Albuquerque Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way people travel, providing a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional taxi services. However, as the number of customers has increased, so too has the number of accidents involving these vehicles. In the event of an accident, determining liability can be complex and may involve multiple parties. If you need help determining if you have a claim, contact us to schedule a free consultation with an Albuquerque rideshare attorney. 

Uber and Lyft Auto Insurance Phases

Uber and Lyft insurance coverage can be broken down into three different phases, and if you’re in a rideshare accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, it’s important to understand the different phases:

The first phase is known as Period 1 or Offline Mode. This is when the driver has the Uber or Lyft app turned off and is not actively looking for or transporting passengers. In this phase, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy provides coverage for any rideshare accidents that may occur.

The second phase is known as Period 2 or Online Mode. This is when the driver has the Uber or Lyft app turned on and is actively looking for passengers but has not yet accepted a ride request. In this phase, Uber and Lyft provide a contingent liability policy. The limit of liability provided by Uber or Lyft during this period is:

• $50,000/person for bodily injury
• $100,000/accident for bodily injury
• $25,000/accident for property damage

If a driver is involved in an accident while their app is on, but they have not yet accepted a ride request and their coverage limits are exhausted, Uber or Lyft’s policy may kick in again as secondary coverage to fill any gaps left by the driver’s personal auto insurance policy.

The third phase is known as Period 3 or Trip Mode. This is when the driver has accepted a ride request or is actively transporting passengers. In this phase, Uber and Lyft provide a commercial liability insurance policy, which provides coverage for accidents that occur while the driver is transporting passengers. The policy’s limits are up to $1 million per incident.

What To Do After an Uber/Lyft Accident

If you’ve been in a car accident with an Uber or Lyft or while in a rideshare vehicle, there are a few steps you should take right away. 

1. Call the police: It’s important to call the police when you’ve been in an accident, even if you don’t think there was much damage done or no one was injured. A police report can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve if you incur hospital bills or lose out on wages later on. Make sure to get a copy of the report so that you have all the information needed for your claim. 

2. Take photos of the accident and scene: Photos are invaluable in any sort of legal situation. Take pictures from multiple angles to document any damage done to either vehicle or property. 

3. Take photos and take note of all injuries: If anyone involved in the accident sustained any personal injuries, it’s important that you take photographs of those injuries and make note of them as soon as possible after the accident occurs. That way, when filing your claim, you can provide evidence that supports your case.  

4. Notify Uber or Lyft as soon as possible about the accident. Both companies have dedicated teams to handle accident claims and they will be able to provide you with information about their required insurance coverage and the process for filing a claim.

When you report the accident to Uber or Lyft, they will typically ask you to provide the following information:

• Your contact information
• The time and location of the accident
• Details of the accident, including the circumstances, any injuries, and the names and contact information of any other parties involved
• Photos of the accident scene and any damage to the vehicles

In addition to contacting a rideshare accident lawyer, you should also contact your personal auto insurance to notify them of the incident as well. Even if you were a passenger, it’s vital to make sure you have the coverage you need.

Potential Liability in an Albuquerque Rideshare Accident

In an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, there are several parties who may be held liable for any injuries or damages that occur. Some of the potentially liable parties include:

The driver: The driver of the Uber or Lyft vehicle can be held liable if they are found to be at fault for the accident. This could include cases where the driver was negligent – for example, they were distracted by their phone or under the influence at the time of the accident.

The ride-sharing company: In limited circumstances, Uber and Lyft may be held liable if their driver is found to be at fault for the accident. Because drivers are considered independent contractors, vicarious liability principles usually do not apply. However, if Uber or Lyft was negligent in screening their drivers, the company could be responsible for damages. 

Another driver: If the driver of another vehicle is found to be at fault for the accident, they may be held liable for any injuries or damages that occur.

Manufacturers: In cases where an accident is caused by a defective part in one of the vehicles, the manufacturer of that vehicle may be responsible.

Government entities: If the accident is caused by poor road conditions, such as potholes, or faulty traffic signals, the government entity responsible for maintaining the roads may incur premises liability in some circumstances.

Davis Kelin Law Firm Is The Right Choice For Your Uber/Lyft Accident Claim in Albuquerque 

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident while using a ride-sharing service, it’s important to consider hiring an experienced rideshare attorney to handle your claim. You should choose the Davis Kelin Law Firm for the following reasons: 

• We understand that an accident can be a traumatic and stressful experience, and we are committed to providing our clients with the emotional support and guidance they need throughout the legal process. 
• We will thoroughly investigate the accident and gather all the necessary evidence to prove liability. Our goal is to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
• We handle all the cases on a contingency basis, which means you don’t have to pay any upfront fees or retainers. Our Albuquerque personal injury lawyers believe that everyone should have access to legal representation, and we will only charge you a fee if we are successful in recovering compensation for you.

If you or a loved one was involved in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle and need help filing a claim, contact us to schedule a free consultation.