Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are convenient and affordable, but accidents are on the rise. If you’ve been injured in a crash involving rideshare driver negligence, an experienced Fort Wayne rideshare accident lawyer from our law firm can help you seek compensation.
Do I Need a Fort Wayne Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney?
Yes! Uber and Lyft accident cases can be complex and involve multiple insurance policies. Your lawyer can help you pursue compensation by gathering evidence (like accident reports, witness statements, and medical records) to identify liable parties and build your rideshare claim.
We will assess your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more to determine the financial recovery you deserve. We can negotiate with the driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s insurance for maximum compensation. We can also represent you in court if necessary. In the case of a fatality, we can file a wrongful death claim.
What Are Rideshare Services in Indiana?
In Indiana, ridesharing is a service that uses a digital platform to connect passengers with rideshare drivers who use their personal vehicles for transportation. These platforms, like Uber and Lyft, are legally known as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)—not traditional taxi services. Under Indiana law, TNC drivers are considered independent contractors (not employees).
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Our rideshare accident lawyers have seen standard car accidents occur due to:
- Distracted driving (like phone use or texting)
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless driving
- Traffic violations
- Poor rideshare vehicle maintenance
Types of Rideshare Accidents
Our experienced lawyers have won clients fair settlements after commercial driving accidents. Accidents with rideshare vehicles involved often include rear-end collisions, side-impact (or T-bone) crashes, and collisions with pedestrians or cyclists.
If a driver caused an accident, victims can suffer serious injuries, such as head and brain injuries (like traumatic brain injuries), spinal cord injuries, soft tissue injuries, and other bodily injuries.
Types of Compensation for Injuries Suffered in a Rideshare Crash in Fort Wayne, IN
Legal Considerations for a Fort Wayne 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 full and fair compensation.
Insurance Coverage
Uber and Lyft offer driver insurance. However, coverage depends on the Uber and Lyft driver’s status when the crash happened—for example, if the driver was logged into the Uber or Lyft app or carrying passengers.
Liability
Determining liability for a rideshare accident depends on the incident’s circumstances. Multiple parties may share liability, including the Uber/Lyft driver, the rideshare company, or other at-fault drivers.
Statute of Limitations
The Indiana Office of Court Services states that personal injury claims generally have a two-year statute of limitations from the accident date.
How Do Rideshare Insurance Policies Work?
Rideshare insurance covers Lyft and Uber drivers and passengers during accidents. It works in three phases:
- Phase 1: the driver is logged into the rideshare app but hasn’t accepted a ride request.
- Phase 2: the driver is on the way to pick up passengers.
- Phase 3: passengers are in the car and on their way to the destination.
Liability coverage 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 details, location, and whether the Uber or Lyft driver’s personal auto insurance policy applies.
Contact a Fort Wayne Rideshare Accident Attorney Today
Our firm can help after a car crash accident involving Uber or Lyft. We handle the entire claims process: we negotiate with relevant insurance companies, ensure fair financial compensation, and advocate for injury victims every step of the way.
Call for a Free Consultation
Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis. After a serious accident in the Fort Wayne community, seek medical attention and contact us to discuss your legal options. We can explain how you may recover full compensation for medical expenses and other losses without upfront fees.
(312) 223-1700