Legal Representation for Rideshare Accident Victims
Choosing to utilize a rideshare service is a convenient option for many; however, Uber and Lyft drivers are not professionals, and have just as much of a chance of getting into an accident as anyone else on the road.
Unfortunately, many of these companies have started mass-hiring untrained and inexperienced drivers just to increase their profit margin. In fact, both Uber and Lyft have recently come under fire for blocking legislation that would regulate and improve their hiring practices. Without this government oversight, there has been a consistent increase in the annual number of rideshare-related auto accidents across the country.
If you have been injured by the actions of a negligent rideshare driver, it is critical that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible. It's not unusual to encounter vexing liability issues and legal loopholes that challenge your right to damages. At Karns & Kerrison, our Rhode Island Uber and Lyft accident attorneys represent people who were injured in rideshare accidents. We can help you figure out the complex process of filing a claim.
On This Page:
- Pursuing Compensation After a Rideshare Collision
- Determining Liability & Proving Negligence in Your Case
- Is It Possible to Sue Uber or Lyft for My Injuries?
- Schedule Your Free Consultation
Schedule your FREE consultation today by calling us at 401-841-5300.
Pursuing Compensation After a Rideshare Collision
Time is money when it comes to the rideshare industry. Sadly, the likelihood of a collision increases when fatigued, distracted, and inexperienced drivers race to complete as many pick-ups and drop-offs as possible. If you were involved in a rideshare accident, and your injury-related expenses are starting to pile up, it's time to contact a rideshare accident attorney who has the experience and resources to maximize your claim.
If your case is successful, you may be able to recover the following damages:
- Existing and projected medical bills
- Therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Household or vehicular modifications
- Property loss
- Non-economic damages
Determining Liability & Proving Negligence in Your Case
At Karns & Kerrison, we understand that there is no such thing as a “simple” or “straightforward” car accident lawsuit, especially when a rideshare driver is involved. For this reason, we conduct meticulous investigations to identify the negligent parties and determine the cause of the collision. With this information, we can develop a detailed litigation strategy that reflects your legal goals and accounts for your financial losses.
After a rideshare accident, there are a few important steps you should take:
- Call 911 and assist any injured parties
- If you are a passenger, take screenshots of your receipt
- Take pictures of the vehicles, your injuries, and the accident scene
- Help police officers complete an accident report
- Visit a doctor immediately (or at least within 7 days)
- Request a copy of your medical records
- Contact a reputable rideshare accident lawyer
Is It Possible to Sue Uber or Lyft for My Injuries?
Unfortunately, many rideshare companies benefit from a legal loophole that allows their insurance providers to deny most personal injury claims. Technically, a rideshare business is considered a technology company, not a taxi or transportation service. Likewise, their drivers are “independent contractors,” not employees.
A rideshare company can utilize these distinctions to deny accident liability, even if one of their drivers is indisputably responsible for your injuries. So, even though Uber and Lyft proudly promote $1 million liability policies, it can be extremely difficult to hold them accountable in court. However, this doesn't mean that suing a rideshare service is impossible. When you call Karns & Kerrison, we can explain your legal options.
In Uber and Lyft accident cases, many plaintiffs choose to file their initial claims against an at-fault driver – this can be a rideshare driver or a third-party driver – and then try to benefit from the rideshare company's uninsured/underinsured insurance coverage. Because your legal options depend on the circumstances of the accident, it is important to discuss your case with a legal representative as soon as possible.
Schedule Your Free Consultation: 401-841-5300
At Karns & Kerrison, our Rhode Island rideshare accident lawyers have a comprehensive understanding of the legal nuances associated with these cases and can effectively represent your claim both in and out of court. You can rely on our trial-tested legal team to investigate your case, calculate your injury-related expenses, and aggressively negotiate with insurance company representatives on your behalf to secure compensation.
If you are ready to explore your legal options, contact the team at Karns & Kerrison today. Our firm has been providing customized legal services and dedicated representation to accident victims throughout Rhode Island for more than 45 years. Because we aren't afraid to aggressively negotiate or litigate on behalf of our clients, we have been able to recover over $250 million in verdicts and settlements.
Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers in Rhode Island can help you get the compensation you deserve after a crash. We serve clients throughout the state of Rhode Island. Call 401-841-5300 or send us a message for a FREE evaluation of your case.