insurance. This coverage may also apply if the at-fault driver hits a ridesharing vehicle and flees the crash scene.
Contact our Las Vegas Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer today
Can I Sue Uber or Lyft for a Car Accident?
The short answer is not exactly. You cannot sue either ridesharing company directly. Both Uber’s terms of use and Lyft’s terms of service specifically state that any claims brought against them must be settled through binding arbitration. This involves the submission of a dispute to a neutral third party who hears the case and decides the outcome. You cannot file an appeal of this arbitration decision.
If you think you have a valid claim against Uber or Lyft, speak with one of our licensed attorneys today to learn more about your legal options. At Bernstein & Poisson, we work hard to pursue just and fair compensation for our clients through a claim or lawsuit. We are even prepared to represent you in arbitration proceedings. We know what to craft strong arguments supported by facts and law.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Pursuing Compensation for Injuries and Damages
Liability insurance typically pays for medical costs related to the accident and your injuries. Should you have a case, an Uber & Lyft accident lawyer in Las Vegas is ready to pursue compensation to help cover:
- Emergency services, medical treatment and ongoing care
- Lost wages from missing work while receiving treatment and recovering
- Lost earning potential from no longer working or working in a limited capacity
- Disfigurement or disability (temporary or permanent) due to the crash
- Physical pain and mental suffering you are facing since the accident
- Loss of consortium, companionship, protection or guidance
Is There a Time Limit to Take Legal Action?
Insurance companies have different deadlines to file claims after an accident, which is why it is important to get the process started as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary setbacks.
Although Uber or Lyft cannot be sued directly, you could take legal action against the at-fault driver. Nevada’s statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is two years from the accident date. Two years may seem like ample time, but you will need to gather evidence and meet various other requirements before filing a lawsuit. Once this deadline passes, your ability to pursue compensation will be diminished.
There are some exceptions that may exist, which may require you to file earlier than the deadline. That is why it is important to consult with an experienced attorney to see if your case qualifies for one of these exceptions.
Steps to Safeguard Your Health and Build Your Case
If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, there are several steps you can take, and that our firm is ready to help with, to safeguard your health and build a strong case for compensation:
- Call 9-1-1 to report the crash and have a police report filed
- Render aid (if possible) and do not leave the scene until police arrive
- Take pictures of your injuries, the accident scene, and any vehicles involved
- Write down the names and phone numbers of the drivers and any witnesses
- Seek immediate medical attention even if your injures appear minor
- Request copies of the police report and your medical record
- Keep all receipts for expenses related to the accident and your injuries
- Do not agree to giving a recorded statement or signing anything
- Speak with a lawyer before discussing the crash with an insurance company
Schedule a Free Consultation to Get Started
Bernstein & Poisson has been representing the legal rights of Nevada residents since 2007. We know what it takes to negotiate or litigate for damages in Uber & Lyft accidents. Our attorneys have a proven track record, recovering millions of dollars in compensation for our clients over the years.
There is no risk in contacting our firm to see how we may be able to help you. An initial consultation is free of charge, and you are under no obligation to retain our services afterward. We also work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we help you recover compensation.
Our Las Vegas office is about a 10-minute drive from the University Medical Center.
Call or text (855) 605-2959 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
