Carmel ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are convenient and affordable, but if you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident caused by negligence, an experienced Carmel rideshare accident lawyer from our law firm can help you take legal action to recover compensation. Call us for a free case evaluation.
Do I Need a Carmel Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney?
Yes! Unlike typical car accidents, Uber and Lyft accident cases can be complex, with multiple vehicles involved having multiple insurance policies. Your lawyer can investigate the accident scene, gather evidence (like police reports, witness statements, and medical records) to identify liable parties, and build your Uber or Lyft car accident claim.
We will assess your injuries, medical bills (for current and future medical treatment), lost wages, emotional distress, and property damage to determine your Indiana rideshare accident case value. We can negotiate with the insurance companies for maximum compensation and represent you in court if necessary. In the case of a fatality, we can file a rideshare accident lawsuit for wrongful death.
What Are Rideshare Services in Indiana?
In Indiana, ridesharing refers to the use of a digital platform to connect passengers with rideshare vehicle drivers who use their personal vehicles to provide transportation for a fee. Legally, these platforms—such as Uber or Lyft—are classified as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) rather than traditional taxi services.
Under Indiana law (§ 8-2.1-19.1-4), drivers for TNCs are legally classified as independent contractors rather than employees.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Our rideshare accident lawyers in Carmel have seen rideshare auto accidents occur due to:
- Distracted driving (like phone use or texting behind the wheel)
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless driving
- Traffic violations
- Poor vehicle maintenance
Types of Rideshare Accidents
Our experienced Uber accident lawyers have seen rideshare accidents involve rear-end collisions, side-impact (or T-bone) crashes, and collisions with pedestrians or cyclists.
Rideshare accident victims can have serious injuries that include head and brain injuries (like traumatic brain injuries), spinal cord injuries, soft tissue injuries, and other injuries that require ongoing medical care.
Types of Compensation for Injuries Suffered in a Rideshare Crash in Carmel, IN
Legal Considerations for a Carmel Rideshare Accident
If you’ve been in an Uber or Lyft accident, there are legal factors that could affect your rideshare accident claim and your ability to pursue compensation.
Applicable Insurance Coverage
Uber and Lyft offer driver insurance. However, how the insurance coverage applies depends on the ridesharing driver’s status when the crash happened—were they logged into the rideshare app or carrying passengers?
Liability
Determining liability for a rideshare accident depends upon the circumstances surrounding the incident. Multiple parties may share liability, including the Uber/Lyft driver, the rideshare company, or other drivers.
Statute of Limitations
The Indiana Office of Court Services states that personal injury lawsuits generally have a two-year statute of limitations from the accident date.
How Do Rideshare Insurance Policies Work?
Applicable insurance policies cover rideshare drivers and their passengers during accidents. Uber and Lyft insurance is limited liability coverage that works in three phases:
- Phase 1: the driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride request.
- Phase 2: the driver is en route to pick up passengers.
- Phase 3: passengers are in the car on their way to the destination.
Liability coverage from the rideshare company’s insurance policy varies:
- Phase 1 offers up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 total.
- Phases 2 & 3 typically offer up to $1 million for injury and property damage.
Rideshare accident coverage depends on the insurance provider (corporate or personal insurance), location, and whether the Uber or Lyft driver’s personal auto insurance policy applies.
Contact a Carmel Rideshare Accident Attorney Today
After you request medical assistance for bodily injuries, our personal injury law firm can help you after an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle driver. Our seasoned attorneys help with the Uber or Lyft accident claims process by negotiating with relevant insurance companies to ensure fair financial compensation, advocating for injury victims’ rights every step of the way.
Call for a Free Consultation
Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, so contact us to learn how personal injury victims may recover fair compensation for medical expenses (and future medical costs), lost income, physical pain, and other losses without upfront fees.
(312) 223-1700