Injured In A Rideshare Accident? Turn To Our Toledo Injury Lawyers.
Using rideshare apps is part of everyday life, yet accidents involving Uber and Lyft often lead to confusion about fault and insurance coverage. If you were injured while riding in, driving for or struck by a rideshare vehicle, understanding who is responsible is not always straightforward.
At Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A., our Toledo attorneys draw on more than 100 years of combined experience to guide clients through these situations. We focus on uncovering the facts, protecting your rights and helping you move forward with clarity after a rideshare-related crash.
Common Causes Of Uber And Lyft Accidents
Rideshare drivers face many of the same hazards as anyone else on the road. However, the demands of their work can make auto accidents more likely. Because they rely on their phones to navigate, accept rides and communicate with passengers, distractions are common. Some of the most frequent causes of Uber and Lyft accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Checking the app, GPS or text messages can take a driver’s eyes off the road for critical seconds.
- Speeding and sudden lane changes: Trying to reach passengers quickly or meet drop-off expectations can lead to unsafe driving.
- Fatigue: Long shifts behind the wheel, often late at night, increase the risk of drowsy driving.
- Unfamiliar routes: Entering new neighborhoods or confusing intersections can result in navigation errors.
- Reckless or impaired driving: Some rideshare drivers take chances to stay on schedule or, in some cases, drive under the influence.
These factors can put passengers, other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in danger. Our attorneys understand how to investigate these crashes and identify every contributing cause to support your claim.
Who Can File A Rideshare Accident Claim
Anyone injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle may be eligible to pursue compensation, depending on how the crash occurred and who was at fault. This can include:
- Passengers riding in an Uber or Lyft who are hurt when their driver or another motorist causes a collision.
- Other drivers struck by a rideshare vehicle whose driver was distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent.
- Pedestrians and cyclists hit by a rideshare vehicle while the driver was actively using the app.
- Rideshare drivers themselves injured in a crash caused by another motorist while they were logged in and waiting for, picking up or transporting a passenger.
Each situation is unique, and determining which insurance policy applies can be complicated. Liability often depends on whether the rideshare driver was using the app or completing a trip at the time of the crash. Our team can review the circumstances, explain your options and help you take the next step toward recovery.
Determining Fault In A Rideshare Crash
Establishing who is responsible for a rideshare accident can be challenging. Unlike a typical car crash, there may be several parties involved. These include the rideshare driver, another motorist, the rideshare company or even a third party such as a vehicle manufacturer. Determining fault often depends on whether the driver was actively using the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the collision.
Our attorneys review every detail to understand how the crash happened. Police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage and data from the rideshare app can all play a role in showing who was at fault. By examining this evidence early, we can identify the right source of compensation and ensure that your claim moves forward with the strongest possible foundation.
For example, if a rideshare driver caused a rear-end collision while rushing to accept a new ride request, liability may fall on both the driver and the rideshare company’s commercial insurance policy because the app was active.
