Uber and Lyft services have become increasingly prevalent in most cities in the state and across the country. However, the increase in the use of rideshare vehicles has led to a corresponding rise in crashes involving them.
Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Clermont can result in devastating injuries. If a rideshare collision harmed you or a family member, our experienced local legal team could help you search for justice. Our dedicated car wreck attorneys are prepared to help you fight for the compensation you deserve in a personal injury lawsuit against the people legally responsible for the accident.
Why Uber and Lyft Crashes Occur
Uber and Lyft drivers often commit the same types of negligent driving mistakes that other types of drivers make. However, because of the nature of their job, they can be even more prone to driving negligently.
Fatigue
While all drivers occasionally get tired, many rideshare drivers use their Uber or Lyft income as a second job, meaning that they work a full-time job and then try to supplement that income at night or on weekends. Consequently, they are more likely to be tired. Drivers can make mistakes because fatigue impairs judgment. When they are fighting to stay awake, they are not as observant and alert as they should be.
Distractions
Rideshare drivers are often distracted while driving. The nature of their job requires them to depend heavily on their cellphones. They accept new ride requests by clicking on a button on the app. Some drivers might be tempted to check their phones for new potential ride requests while driving. In addition, Lyft and Uber drivers need to rely heavily on their cellphones for GPS directions because they often drive on unfamiliar roads.
Speeding and Other Forms of Reckless Driving
Rideshare drivers only receive compensation for completing rides; they do not get paid for waiting. As a result, they might be tempted to complete their rides as quickly as possible, instead of focusing on safety.
Our dedicated Clermont rideshare crash attorneys could investigate the circumstances of your Uber or Lyft wreck to see why it occurred.
Can You Seek Compensation From the Rideshare Company?
The most important question that many people ask after suffering harm in a rideshare accident is whether they can pursue compensation from the rideshare company. Fortunately, our seasoned attorneys are here to answer this question and guide you through the legal process.
Essentially, whether Uber or Lyft is responsible depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the Clermont rideshare vehicle crash.
Not Logged Into the App
If the driver was not logged into the app at the time of your accident, you likely cannot seek compensation from the rideshare company’s insurer. In that situation, you would need to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Logged Into the App
The company’s insurance company would offer limited, not full, coverage for your losses if the at-fault rideshare driver was officially waiting for a ride request.
Logged Into the App and With a Passenger or Traveling to a Passenger
Uber or Lyft’s insurer is responsible for up to $1 million in coverage if the at-fault driver had a passenger in the car or was on the way to pick up a passenger when the crash happened.
Our experienced attorneys could examine the circumstances of the rideshare crash to identify who may be liable.
Contact Our Clermont Rideshare Wreck Attorney About an Uber or Lyft Case
The aftermath of Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Clermont can be confusing. You might not know where to turn to get the financial assistance you need to pay for your injuries and other losses. Give us a call to talk to our trusted legal team today to learn about your options for pursuing compensation.