Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers in Sioux Falls

Handling Rideshare Accident Claims for People in Need

Uber and Lyft are continuing to gain ground across the country as more and more people use their rideshare services for daily commutes. With so many rideshare drivers on the road at any given time, there is always the inherent risk that you could get into a crash caused by one, or that your Uber or Lyft driver could crash while you are in their vehicle. What do you do if you are seriously injured in a rideshare accident? Who will pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and more?

To understand your rights and options after a rideshare accident, connect with Lowe Law Group and our team of Sioux Falls Uber and Lyft accident attorneys. We are prepared to stand up for you if one of these rideshare giants doesn’t want to accept any liability for your accidents. Thanks to our decades of collective legal experience, we have the skills and confidence needed to take on massive oppositions – and win when matters the most.

Will Uber or Lyft Pay for Your Damages?

Uber and Lyft each classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This employment definition allows them to escape some liability for the actions of their drivers, which can be problematic if you were hurt by a rideshare driver. Although, both companies also offer sizeable insurance policies that can apply to an accident caused by a driver using their app. When the crash occurred and what the driver was doing will significantly alter the coverage amount available through Uber or Lyft.

Uber and Lyft divide their coverage into three periods or stages:

1. Driver is not using the app: When a rideshare driver is not using the Uber or Lyft app, they are not covered at all b the rideshare company’s insurance policy. At this point, they are effectively the same as any other driver on the road. If they cause an accident, then their auto insurance policy will need to be used to pursue fair coverage and compensation.
2. Driver is looking for a fare: While a rideshare driver is using a rideshare app and is looking for a fare, Uber and Lyft both provide some limited accident coverage. In most situations, the insurance is equal to 50/100/25, but it only applies if the driver’s insurance policy does not.
3. Driver has accepted a fare: After a rideshare driver has accepted a fare, whether they are en route to pick up the passenger or they already have them in their car, the insurance policy provided through Uber or Lyft improves dramatically. Both companies have a $1-million third-party liability policy with additional coverages for uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) accidents and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.

If you were hurt while riding in an Uber or Lyft, then your accident should be covered by the best insurance the two companies have to offer. If your car was hit by a rideshare driver, though, then you will need to know whether that driver had accepted a fare or even had the app on at all.

Why Hiring a Lawyer Makes Sense

The $1-million insurance policies offered by Uber and Lyft are great for making certain injured parties get the necessary medical care and lost wages they deserve after a crash. However, there is nothing to guarantee that getting access to those coverages will be easy. Both corporations have ample resources at their disposal, which can be used to distance themselves from liability after one of their drivers causes a crash.

Going head-to-head with Uber’s or Lyft’s defense lawyers and insurance adjusters is risky if you are not prepared to match them. By hiring one of our Sioux Falls Uber and Lyft accident lawyers to represent you and act on your behalf, you can instantly be ready for anything that they throw at your case. Oftentimes, rideshare companies want to avoid litigation and end a case in a confidential settlement. We know what to say during settlement negotiations to preserve your claim and maximize your damages. Everything we do is meant to reach one goal: getting you every last penny of compensation possible.